Fresh asparagus, mustard greens, and apricots…spring time is a bombshell of tasty produce! This post will share 7 healthy spring recipes to bring plenty of color & flavor to your table this season!
Spring is here—Finally! As you may know, Texas got hit pretty hard this winter and we’re grateful for consistent sunny days now.
And what comes with more sun? More fresh produce of course! I love taking the kids to pick fresh spring fruits and veggies at our local market.
Spring produce is not only colorful (and ever so Instagram-able) but also packed with healthy nutrients to refresh your mind and body.
And you know what? Trying out seasonal food gives you the space to experiment, try out new recipes, or rework old ones. It’s the spirit of spring!
Why Should I Eat Seasonal Food?
Besides it being easier on your wallet, eating seasonal produce is fresher, tastier, and more nutritious than anything out of season.
The top benefits of eating produce during their peak harvest include…
- It’s healthy for you: When produce grows out of season, it doesn’t follow natural growing and ripening process. This means that post-harvest treatments (also known as ripening agents) are used, which negatively impacts the nutrition value.
- It’s better for the environment: Shipping food from far away is a large operation, and it has environmental consequences. The “Eat Local” movement benefits both your local farmers and our planet!
- It’s much tastier: When you allow fruits and vegetables to follow their natural ripening process – and eat them shortly after – the flavor is divine!
- It’s also cheaper: Supply is abundant when produce is at peak season. And prices are lower! So instead of shelling out for apricots in October (at twice the price), why not enjoy them during the spring instead?
What Vegetables Are Good During the Spring?
Although veggies differ based on where you are located, here’s a list of veggies you’ll most likely find during the spring in the U.S!
- Asparagus
- Artichokes
- Carrots
- Radishes
- Peas
- Arugula
- Mustard Greens
- Turnips
- Beets
- Leeks
- Rhubarb
Which Fruits Should I Eat During The Spring?
Any of the following will most likely ripen during early spring, late spring, or the beginning of summer.
- Apricots
- Avocados
- Carrots
- Cherries
- Grapefruit
- Kiwis
- Kumquats
- Lemons
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Navel oranges
- Strawberries
What Type of Food Should I Make During Spring?
During spring, I recommend recipes that use fresh and seasonal produce. It really just comes down to that!
It’s also interesting to note that as the weather begins to get warmer, our bodies will naturally crave lighter meals. Catering to this, I suggest…
- Adding more fruits to your breakfasts (oat bowls, smoothies, etc.)
- Increasing the amount of salads you eat weekly – using fresh produce!
- Finding new and exciting ways to prepare your veggies.
*To celebrate this season, my spring meal prep revolves around using fresh seasonal products such as artichokes, cucumbers arugula, strawberries, and spinach.
Top 7 Healthy Spring Recipes
1. Lemon Roasted Asparagus
Did someone say lemon and asparagus? Well count me in! Because there’s nothing more refreshing than having this on the side. It’s great for an easy weeknight meal but also fancy enough to share with guests.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 118 kcal
2. Healthy Spring Roll Recipes
Spring rolls in the spring time, need I say more? Not only are they really fun, fresh, and super easy to make, but they’re ever so Instagram-able, too!
*Includes vegetarian, protein-packed, and even fruity spring roll options.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 106 kcal
3. Beet & Goat Cheese Salad with White Wine Vinegar Dressing
This savory and sweet salad makes a perfect lunch on the go or a light dinner. The Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with White Wine Vinegar Dressing is packed with vitamins, fiber, and protein that will keep you full and happy!
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 419 kcal
4. Thyme Roasted Carrots
This healthy 5 ingredient Thyme Roasted Carrots recipe goes well with just about anything and is my favorite way to make roasted carrots. The perfect easy veggie side!
*I prefer thyme-roasted carrots with turkey, chicken, steak, and tri-tip. The sweet and salty flavors and soft texture of the carrots complement those meats quite nicely.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 193 kcal
5. Healthy Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
I love peas! This healthy slow cooker split pea soup requires just 5 minutes of prep time and contains 21 grams of fiber and 28 grams of protein in just one bowl!
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours and 5 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 321 kcal
6. The Perfect Avocado Toast + 5 Delicious Variations
This avocado toast is packed with complex carbs, protein, healthy fat, and fiber. Make your clean-eating avocado toast just the way you like it with one of my suggested variations!
It’s filling, creamy, crunchy, savory, and delicious. Plus, it FEELS healthy to eat.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 323 kcal
7. Flaxseed Apricot Bars
Apricot is the darling of spring (in my opinion). And you need just 7 ingredients and 5 minutes before you’ve got yourself a tasty Apricot Bar snack. It’s sweet, high-fiber, and high-energy with no baking involved!
*These homemade flaxseed and apricot energy bars use nothing but real ingredients and are super tasty!
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 178 kcal
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