15 Vibrant Recipes to Celebrate Spring!

I was going to title this post: ‘15 Recipes to Remind Us of Spring” but that didn’t sound very committal so thought I better double down and cheer things on.

How’s your spring going?

It’s been raining here (northern california) for about 4 and a half months — (mostly) good news and also, …. i’m looking forward to feeling that big ol’ beautiful ball of radiant light on my skin again. It’s both.

Thought some of these recipes might help put us in the mood for blooming season — enjoy! (oh, also, i wanted to mention that i love receiving your feedback and photos on pinterest ~ i’ve shared a few comments below)

Honey-Lemon Roasted Asparagus with Feta

roasting asparagus allows the stalks to soften, the tips to darken and the flavors to intensify ~ baked chunky feta is added in with a sprinkle of chopped nuts and the whole happy mess is bathed in a tangy delicious honey-lemon dressing (my mouth is watering).  Find the recipe here.

Added some cherry tomatoes and it was perfect. One of the most delicious dishes I’ve ever done 😍 (Eva on Pinterest)

I marinated the asparagus over night And instead of almonds I used Chopped pistachios it was a total success!!! Not an asparagus left over !!! (Edy on Pinterest)

Crispy Baked Spring Chickpea Cakes with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce

these little cakes, featuring spring peas & quinoa, pack an impressive nutrition punch for their size and bake up crisp and delicious in the oven.  I like to dunk them in a lemon-dill yogurt sauce (reminiscent of tzatziki).  Find the recipe here.

Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette

fresh basil has got to be one of life’s greatest pleasures ~ in this briny vinaigrette, the aromatic herb is paired with sherry vinegar, lemon, dijon and a touch of honey – enjoy on salads, mixed into grains, drizzled over buddha bowls of all kinds, in sandwiches or as a dip.  Find the recipe here.

Lemon Basil White Bean Dip with Creamy Cashew

fresh, creamy and bright, this is a full-bodied plant-based spread infused with peppery notes, hints of piquant garlic and tangy lemon.  Find the recipe here.

Minted Rice Pilaf

this rice preparation was one of my favorite discoveries some 20 years ago… a light and fresh tasting mint infused pilaf accented by bright citrus notes with little bits of toasted pine nut to enhance flavor and crunch.  Find the recipe here.

Smoked Salmon & Rye Canapés

a reader favorite, these simple & delicious smoked salmon canapés shine with a dollop of luscious lemon-dill yogurt ~ they make a great appetizer or accompaniment to a wine & cheese — find the recipe here.

Le plus populaire de tout les canapés a été celui du saumon fumé.. :)  (Ginette on Pinterest)

I made these for a dinner party and they were a hit! I used crispy baguette pieces instead of pumpernickel but the touch of lemon and hint of yogurt in the cream cheese added so much to the flavour. I left out the garlic. That’s just a personal preference. Definitely will use this recipe again  (Annette on Pinterest)

Tangy Quick-Pickled Radish

savory, sour & mildly sweet, these quick pickled radishes make the perfect seasonal condiment ~ so good on avocado toast but you’ll want to add them to everything!  Find the recipe here.

Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche

one of my favorite low fuss, tasty meals in a hurry ~ this is a light crustless quiche that’s ideal for spring brunch (or any meal) with endless ingredient possibilities so you can create a new version every time you make it!  Find the recipe here.

psst, don’t miss the side cauliflower salad with roasted chickpeas and apple, it’s a wow

California-Style Caesar Salad with Crispy Parmesan Croutons

so many things going right in this crave-worthy twist on classic caesar salad ~ prepare yourselves…  as one reader writes, you’ll want to drink the dressing – nothing wrong with that :) Find the recipe here.

Made this last night Kelly, it was perfect right down to the parmesan crisps! The avocado and sunflower seeds added great texture and flavor. Paired it with some grilled chicken and a glass of white wine and impressed the heck out of my hubby :) Appreciate all of the thought and planning that go into your recipes, thank you! (Kim G on the blog)

Spinach & Mushroom Egg Bake

the winning combination of spinach & mushroom gets a textural lift from shiitake in this egg bake ~ it comes together easily on a slow Sunday — or maybe, for spring brunch (breakfast in bed?).  Find the recipe here. 

Rose Petal Tea

add it to the breakfast in bed tray ❥ easy to make with a unique and subtle rose flavor ~ a great (accompanied) small hands project too.  Find the recipe here.

Maple Glazed Balsamic Tempeh Two Ways

marinated in a base of maple and balsamic and roasted to lip-smacking goodness, the depth of flavor and appetizing texture of this plant protein may surprise (and delight) you! Find the recipe here.

Strawberry Ricotta Cake (GF)

this creamy ricotta cake with juicy seasonal berries is easy to make and holds together well ~ a nice bring-along for picnics/potlucks and perfect accompaniment to your afternoon tea or centerpiece for your spring brunch (mother’s day/father’s day).  Find the recipe here.

psst, read the comments if you want to make it with regular flour!

I have now made this cake 3 times in less than 2 weeks! I no sooner make it and it gets devoured :) I have 2 containers of ricotta in my fridge, why buy one at a time? I may try it with blueberries next. Thanks again for this true bute! (Lynn on the blog)

Raspberry Yogurt Pancakes with Oatmeal & Spelt

ouf, morning pancakes with our young boys in Ottawa, this one is steeped in nostalgia for me…  find all the details here.

finally, a spring roundup wouldn’t be complete without this carrot cake with cream cheese yogurt frosting ~ mmmmmm…. find the recipe for this gf beauty here.

the mind can go in a thousand directions but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, the wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms ~ thich nhat hanh