5-Star Spring Recipes

Springtime Beignets & Berries

I’ve always loved beignets, but never thought I could make them myself. Turns out they’re easy! Sometimes I’ll even make a quick berry whipped cream and pipe it inside for a fun surprise. —Kathi Hemmer, Grand Junction, Colorado

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Easy Pad Thai

Skip the takeout restaurant and give this easy pad thai recipe a try if you need an easy and quick meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Sour Cream Chive Bread

This savory loaf mildly flavored with chives is delicious when served warm with a meal, soup, salad or stew. It also tastes wonderful toasted the next day for breakfast. —Deborah Plank, West Salem, Ohio

Roasted Asparagus

Since asparagus is so abundant here in spring, I like to put it to use with this tasty roasted asparagus recipe. Not only does it come together quickly, but it calls for just a handful of items. We all look forward to this side dish each year. —Vikki Rebholz, West Chester, OH

Strawberry Buttermilk Skillet Shortcake

This scratch-made strawberry buttermilk cake is a family favorite. The recipe is over 100 years old, and I remember my grandma making it. We still carry on the family tradition by making this old-fashioned recipe each summer. —Claudia Lamascolo, Melbourne, Florida

Barbecued Chicken Salad Sandwiches

An impromptu picnic inspired this BBQ chicken salad sandwich. An instant summertime favorite, these dressed-up sandwiches have become a mainstay at our house. —Linda Orme, Battleground, Washington

Dreamy Fruit Dip

Everyone will love this thick cream cheese fruit dip. Serve it alongside apple wedges, pineapple chunks, strawberries and grapes. —Anna Beiler, Strasburg, Pennsylvania

Spanish-Style Paella

If you enjoy cooking ethnic foods, this hearty rice dish is wonderful. It's brimming with generous chunks of sausage, shrimp and veggies. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Rosemary Lime Chicken

I experimented with herbs and seasonings quite a bit before creating the final version of this entree. The tartness of the lime juice really complements the rosemary. Everyone loves it.—Nicole Harris, Mt. Union, Pennsylvania

Skillet-Grilled Catfish

The Cajun flavor is great in this skillet-grilled catfish recipe. You can use this recipe with any thick fish fillet, but I suggest catfish or haddock. —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania

Pea 'n' Cheese Salad

Radish slices add color and crunch to this fresh-tasting English pea salad. I often serve it in a bowl lined with romaine leaves, then garnish it with radish roses. —Inez Orsburn, DeMotte, Indiana

Lemon Tiramisu

I created this lemon tiramisu to please everyone in my family. It's a cross between cheesecake and tiramisu with a refreshing lemony flavor. Garnish with fresh berries if you have them on hand. —Monica Marolt, Willowick, Ohio

Club Roll-Ups

Packed with meat, cheese and olives, these roll-ups are always a hit at parties.

Turkey Fajitas

I prepare these quick and easy fajitas about once a week, and my family never gets tired of them. I like serving them with salsa and light sour cream on the side. —Bonnie Basinger of Lees Summit, Missouri

Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese and Beets

Here's a super easy salad that looks and tastes festive for the wonderful Christmas season, but is also wonderful all year round. Vinaigrette dressing coats the greens nicely. —Nancy Latulippe, Simcoe, Ontario

Contest-Winning Strawberry Pretzel Dessert

I love the sweet-salty flavor of this pretty layered dessert. Sliced strawberries and gelatin top a smooth cream cheese filling and crispy pretzel crust. I think it's best when eaten within a day of being made. -Wendy Weaver Leetonia, Ohio

Pesto Vegetable Pizza

My family loves pizza night, but we have rarely ordered takeout since I created this fresh and flavorful version. It is a fast and scrumptious meal that is always a winner in my house. —Kate Selner of Lino Lakes, Minnesota

Asparagus Ham Strata

You can easily prepare this the night before for a luncheon, or in the morning for dinner. I serve it year-round for large groups, like my card and garden clubs, and make it for picnics and other occasions. Nearly every time I do, someone requests the recipe! —Ethel Pressel, New Oxford, Pennsylvania

Butterscotch Pudding Torte

We wanted a butterscotch-flavored pudding dessert. After searching many cookbooks, I came up with this version. —Judith Kuehl, Merrill, Wisconsin

Basil Chicken Sandwiches

"I got the inspiration for this recipe when I knew my parents and in-laws were coming to see our new home," shares Kerry Durgin Krebs of New Market, Maryland. "My mother-in-law has food allergies, my father-in-law has some very specific food preferences and my parents appreciate light meals. I created this chicken sandwich with fresh basil for our lunch."

Slow-Cooker Citrus Carrots

These carrots are yummy and so simple to make. The recipe is from my mom, who tweaked it a bit to suit her taste. You can make this dish a day in advance and refrigerate it until needed. Then just reheat it before serving! —Julie Puderbaugh, Berwick, Pennsylvania

Almond Berry Pancakes

Whole wheat flour and two kinds of berries add an extra helping of nutrition to these hearty pancakes. It’s a breakfast I feel good about eating. —Sarah Haengel, Bowie, Maryland

Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Doughnuts

Guests will have a touch of nostalgia when they bite into one of these old-fashioned doughnuts. Accents of nutmeg and cinnamon, along with a subtle burst of lemon, make them hard to resist. —June Jones, Harveyville, Kansas

Chicken Strawberry Spinach Salad

This pretty spinach salad topped with grilled chicken, strawberries and almonds features a delectably sweet poppy seed dressing. Made in moments, the dish is a refreshing lunch or light supper. —Ginger Ellsworth, Caldwell, Idaho

Parmesan Pork Tenderloin

I am of Danish descent and love all things pork, both old recipes and new. Here's a dish I came up with myself. —John Hansen, Marstons Mills, Massachusetts

Pecan Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler

Chock-full of berries and rhubarb, this pretty cobbler is the perfect finale for a dinner for two. Pecans in the topping and the delicious dessert sauce make it extra special. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

Gluten-Free Vanilla Cupcakes

Decorate these simple gluten-free vanilla cupcakes for any special occasion or holiday. Since the frosting recipe includes cream cheese, be sure to refrigerate leftovers. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Rhubarbecue

This simmered sauce is a roller-coaster ride for your tongue. It's a wonderful blend of complex flavors that goes with any meat. — Rd Stendel-Freels, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Cheesy Cream of Asparagus Soup

Kids may not want to try a vegetable soup, but once they spoon up a mouthful of this cheesy variety, the flavor will keep them coming back for more. —Muriel Lerdal, Humboldt, Iowa

Spanakopita Spring Rolls

I was inspired to turn original spanakopita into a hand-held hors d'oeuvre. I use egg roll wrappers in place of phyllo dough, and now these are the biggest hit among my friends. —Jade Randall, Las Vegas, Nevada

Kansas Cucumber Salad

Cucumbers are my very favorite garden vegetable, so I use this recipe often. I got it from a friend years ago. I've heard this refreshing dish keeps very well in the refrigerator, but it goes so fast around our house, I've never found out for myself. —Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas

Sugar-Glazed Ham

This old-fashioned ham glaze gives a pretty golden brown coating—just like Grandma used to make. The mustard and vinegar complement the brown sugar which adds a tangy flavor to this glazed ham recipe. Be prepared to serve seconds! —Carol Strong Battle, Heathville, Virginia

Oat Dinner Rolls

These soft rolls are out of this world. The addition of oat makes them a little heartier than other dinner rolls. —Patricia Rutherford, Winchester, Illinois

Pineapple Carrot Cake

This moist cake with cream cheese frosting is the best I've ever eaten. It's so simple, too, because it uses two jars of baby food instead of fresh carrots that need to be grated. —Jeanette McKenna, Vero Beach, Florida

Moroccan Chicken Thighs

My husband and I love Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food. This recipe is very flavorful, so it's quickly become one of our favorites. —Susan Mills, Three Rivers, California

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Your family will be impressed with the soft texture and appealing swirls of cinnamon in these buttery breakfast loaves. —Diane Armstrong, Elm Grove, Wisconsin

Bluebarb Pie

If you're a fan of strawberry-rhubarb pie, you'll want to try this twist on the classic. Here, blueberries provide the sweet counterpoint to the tart rhubarb, with mouthwatering results. —Steve Gyuro, Franklin, Wisconsin

Lemon Tea Cookies

These sandwich cookies taste rich and buttery and have a lovely lemon filling. The recipe has been in our family since the 1950s, when my mother got it from a French friend in her club. —Phyllis Dietz, Westland, Michigan

Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

This luscious lemon poppy seed cake recipe uses cake mix and pudding mix for an easy dessert highlighting the classic flavor combination. —Betty Bjarnason, Egbert, ON

Cheesecake with Berry Sauce

This creamy cheesecake is a family tradition; I've even shipped it to my daughter as a special treat. Using frozen seasonal berries, it's an excellent dessert any time of year. —Jeanette Volker, Walton, Nebraska

Kale Slaw Spring Salad

My parents and in-laws are retired and like to spend winters in Florida. This tangy spring recipe welcomes the snowbirds back for our Easter celebration! —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

Asparagus Bruschetta

For a light bite, Elaine Sweet created these pretty appetizers. “I really like asparagus, so I’m always trying it in different things,” says the Dallas, Texas reader. "This is a delicious twist on traditional bruschetta."

Strawberry Rhubarb Cake with Orange

I came up with this strawberry rhubarb cake when I wanted to make something with rhubarb and strawberries that wasn't a pie. If you know someone who hasn't tried rhubarb before, this is a great way to introduce them to it. —Theresa Kreyche, Tustin, California

Coconut Chicken and Shrimp

I was looking for a fun, easy weeknight dinner based on our favorite shrimp dish that was healthier than fast food. This has become a favorite! —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York

Spring Asparagus

This fresh and colorful side dish is delicious served warm or cold. I get lots of compliments on the homemade dressing. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois

Crispy Dill Tilapia

Every week I try to serve a new healthy fish. With its fresh dill and delicious panko bread crumb herb crust, this dish with mild tilapia is a winner. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama

Spring Green Risotto

Once a week I create a new recipe for my blog, An Officer and a Vegan. I first made this risotto when I needed something cheerful and comforting. It would be fantastic with asparagus, zucchini or summer squash, but use whatever veggies are in season. —Deanna McDonald, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Lemony Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta

This delicate dish tastes so bright with a touch of lemon and tender sauteed scallops. Serve with crusty whole grain bread, and you have an impressive dinner that comes together in a flash. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey

Mini Hot Browns

Here's my take on the famous Hot Brown sandwich. Guests quickly saddle up for juicy turkey slices and crispy bacon piled on toasted rye bread and then topped with a rich cheese sauce. —Annette Grahl, Midway, Kentucky

Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill Sauce

This is one of my husband's favorite recipes. Salmon is a go-to for busy nights because it cooks so quickly and goes with so many different flavors. The creamy dill sauce with cucumber tastes light and fresh. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida

Carrot Spice Thumbprint Cookies

Carrot cake is a family favorite, and these delicious cookies with shredded carrots, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, cinnamon and cloves taste very similar. They’re even topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. With each cookie it feels as if you’re eating a piece of carrot cake, but no fork is needed! —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Rhubarb Sour Cream Coffee Cake

With a tart kick from fresh spring rhubarb, this coffee cake is an irresistible way to start the day—or end it! —Roberta Schauer, Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Nut Butter Cups

My indulgent, nutty treat is simple to make and looks fabulous. At our house, we use all-natural ingredients for them. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Corned Beef Pizza Swirls

You don't have to wait until St. Patrick's Day to enjoy this easy Reuben appetizer. Deli meat and cheese make it doable year-round. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Sheet-Pan Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Bake

I like to make this seafood dinner for company because it tastes amazing, but takes very little effort to throw together. Use asparagus, Broccolini or a mix of the two. It’s all about what's available for a decent price. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars

These cheesecake bars layer a buttery pecan shortbread crust with a rich and creamy filling and sweet-tart strawberry rhubarb jam. For larger squares, cut into nine bars instead of 16. —Amanda Scarlati, Sandy, Utah

Slow-Cooked Potatoes with Spring Onions

I love the simplicity of this recipe, as well as its ease of preparation with my slow cooker. Everyone always enjoys roasted potatoes, even my pickiest child! If desired, top with shredded or crumbled cheese. —Theresa Gomez, Stuart, Florida

Rhubarb and Strawberry Coffee Cake

Vanilla cake with cream cheese filling and strawberry rhubarb sauce make a grand finale for a Mother’s Day brunch. I made this to honor our moms and grandmothers. —Danielle Ulam, Hookstown, Pennsylvania

Twisted Eggs Benedict Salad

Salad for breakfast? Absolutely. You can prep everything except the dressing and chill it overnight. In the morning, dress the salad and poach the eggs. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Coconut-Pineapple Rhubarb Bars

I make this crunchy, buttery dessert bar with homegrown rhubarb. For an added attraction, serve it warm with frozen yogurt or ice cream. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario

Crispy Sriracha Spring Rolls

While in the Bahamas, friends suggested a restaurant that served amazing chicken spring rolls. When I got home, I created my own version. Such a great appetizer to have waiting in the freezer! —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba

All-American Sheet Cake

My sweet and tangy sheet cake piled with fresh whipped cream and juicy fruit is so good, you might just want to eat it for breakfast. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Slow-Cooker Chai Tea

A wonderful sweet and spicy aroma wafts from the slow cooker as this fragrant and flavorful chai tea cooks. —Crystal Jo Burns, Iliff, Colorado

Berry, Lemon and Doughnut Hole Trifle

After my son called and said he was bringing home his college roommates, I was able to whip up this quick yet impressive dessert in only a few minutes. It's been a family favorite ever since. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Hash Brown Pancakes with Smoked Salmon & Dill Cream

On weekends when I was growing up, pancakees, salmon and bagels were our brunch staples. Now, I combine the concepts and use whipped cream instead of cream cheese. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

Steak-n-Vegetable Soup

This weeknight steak soup packs rich flavor into a light broth. My family loves the blend of southwestern flavors. —Rebecca Ridpath, Cedar Park, Texas

Special Mushroom Lasagna

This rich, cheesy recipe proves that casseroles can be both convenient and classy. If you want to take it even further, stir in fresh crabmeat. —Amanda Blair, Lebanon, Oregon

Peas Please Asian Noodles

My Asian-inspired pasta salad doubles up on the peas for some serious crunch and sweetness. —Catherine Cassidy, Editor, Taste of Home

Shrimp Po'Boys with Pineapple Slaw

This twist on the traditional po'boy sandwich adds flavor and veggies while reducing fat and calories. For a smoked flavor, grill the shrimp. For a lower-carb option, serve the po'boy open-faced on a baguette half. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia

Aloha Cupcakes

A friend asked me to make a coconut and pineapple cupcake for a gathering she was hosting. Everyone agreed that this beauty took them to the tropics. The macadamia nuts are completely optional (the friend happens to be allergic), and the cupcakes are still fantastic without them. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta

Cod and Asparagus Bake

The lemon pulls this flavorful and healthy dish together. You can use grated Parmesan cheese instead of Romano if you'd like. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey

Toad in the Hole Bacon Sandwich

Switch up the cheese—pepper jack comes with a nice kick—or use sliced kielbasa, ham or sausage in place of the bacon in this versatile grilled cheese sandwich. This recipe couldn’t be easier to double to serve two. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California

Mexican Rice with Poached Eggs

This Mexican rice recipe topped with soft fried eggs works for breakfast or dinner. I like to serve the dish with hot tortillas and a side of refried beans for a complete meal. —Jeanne Lewis, Brooklyn, Michigan

Sea Salt Mint White Mocha Cookies

This recipe came from my mom's Grandma Alice, who taught her how to bake. Grandma Alice always had a fresh plate of warm cookies on her counter. I learned some of her recipes by heart as a child, and I've been making these since high school. They taste like Christmas.—Kristin Bowers, Rancho Palos Verdes, California

Spring Pea & Radish Salad

Winters can be very long here in New Hampshire. I always look forward to the first veggies of spring and making some lighter dishes like this fresh salad. —Jolene Martinelli, Derry, New Hampshire

Apricot-Rosemary Scones

Make these easy sweet-savory scones a family project. It's a delightful way to show your love on Mother's Day. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida

Hazelnut Asparagus Soup

My heart is happy when bundles of tender local asparagus start to appear at my grocery store in spring. No one would ever guess this restaurant-quality vegetarian soup can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. —Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois

Spring Onion Pimiento Cheese Grits

Grits were a breakfast staple when I was growing up. Even today, we still have them about three times a week. The trick with grits is the more you whisk, the creamier they'll be. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia

Chinese Chard with Almonds

The chard in my garden inspires all kinds of recipes. This one makes an amazing side dish, especially in spring. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Asparagus, Bacon & Shallot Tart

My tart is adapted from my mom's quiche recipe. She lives thousands of miles away from me in the U.K., so whenever I make it, happy memories of home come flooding back. —Paula Nolan, Granite Bay, California

Coconut Cheesecake & Rhubarb Compote

I took my daughter’s love of cheesecake plus my mom’s love of coconut and rhubarb and ran with it. Try it with a smidge of chocolate sauce, too. —Wendy Rusch, Trego, Wisconsin

Cerveza Margaritas

One sip of this refreshing drink and you’ll picture sand, sea and blue skies that stretch for miles. It’s like a vacation in a glass, and you can mix it in moments. —Christina Pittman, Parkville, Missouri

Mango Avocado Spring Rolls

As a fan of mangoes and avocados, I love these wraps. You can substitute tortillas for rice paper wrappers, and lettuce or spinach for sprouts. —Gena Stout, Ravenden, Arkansas

Chili-Stuffed Poblano Peppers

While exploring Mexican restaurants, I tasted chiles rellenos and wanted to make them at home. My husband and I teamed up to create this stuffed poblano peppers recipe, which is one of our favorites. —Lorrie Grabczynski, Commerce Township, Michigan

Sesame Beef & Asparagus Salad

Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies—especially when it comes to experimenting with fresh ingredients like these. This meaty salad is wonderful at the start of asparagus season. —Tamara Steeb, Issaquah, Washington

Cherry Rhubarb Crunch

My husband's grandmother gave me this recipe, along with a bundle of rhubarb, when we were first married. I had never cared for rhubarb, but after trying this dessert, I changed my mind. Now my children dig in, too! —Sharon Wasikowski, Middleville, Michigan

Berry Rhubarb Fool

A "fool" is a British dessert that's usually made with custard. This is a modified, quicker version I created. My kids love it because it doesn't taste like rhubarb—so I guess it's well named! —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado

Grandma's Strawberry Shortcake

I can still taste the juicy berries piled over warm biscuits and topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. My father added even more indulgence to the dessert by first buttering his biscuits. —Shirley Joan Helfenbein, Lapeer, Michigan

Emily's Honey Lime Coleslaw

Here’s a refreshing take on slaw with a honey-lime vinaigrette rather than the traditional mayo. It’s a great take-along for all those summer picnics. —Emily Tyra, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Cinnamon Blueberry French Toast

I like to prep this in the evening, let it chill, then turn on the slow cooker. When we wake up in the morning. it’s done. It's low on effort and high on taste. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

Honey-Pecan Kiwi Salad

This dish won second place in a summer salad recipe feature published in our local newspaper. But it takes first place with my family, always happy to try my new creations. —Marla Arbet, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Lemon Rice Pilaf

No need to buy premade pilaf mix when you can easily make your own in 20 minutes. The lemon zest adds a welcome burst of tang. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Granny's Rhubarb Pie

This recipe originated with my grandmother, who baked many different rhubarb desserts. This was always a favorite of mine. —Blanche Baninski Minto North Dakota

Strawberry-Rhubarb Ice Pops

These cool, creamy pops are a deliciously different way to use up the bounty from your rhubarb patch. —Donna Linihan, Moncton, New Brunswick