40 Fast Spring Vegetable Recipes—the Perfect Seasonal Sides

Updated on Jan. 05, 2022

Spring is in the air, which means fresh vegetables are popping up everywhere. Whip up your favorite sides in 35 minutes (or less!) with these quick recipes for carrots, mushrooms, asparagus and more.

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Asparagus-Spinach Pasta Salad

Fresh spinach, crunchy cashews and penne pasta are tossed with roasted asparagus to create this delightful spring salad. —Kathleen Lucas, Trumbull, Connecticut

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Spinach Salad with Rhubarb Dressing

Total Time 20 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Spinach salad is excellent with this tangy topping, which really perks it up. A friend shared a similar salad dressing recipe with me and I modified it a bit. The rhubarb adds rosy color and mouthwatering flavor.—Twila Mitchell, Lindsborg, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 423 calories, 35g fat (7g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 454mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
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Sauteed Tarragon Radishes

Total Time 25 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Who says radishes only belong in salads? These sauteed radishes are cooked in wine and tarragon, and may just change the way you look at radishes forever. They can be served on their own, or added to your favorite au gratin recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 108 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.
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Roasted Carrots with Thyme

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These roasted carrots are so simple but always a hit. Cutting the carrots lengthwise makes this dish look extra pretty.—Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 73 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 226mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Spring Asparagus

Total Time 25 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 154 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
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Lemon Garlic Mushrooms

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I baste whole mushrooms with a lemony sauce to prepare this simple side dish. Using skewers or a basket makes it easy to turn them as they grill to perfection. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 94 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
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Herby Pea Salad

Total Time 30 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We love spring vegetables. One Mother's Day, I came up with this flavorful green salad that everyone enjoyed. You could increase the dressing and mix in some cooked small pasta, like acini de pepe, to make it a more robust salad. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 129 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
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Spring Pea & Radish Salad

Total Time 20 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 50 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
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Citrus Rainbow Carrots

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I grow lots of carrots and I’m always experimenting with ways to serve them. The first time I made this citrusy recipe for my husband, he said it tasted like Christmas! Although he calls them my Christmas carrots,"they're tasty any time; I especially like serving them at Easter, with the array of carrots available in early spring. It's easy to prepare, and can easily be doubled to serve a large group. To save time, I sometimes cut up the carrots several days in advance. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 132 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 445mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.
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Lemon Couscous with Broccoli

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I combined two recipes to create this side with broccoli and pasta. The splash of lemon adds nice flavor. Instead of toasted almonds, you could also sprinkle servings with grated Parmesan cheese. —Beth Dauenhauer, Pueblo, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 115 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 328mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Simple Lemon Parsley Potatoes

Total Time 20 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: For a simply delicious side dish, I often prepare these potatoes. I like the fact that there are few ingredients and they take such little time to prepare.—Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 150 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
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Chinese Spinach-Almond Salad

Total Time 10 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe combines power-packed spinach, a good source of vitamins A and K, with other veggies, lean meat and crunchy, heart-healthy almonds. Reduced-fat dressing adds a light Asian flavor and touch to each hearty serving. Mary Ann Kieffer - Lawrence, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 244 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Roasted Green Beans with Lemon & Walnuts

Total Time 25 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I first tasted roasted green beans in a Chinese restaurant and fell in love with the texture and flavor. This is my Americanized version and it's always a big hit at our holiday table. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 119 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 229mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
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Kale & Bacon Salad with Honey-Horseradish Vinaigrette

Total Time 35 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Totally scrumptious and packed with nutrition, this salad was my response to friends who asked how they could incorporate kale into their diets without sacrificing taste. It is also wonderful made with collard or mustard greens, prepared in the same fashion as the kale, or with a mix of spinach & arugula or watercress. —Elizabeth Warren, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 236 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 248mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
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Radish Asparagus Salad

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Lemon zest and mustard in the dressing add the perfect punch to crisp asparagus and crunchy radishes in this fresh spring salad. My family loves it! —Nancy Latulippe, Simcoe, Ontario
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 28mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Air-Fried Radishes

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Radishes aren't just for salads anymore. These fried radishes make a colorful side for any meal. Plus, they're quick to make in your air fryer. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 88 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
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Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Total Time 30 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: You'll want to serve this family-friendly broccoli salad with bacon year-round. The broccoli gets a big-time flavor boost from bacon, toasted pecans, dried berries and a mayo dressing. —Cindi Read, Hendersonville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 300 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 290mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein.
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Marmalade Candied Carrots

Total Time 30 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My favorite way to make baby carrots is to steam them, then drizzle with an orangey glaze that makes them candy-sweet. —Heather Clemmons, Supply, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 211 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.

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Honey Garlic Green Beans

Total Time 20 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Green beans are a reliable standby, but they can seem ordinary on their own. Just a couple of extra ingredients give them a sweet and salty attitude. This is definitely my family's favorite way to enjoy them. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 72 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 225mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.

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Creamed Spinach

Total Time 35 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My mother made a variety of spinach dishes when I was growing up. This rich, delicious creamed version is the only one that stayed with me through the years. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 129 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.

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Shaved Fennel Salad

Total Time 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This salad tastes even more impressive than it looks. It has an incredible crunch thanks to the cucumbers, radishes and apples. And the finish of fennel fronds adds just the faintest hint of licorice flavor. —William Milton III, Clemson, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 55 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 138mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Broccoli Cranberry Salad

Total Time 25 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Growing up, I never liked broccoli, but I'm hooked on this salad's light, sweet taste. It gives broccoli a whole new look and personality. —Jessica Conrey, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 121 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Lemon Mushroom Orzo

Total Time 25 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Sometimes I serve this side dish chilled, and other times we enjoy it hot. It has a pleasant tinge of lemon and a nice crunch from the pecans. —Shelly Nelson, Akeley, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 225 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 202mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
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Rotini Pasta Salad

Total Time 30 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: For a light meal, we toss rotini pasta with cucumber, zucchini and sweet peppers. Make this cucumber pasta salad into a main dish by adding grilled chicken. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup (calculated without olives): 142 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
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Ravishing Radish Salad

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Showcase radishes in all their glory with a fresh, crunchy salad. Herbs and fennel take it up another notch. —Maggie Ruddy, Altoona, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 177 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 408mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 vegetable.
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Spinach Fruit Salad

Total Time 10 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: The combination of sweet fruit and salty feta cheese makes this salad a winner. —Virginia Dack, Asheville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 235 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 644mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
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Spinach-Parm Casserole

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: For those who ignore Popeye and won’t eat their spinach, I find that spinach with garlicky butter and Parmesan helps change their minds. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 239 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
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Radish, Carrot & Cilantro Salad

Total Time 20 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Bright carrots and radishes pop in this citrusy salad. My husband likes it with anything from the grill. I like to pile it on tacos. —Christina Baldwin, Covington, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 51 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 145mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Asparagus Spinach Salad with Chicken

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We love all the fresh fruits and vegetables that are available in the summer. This salad is one of our favorite because it packs in so much great produce, plus it's quick and easy on a warm summer day. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 2 cups: 267 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
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Creamy Broccoli with Cashews

Total Time 20 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: The sour cream sauce in this broccoli casserole makes it a little different from the usual, and the cashews lend a nice crunch. It's great with a variety of entrees. —Karen Ann Bland, Gove City, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 219 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 339mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.

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Sauteed Green Beans

Total Time 20 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These sauteed green beans with garlic and a variety of herbs and spices come together in no time at all for a well-seasoned side dish you'll make on repeat. —Heidi Wilcox, Lapeer, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 77 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 358mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.

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Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I couldn’t shake my mashed potato habit—until I tried mashed cauliflower with a similar consistency. I started making my own, and my family loves it. —Meredith Howard, Franklin, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 154 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 290mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
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Kale Salad

Total Time 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I love making meals that wow everyone. The flavor and nutrition in this kale salad set it apart from other 30-minute creations. —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 113 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Pea Pod Carrot Medley

Total Time 25 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We grow pea pods, and I wanted to use them in something other than stir-fries. This fit the bill! I've carried it to church potlucks and received compliments on its pretty orange glaze and fresh taste. —Josie Smith, Winamac, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 119 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 535mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
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Lemon-Pepper Broccoli

Total Time 25 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Fresh green broccoli turns tangy and tasty when roasted with lemon juice and pepper. A sprinkle of almonds adds crunch. —Liz Bellville, Jacksonville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 84 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Brandy-Glazed Carrots

Total Time 30 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Carrots sport a light brandy sauce for a beautiful side with mass appeal. —Tammy Landry, Saucier, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 153 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 242mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
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Grilled Cabbage

Total Time 30 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: The first time I made this, I couldn’t believe how good it was! We served it with grilled burgers and our dinner was complete. I never thought I’d skip dessert because I was full from too much cabbage! —Elizabeth Wheeler, Thornville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 wedge: 98 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
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Lemon-Roasted Asparagus

Total Time 20 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When it comes to fixing asparagus, I think it's hard to go wrong. The springy flavors in this easy lemon asparagus recipe burst with every bite. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 75 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 154mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
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Dill & Chive Peas

Total Time 10 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Growing my own vegetables and herbs helps keep things fresh in the kitchen, but frozen peas make this side is a breeze to prepare. —Tanna Richard, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 113 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.