There are plenty of safe preservatives on grocery store shelves, but with spring right around the corner, why not try some fresh produce? The first harvest is filled with delicious fruits and vegetables you can use to create delectable dishes. If you’re unsure where to start, here are a few recipes to inspire you.
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What Are the Best Foods for Spring?
Whether you need something quick and easy for dinner or want to plan an elaborate garden party, spring dishes are an excellent choice. Fresh ingredients can turn any entree or appetizer into a winning dish.
Salads
Tender spring greens make scrumptious salads, but you don’t have to stop at lettuce. You can toss fruit together with yogurt or whipped cream to make a delectable fruit salad. If you love pasta, you can throw in olives and cherry tomatoes with your favorite noodles and drizzle everything with a vinegarette.
Pasta
There are as many pasta recipes as people who love Italian food. You can go completely green and try zucchini noodles, or stick to the classic rotini and spaghetti. Additionally, you can forgo protein or add any of the following:
- Chicken
- Seafood
- Pork
- Beef
Eggs
Eggs are a great source of protein and contain a long list of nutrients:
- Vitamin B5
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B12
- Calcium
- Potassium
If you want to cut down on your meat intake, eggs are a good replacement. You can cook them in many different ways and add them to a wide variety of dishes.
Must-Have Ingredients for Clean Eating This Spring
Children’s gummy vitamins are an excellent way to ensure your kids get the nutrients they need, but you can also add high-value greens and fruits to their diets. Of course, kids can be picky, but introducing them to delicious plant-based dishes early is a great way to help them make healthy food choices. During the spring, you have a wealth of fruits and vegetables to choose from.
Watercress
Watercress is light with a satisfying crunch. You can add it to salads, cook it up in a stirfry or use it as a replacement for lettuce on your favorite sandwich.
Spinach
Spinach is great raw or cooked, making it highly versatile. You can use the leaves in salads, on sandwiches or cooked with pasta.
Rhubarb
Fans of tart dishes adore rhubarb. Pies are a classic, but you can include this unique vegetable in sorbets, smoothies and other cool treats.
Pineapples
Pineapples bring a touch of the tropical to any dish. They’re delicious plain, baked into a pineapple-upside-down cake or garnishing ham.
Peas
Sweet peas are a completely guilt-free snack. You can also add them to rice, pasta or soup for a tasty treat.
Avocados
Put them on toast, toss them on nachos or eat them alone—avocados will taste great no matter how you prepare them. If you’re planning a party, you can make a mean guacamole that guests will rave over.
From elderberry syrup for infants to seasoned and sauteed spinach, there are plenty of options to feed your family something yummy and nutritious. This spring, take advantage of the year’s first crop and make wonderful memories around the dinner table.
