5 Spring Recipes to Celebrate the Season

5 Spring Recipes to Celebrate the Season

by Emily Baylosis, MS, RD, LDN

Spring has finally arrived! The days are getting longer, the air is getting lighter and everyone is walking with an extra spring in their step from having survived another cold winter. The change of the season marks a fresh start and the opportunity to set some new goals for the next few months. One of my favorite parts of a new season is finding unique ways to use fresh, seasonal produce. Eating seasonally has many benefits, such as being more environmentally friendly and offering our body better nutrition.

Although in-season produce may vary based on where you call home, we put together 5 recipes with traditionally seasonal spring produce to get you in the mood this season.

Avocado Toast with Watermelon Radishes

Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 5 minutes | Total: 10 minutes

Serves: 1

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

2 slices sourdough bread (or your favorite bread)

1 ripe avocado, sliced and pitted

Juice of ¼ lemon

Crushed red pepper flakes

2 watermelon radishes, thinly sliced

Sesame seeds, for topping

Directions

  1. Toast bread to your liking.
  2. Scoop avocado into bowl.
  3. Add lemon juice and crushed red pepper. Mash with fork.
  4. Spread avocado mixture onto toasted bread.
  5. Top with sliced watermelon radishes and sesame seeds.

The Best Arugula Salad

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 0 minutes | Total: 10 minutes

Serves: 2

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

5 cups arugula

4 medium carrots, grated

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

⅓ cup shaved Parmesan cheese

3 Tbsp. chopped pistachios

1 Tbsp. chopped parsley

Juice of ½ of medium lemon

1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

Salt, to taste

Ground pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. Combine arugula, carrots and tomatoes in large bowl.
  2. In small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper to make dressing.
  3. Drizzle dressing over arugula mixture and toss together.
  4. Sprinkle Parmesan, nuts and herbs over top.

One Pan Lemon Artichoke Salmon

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Total: 25 minutes

Serves: 2

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

2 large pieces of salmon

1 Tbsp. olive oil

Juice of one lemon

1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

2 green onions, whites chopped

1 Tbsp. garlic, minced

3 artichoke hearts, chopped (can use canned in water or frozen)

Salt, to taste

Ground pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
  2. In large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon and vinegar.
  3. Add in onions, garlic and artichokes.
  4. Top salmon with mixture and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Fresh Berry-Beet Smoothie

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 0 minutes | Total: 10 minutes

Serves: 2

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

⅓ cup beets, peeled and chopped

1 cup frozen mixed berries

¼ cup banana

Juice from 1 lime

¼ cup mint leaves

1 cup coconut water

1 Tbsp. ground chia seeds

Directions

  1. Add all ingredients into a blender and blend on high until smooth.

Easy Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Total: 35 minutes

Serves: 2

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, divided

1 Tbsp. honey

1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

Salt, to taste

Ground pepper, to taste

1 lb. asparagus, ends trimmed

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

Directions

  1. In small bowl, whisk together balsamic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, honey, garlic and red pepper flakes.
  2. In large skillet, heat remaining oil over medium heat.
  3. Season chicken with salt and pepper on each side.
  4. Sear chicken in pan (about 4 minutes on each side) and remove from pan.
  5. Add asparagus and tomatoes to pan and cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
  6. Move vegetables to one side of skillet. Add chicken back in and pour vinaigrette over. Toss all ingredients together until chicken is cooked through and vinaigrette has thickened.

For additional expertise on seasonal eating or any other nutrition-related concern, take advantage of our virtual dietitians who are ready to answer your questions from the convenience of your home or from anywhere!

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