Spring is finally here, and with it comes rhubarb, radishes, peas, spring onion and asparagus. You’re going to love this list of ways to incorporate all that delicious spring produce into your menu this month.
WHAT’S IN SEASON IN APRIL?
- Fruits: Rhubarb is at its peak in April, and is a great way to add color and zing to pies, jams and even barbecue sauces. Lemons and limes are bright additions to many spring dishes, and depending on where you live, strawberries may make an appearance this month.
- Vegetables: April is a great time to incorporate artichokes and asparagus–one of my favorite spring ingredients–into your menu. With all the leafy greens available this month, salad season is in full swing. And don’t forget to add sliced radishes, fresh mushrooms and peas to your side dishes and salads this month.
Spring is officially here all month long, which means it’s time for spring cleaning, and Easter and Mother’s Day celebrations! Maybe you’ll even start grilling this month, and enjoy a meal or two outdoors.
When spring rolls around, I’m ready to freshen up my house, and my menu, with bright, flavorful ingredients like rhubarb, radishes, green onions and green peas. Asparagus is one of my favorite spring vegetables, and it’s a wonderful addition to quiches, casseroles and salads. Wondering what to do with radishes? They’re great in salads, of course, and also thrown into soup or thinly sliced and added to pork tacos.
Strawberries are just coming into season, depending on where you live. If you spot that at your local farmer’s market, take advantage–there’s nothing quite like a ripe, locally grown strawberry! And you can always count on lemons and limes to brighten up spring desserts, and add some zing to marinades for grilling.
Whatever you’re celebrating this month, you’ll find plenty of beautiful dishes in this collection that incorporate in-season foods. Here are some of the most popular fruits and vegetables that are in season during the month of April.
WHY COOK WITH WHAT’S IN SEASON?
- Seasonal food is fresher and more nutritious than out-of-season food. Fruits and vegetables start losing nutrients the moment they’re picked, so the quicker food reaches the table, the more nutritious it will be.
- You’ll save money using in-season foods. Especially if you grow your own fruits and vegetables. And locally grown produce doesn’t have to travel far to reach you–those savings are passed on to you!
- You’re likely to try new ingredients, and a wider variety of fruits and vegetables, if you are focused on cooking and baking with what’s in season.
- You’ll rely less on global, industrial agriculture, which is better for the environment.
- Fresh, locally grown (if possible) in-season produce just tastes better! If you’re lucky enough to have year round farmer’s markets where you live, that’s the best place to find delicious seasonal produce. Plus it helps support the local economy and farmers.
In Season Recipes: April
Skillet Sugar Snap Peas
Fresh sugar snap peas are sauteed with spices, lemon zest, and green onions, then finished off with a sprinkling of fresh mint in this easy vegetable side dish.
Ramen Noodle Salad
Romaine lettuce and broccoli are combined with crunchy Ramen noodles, sunflower seeds, and a sweet and tangy dressing in this unique and delicious salad.
Grilled Steak Potato Mushroom Kabobs
Juicy steak, tender potatoes and savory mushrooms are skewered and grilled to perfection!
Best-Ever Key Lime Pie - Once Upon a Chef
Made with ordinary limes, this “Key lime” pie tastes every bit as authentic as the real deal — plus it’s easier to make.
Loaded House Salad
Just like a house salad from your favorite restaurant, this salad is full of delicious ingredients like tomatoes, cheese, nuts, bacon and croutons. The perfect accompaniment to any meal!
Scallion Pancakes
These savory green onion pancakes are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. The perfect side for any Asian meal. Don't forget the dipping sauce!
Strawberry Lemon Pie
Fresh strawberries are piled into flaky pie crust then finished off with a sweet glaze and a sprinkling of lemon zest. The perfect spring or summer dessert!
Southwest Roasted Potatoes
Diced potatoes are tossed with southwest spices like cayenne and cumin, then roasted until tender. Garnished with a sprinkling of cilantro, these potatoes are a unique side dish for any Tex-Mex meal.
Roasted Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce
Fresh rhubarb is roasted, then pureed and cooked with traditional barbecue sauce ingredients in this unique and flavorful condiment.
Slow Cooker Chicken Posole
Chicken and hominy are slow cooked in a seasoned, tomato based broth, then topped with fresh herbs and vegetables in this classic Mexican soup recipe.
Sweet and Spicy Pork and Asparagus
Ground pork and fresh asparagus are sauteed in a sweet and spicy Asian sauce, then served over rice in this unique and delicious dish.
Easy Lemon Herb Potatoes
Potatoes are boiled then tossed with olive oil, lemon and fresh herbs in this quick and easy side dish.
Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
This classic strawberry shortcake recipe is a family favorite dessert. Tender Shortcake biscuits are topped with juicy strawberries and whipped cream for a delightful dessert!
Broccoli Ramen Noodle Salad
Just dump all the ingredients for this unique salad into a big bowl, toss and refrigerate, and you'll have a tasty salad that's perfect for potlucks and backyard barbecues.
Cajun Roasted Potatoes with Creole Dipping Sauce
Potato wedges are coated in a mixture of Cajun spices, then dipped in a creamy Creole-style dipping sauce in this spicy side dish everyone will love!
Pasta with Peas and Prosciutto
This easy but delicious pasta dish, with just a few simple ingredients, is always a hit, even with picky eaters. It's sure to become a family favorite!
Green Pea Soup
Healthy, affordable meals don’t get much better than this creamy Green Pea Soup!
Easy No-Bake Lemon Tart
Graham cracker crust with a sweet, creamy, no-bake lemon filling. Everyone loves this easy but elegant dessert.
Raw Asparagus Salad
Thin shavings of fresh asparagus are tossed with olive oil, lemon juice and Parmesan cheese in this delicious, healthy salad that's perfect for spring.
Grilled Beef Meatball Kabobs
Ground beef is mixed with middle eastern herbs and spices, then shaped into meatballs and grilled, kabob-style. Serve with Tzatziki sauce, for dipping.
Pork Ginger Rice Bowls
Ground pork is cooked with fresh ginger and brown sugar, then served over rice with a selection of toppings, like cool, crisp veggies, herbs, and chopped peanuts.
Roasted Artichoke Salad
If you can get your hands on fresh artichokes, make this bright artichoke salad right away. Topped with mint pesto, it's perfect for spring.
Quick Fish Tacos with Avocado Ranch Dressing
Frozen fish filets and bottled ranch dressing mean these easy fish tacos come together in a flash!
Honey Ginger Roasted Carrots
These sweet and savory carrots are roasted in a honey, ginger, brown sugar and soy sauce glaze.
Pineapple Coleslaw
Shredded cabbage and pineapple tidbits come together in a sweet and tangy dressing in this unique take on a classic salad!
Lemon Cheesecake Mousse
This creamy lemon mousse is an easy but elegant dessert that's ready in about fifteen minutes!
Roasted Broccoli with Breadcrumbs
Farfalle pasta is tossed in a sweet and tangy mayonnaise dressing with broccoli, grapes, bacon and chopped pecans in this unique and tasty salad.
Roasted Asparagus with Garlic Balsamic Drizzle
Fresh asparagus is oven roasted then drizzled in a balsamic vinegar reduction in this easy but elegant vegetable side dish.
Apricot Pecan Quick Bread
This easy quick bread features fresh, in-season apricots and crunchy pecans. With a hint of ginger and nutmeg, it's a delicious breakfast or afternoon snack.
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
This spicy twist on the classic Caesar salad features seasoned croutons and an avocado based dressing. The perfect side for any Mexican inspired meal.
Be sure to save this collection of April seasonal recipes to your favorite Pinterest board for later.
