80 Fresh and Vibrant Spring Recipes

Spring Asparagus

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

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Savory Waffles with Asparagus, Gruyere and Onion

I took one of our family’s favorite puff pastry recipes, which uses a similar mix of ingredients, and translated it to savory waffles. It’s a change of pace from sweeter fare. Served with a ham steak and fried eggs, it makes a fabulous meal. Feel free to add maple syrup or a spicy glaze. —Leslie Ponce, Miami, Florida

Cheesy Vegetable Garden Tart

Rhubarb Sticky Buns

Since I have seven rhubarb plants in my backyard, everything comes up rosy in spring. My husband and two teen sons are crazy about these sticky buns and they’re one of my favorite spring recipes too! —Amy Graef, Tacoma, Washington

Prosciutto Dutch Baby

This delicious savory Dutch baby is perfect for a brunch or quick weeknight lunch or dinner. Similar to a popover, this is a different take on the famous breakfast dish that everyone loves. Simple to make and so delicious! —Joan Hallford, N. Richland Hills, Texas

Shortbread Lemon Tart

For a change from ordinary lemon bars, we added grated orange zest to both the crust and filling to turn the recipe into a lemon tart. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Pork & Chive Pot Stickers

Here’s my top make-ahead appetizer. My three kids are old enough to cook these pot stickers right from the freezer. They’re a lot more nutritious than the ones you get at a restaurant. —Marisa Raponi, Vaughan, Ontario

Dijon-Rubbed Pork with Rhubarb Sauce

This tender pork loin roast served with a rhubarb-orange sauce is simply delicious! Here's an excellent choice for company—it makes a memorable meal. —Marilyn Rodriguez, Sparks, Nevada

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

Greek Salad Ravioli

Turn the fresh flavors of a Greek salad into a warm dish for cold winter nights. I like to make a large batch, freeze it, then simply drop ravioli into simmering water for dinner in five minutes! —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Asparagus Ham Dinner

I've been making this low-fat ham dinner for my family for years, and we always look forward to it. With asparagus, tomato, pasta and chunks of ham, it's a tempting blend of tastes and textures. —Rhonda Zavodny, David City, Nebraska

Spring Pea Soup

Truly a soup for the pea lover, this recipe originated with an idea in an old cookbook about eating better to live longer. Sauteed potatoes add body to an easy soup with good texture and superb pea flavor. —Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio

Salmon Mousse Endive Leaves

I recently made this simple but elegant appetizer to rave reviews. This thick mousse has a lovely presentation well suited for special occasions.—Doreen Matthew, San Marcos, California

Rhubarb Rosemary Flatbread

I love the simple ingredients of this recipe and the exceptional combination of flavors! The kitchen smells awesome whenever I bake these flatbreads. Using rhubarb in a savory bread is new to many people, but it never fails to delight impress! —Maryalice Wood, Langley, British Columbia

Authentic Pasta Carbonara

I learned on my culinary internship in Tuscany that real Italian cuisine is simpler than you think! This carbonara is quick, simple and delicious, just the way they like it in Italy. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California

Oklahoma Coconut Poke Cake

Coconut is the star of this cake. You get a double dose, first in the mixture that soaks into the cake and second with the coconut sprinkled on top. It’s a great easy Easter dessert. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Pressure-Cooker Thai Coconut Beef

My husband and I love Thai food, but going out on weeknights can be challenging with busy schedules. I wanted to create a Thai-inspired dinner that could double as an easy lunch the following day. The beef is fantastic in this dish, but chicken or pork would be equally delicious!—Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

This pineapple upside-down cake is a classic recipe that never goes out of style! It’s delicious with the traditional pineapple, but try it with peaches or a combination of cranberries and orange. —Bernardine Melton, Paola, Kansas

Dill & Chive Peas

Growing my own vegetables and herbs helps keep things fresh in the kitchen (and I love when things start to pop up so I can make spring recipes), but frozen peas make this side is a breeze to prepare. —Tanna Richard, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Pressure-Cooker Fabulous Fajitas

When friends call to ask for new recipes to try, suggest these tasty fajitas. Top as you like to add healthy color and extra flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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

Chicken Francese

I grew up on this tender, lemony chicken Francese recipe that's a classic in Italian cooking. It's delicious as is, but we sometimes add sauteed mushrooms. Serve it with pasta or crusty bread to mop up all that delicious pan sauce. —Joe Losardo, New York, New York

Asparagus Spinach Salad with Chicken

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

Swiss and Chive Quiche

I used to make this cheese and chive quiche recipe using two cans of corned beef hash, but I switched to a meatless version. I don’t miss the meat a bit, and my family loves generous portions. —Theresa Jerger, Holland, Indiana

Dill Chicken Soup

Yep, spring recipes can include soups! This dill and spinach-forward soup is a great way to use early spring harvests. —Robin Haas, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

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

Spanakopita

I love having appetizers on hand in the freezer, especially when the holiday season is fast approaching. This easy spanakopita recipe is one of my all-time favorites. Everyone loves them, they’re easy to prep and they bake up in about 20 minutes. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta

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

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

Prosciutto Pasta Toss

I love quick, simple dishes, and this pasta with prosciutto and peas is one of my favorites. I prepare a tossed green salad while the pasta cooks and serve up a lovely light supper in minutes! —Laura Murphy-Ogden, Charlotte, North Carolina

Slim Deviled Eggs with Herbs

If you need to make an appetizer in a cinch, try this easy finger food recipe. These deviled eggs are simple and easy to make, so they’re perfect for any gathering or party. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin

Green Shakshuka

Green veggies bring the nutrition, and eggs and feta pile on the protein. My secret is to stir up this breakfast recipe with lemon-infused olive oil. If you can find it, I highly recommend! —Carrie Dault, Baxter, Tennessee

Pork and Asparagus Sheet-Pan Dinner

When time is of the essence, it's nice to have a quick and easy meal idea in your back pocket. Not only is it delicious, but you can clean it up in a flash. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Eggs Benedict Casserole

This eggs Benedict casserole is just as tasty as the classic but without all the hassle. Simply assemble the ingredients ahead, and bake it the next morning for an elegant breakfast or Easter brunch. —Sandie Heindel, Liberty, Missouri

Chicken Samosas

This chicken samosa recipe is best served with yogurt dipping sauce or chutney (like coriander and mint, tamarind or sweet mango). The dough and filling can be made ahead for quick assembly before guests arrive. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Broccoli & Chive Stuffed Mini Peppers

There’s plenty of both crunch and cream in these party appetizers. Fresh chives help them really stand out. —Jean McKenzie, Vancouver, Washington

Herby Pea Salad

We love spring vegetables and are always looking for ways to use them in side salads. 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 spring recipe. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts

Chicken Piccata Pockets

My husband loves chicken piccata. I tried it in a puff pastry pocket with a bit of cream cheese; it tasted sensational. When he took leftovers to work, everyone asked what smelled so great. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

Tuscan-Style Roasted Asparagus

This is especially wonderful when locally grown asparagus is in season, and it’s so easy for celebrations because you can serve it hot or cold. This is how to bake asparagus. —Jannine Fisk, Malden, Massachusetts

Easter Egg Bread

I’ve made this Italian Easter treat for 20 years! Colored hard-boiled eggs baked in the dough give this sweet bread such a festive look. Leave them out and it can be enjoyed any time of year. My husband especially enjoys this bread with baked ham. —Heather Durante, Wellsburg, West Virginia

Chicken Paella

Turmeric lends flavor and a pretty golden color to this Spanish-style entree. Haven’t tried arborio rice? You’ll love its creamy texture.

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

Baked Spiral Ham

This is my favorite spiral ham recipe, and one I use for Easter dinner. It will feed a crowd, or use what’s remaining in two recipes. No one groans about ham leftovers when these items are on the menu. —Marilou Robinson, Portland, Oregon

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

Kale Slaw Spring Salad

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

Flavorful Green Rice

Green onions and parsley give this rice its name, but the appealing flavor is what makes it memorable.—Karin Bailey, Golden, Colorado

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

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

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

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

Lemony Bacon-Artichoke Dip

Move over, spinach-artichoke dip—bacon adds much more flavor. You might want to double the recipe because there are never any leftovers. —Heidi Jobe, Carrollton, Georgia

Elegant Smoked Salmon Strata

This fancy overnight egg bake is ideal for guests. In the morning, you can simply let it come to room temperature and whip up side dishes as it bakes. Then get ready for compliments! —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida

Lamb Ratatouille

“This quick-and-easy recipe is a great way to use up leftover lamb – and so good, your family will never guess it’s a second-day dish,” assures Maxine Cenker of Weirton, West Virginia. “It’s also good with beef,” she adds.

Creamy Baked Eggs

This recipe is so simple, and the eggs come out just as my husband likes them every time. If you like soft yolks, cook eggs for nine minutes; for firmer yolks, cook for about 11 minutes.—Macey Allen, Green Forest, Arkansas

Artichoke Spread with Garlic Bread

I’ve tried several different artichoke dip recipes, but this one is the absolute best! I serve it at nearly every family gathering and there are never any leftovers. This is probably my most-requested recipe. —Heidi Iacovetto, Phippsburg, Colorado

Rhubarb Crisp

I found this strawberry rhubarb crisp recipe on a box of Quaker Oats about 20 years ago. It’s quick and easier to make than pie. It’s versatile, too, because you can add strawberries in spring or apples in fall. I usually pop it into the oven shortly before we sit down to eat so it’s still warm for dessert! —C.E. Adams, Charlestown, New Hampshire

Honey-Glazed Carrots

My mother used sugar in this recipe, but a local man who keeps bees on our farm shares honey with us so I use that instead to make honey-glazed carrots. —Julie Anglen, Riverton, Wyoming

Rhubarb Bruschetta

Fresh rhubarb jam is spooned over cheese-topped bruschetta for a delightful spring appetizer. Spread the goat cheese on toasted bread slices as soon as they are removed from the broiler. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington

Ravishing Radish Salad

Here is a recipe that showcases spring veggies in all of their glory. The fresh, crunchy radish salad really complements grilled entrees. —Maggie Ruddy, Altoona, Iowa

Matcha Chia Pudding

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

Dilly Veggie Pizza

Always popular at special events and a cinch to prep, this is one of my favorite ways to use leftover veggies. You can change the mixture to match your kids' tastes, and it's just as yummy the next day. —Heather Ahrens, Columbus, Ohio

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

Rhubarb Custard Cake

Rhubarb thrives in my northern garden and is one of the few crops the pesky moose don’t bother! Of all the desserts I’ve tried, this rhubarb custard cake is my first choice. It has old-fashioned appeal but is so simple to prepare. —Evelyn Gebhardt, Kasilof, Alaska

Spinach Salad with Rhubarb Dressing

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

Lemon Blueberry Bread

Of all the quick breads we had growing up, this beautiful lemon blueberry bread is the best! The citrus glaze adds a lustrous finish and locks in moisture. —Julianne Johnson, Grove City, Minnesota

Classic Cobb Salad

Making this salad is a lot like putting in a garden. I “plant” everything in nice, neat sections, just as I do with seedlings. —Patricia Kile, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania

Cucumber Party Sandwiches

This is one of my favorite appetizers. We have lots of pig roasts here in Kentucky, and these small sandwiches are perfect to serve while the pig is roasting. —Rebecca Rose, Mount Washington, Kentucky

Spinach and Feta Bourekas

Light and soft, with a bit of crunch, these bourekas are one of my favorite appetizers for holidays. They can be filled with almost anything, but spinach and feta is one of my favorite fillings topped everything seasoning, and these little triangles are out of this world. — Alex Stepanov, Matawan, New Jersey

Rhubarb Custard Bars

Once I tried these rich, gooey bars, I just had to have the recipe so I could make them for my family and friends. The shortbreadlike crust and the rhubarb and custard layers inspire people to find rhubarb that they can use to fix a batch for themselves. It’s one of my favorite spring recipes. —Shari Roach, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Green Goddess Vegan Potato Salad

This vegan potato salad is absolutely delicious! And the vibrant green color make it a perfect addition to your list of spring recipes. It’s perfect for potlucks and for those with dietary restrictions. —Laura Wilhelm, West Hollywood, California

Breakfast Quiche

I enjoy preparing hearty country breakfasts for the guests at my bed-and-breakfast. This fluffy breakfast quiche recipe with lots of cheese and bacon is a most satisfying entree.

Dill Pickle Soup

This dill pickle soup is made from a century-old Swiss recipe. Traditionally, it is a winter soup, but we serve it year-round because of the demand. —Nancy Ross, Salem, Oregon

Lemon Pudding Dessert

After a big meal, folks really go for this light lemon treat. The shortbread crust is the perfect base for the fluffy top layers. I've prepared this sunny dessert for church suppers for years and I always get recipe requests. —Muriel DeWitt, Maynard, Massachusetts

Springtime Penne

With ham, asparagus, onion and pasta in a creamy sauce, this stovetop supper is tasty enough for even your pickiest guests. It's great with penne, but you can also try it with mostaccioli or another type of pasta.

Berry-Cream Cookie Snaps

My mom and I made up this recipe by combining two others. These cute cookies are crispy on the outside and light and fluffy inside. You could also bake the cookies flat and serve the filling as a cookie dip if you like. —Crystal Briddick, Colfax, Illinois

Quick Cold Vegetable Pizza

This is one of my favorite vegetable recipes. Even youngsters love it. I’ve made it for a light lunch and served it as an hors d’oeuvre at a get-together.

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Golden brown and buttery, these crispy smashed potatoes live up to their tantalizing name. A sprinkle of fresh herbs when they’re hot out of the oven maximizes the flavor…and the pretty. —Althea Dye, Howard, Ohio

Green Chile Posole

This recipe combines parts of my nanny’s recipe and my mother’s. I learned both of them when I was very young. An optional sprinkling of queso fresco over the top is an absolute delight in my opinion. —Jaime Love, Las Vegas, Nevada