Spring vegetables always find a happy home in a frittata. • Photo by Carol Borchardt
Spring is finally in full bloom. The birds are singing, the flowers are budding, and my stubborn grass is finally green! But after all of the weird fluctuations in temperature lately, I’m still not sure what’s going on weather-wise.
So, while Mother Nature tries to figure it out, I’m taking the time to be thankful for the many blessings I have in my life. My family, my dog, my health, and asparagus.
Yes, even asparagus.
In hindsight, it probably shouldn’t be placed last on my list. It really belongs somewhere between family and dog because I love asparagus. It truly is my most favorite garden fresh veggie, and in my book, it wins by a landslide.
Luckily, I restrained myself from making this an “All Asparagus” list. Instead, these 10 colorful garden fresh vegetable recipes will have you running straight out to your local farmers market to get your hands on them before the summer harvest rolls in.
1. Green Tea Smoothie with Pineapple and Spinach
I can’t help but notice that I tend to make healthier food choices on the days I start off with a green smoothie. Packed with sweet pineapple, fresh spinach and local honey, this smoothie by Taste Abounds will fuel your body for the day ahead.
2. Persian Pea & Herb Little Bakes with Beetroot Labneh
This recipe intrigued me, as I had never heard of Labneh before. Did you know that Labneh is yogurt that has been strained past the consistency of Greek yogurt? I sure didn’t! The result is a rich and tangy spreadable yogurt. My Kitchen Love tops her beetroot version with pea-studded mini frittatas.
3. Farro Salad with Roasted Radishes and Mint Salsa Verde
Our Salty Kitchen knows how hard it is to turn down any vegetable that’s been tossed in butter, sprinkled with salt and roasted. Which is exactly how she got her little one to eat and enjoy a few fresh radishes! Paired with warm grains and mint, roasted radishes make a satisfying salad.
4. Velvety Green Vegetable Soup (Dairy Free)
Warm spring days put together with chilly spring nights makes this soup a great choice for dinner. Veggie Inspired fills her family up with this smooth, creamy soup loaded with spring greens. This is a tasty alternative for those that aren’t fans of eating their greens.
5. Green Shakshuka
This green shakshuka is loaded with spring greens of all kinds! Happy Kitchen Rocks uses asparagus, green onions, leeks, beet greens, and stinging nettles in this flavorful Middle Eastern shakshuka. This one-pot dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
6. Roasted Asparagus with Goat Cheese and Walnut Lemon Gremolata
Of all the delicious recipes collected here, this is the one I’m planning to make immediately. Roasted asparagus, with warm goat cheese, topped with a walnut lemon gremolata? From A Chef’s Kitchen knows exactly what my asparagus filled dreams are made of!
7. Spring Salad with Asparagus and Honey Chipotle Vinaigrette
Foolishly, I thought this was going to be just another spring salad with asparagus tossed in. Then I saw the words pancetta, roasted hazelnuts, and Italian Asiago float across my screen. The Organic Kitchen clearly knows how to elevate a spring salad with style!
8. Persian Zucchini Kuku
Kuku? This is another dish that was new to me. It sounds so cute, I knew I had to find out more. The Delicious Crescent describes this Persian style frittata as a tender vegetable custard with crispy golden edges. Fill yours with your favorite fresh spring greens.
9. Seafood and Asparagus Stir Fry
This super quick dish includes a variety of fresh seafood with seasonal vegetables. The Freelancer’s Cookbook combines asparagus and tender stem with prawns and scallops for a light stir fry meal.
10. Lemony Spinach Artichoke Dip
Everyone loves a good dip, especially one that features crisp, spring spinach. The Rustic Foodie creates a light and healthy version that is brightened with freshly squeezed lemon juice. This dip is perfect for spring picnics, office parties or casual get-togethers.
This story was originally published in June 2017.
