Spring arrives this month, and with it comes some fresh new seasonal produce like asparagus, artichokes, lettuce and rhubarb. Perfect ingredients for Easter and all kinds of spring celebrations.
WHAT’S IN SEASON IN MARCH?
- Fruits: Oranges and tangerines are still in season, with rhubarb making an appearance this month–from baked goods to sauces and jams, it’s a bright and colorful addition to so many spring dishes.
- Vegetables: March is a great time to incorporate artichokes and asparagus into your menu–asparagus is an especially perfect ingredient for so many Easter brunch and buffet items. And there are still plenty of leafy greens in season this month including spinach and lettuce. Radishes, leeks and fennel are also a great addition to spring soups and salads.
I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for spring and a break from all of those heavy, winter dishes. Bring on the salads and fresh green veggies!
One of my favorite spring ingredients has to be asparagus. Although it’s generally available year-round, it’s in-season now and a beautiful addition to quiches, casseroles, and salads. And there are so many ways you can prepare it as a quick and healthy side dish. When buying asparagus look for stalks that have a rich green color with a small amount of white at the bottom.
And don’t forget about rhubarb! There are countless ways to use it in baked goods, and it adds a bright, tart flavor to jams and sauces. It’s not in season for long, so use it while it’s fresh and available.
March is also a great month to start incorporating lots of salad into your diet, with lettuce, kale and spinach being at the peak of freshness. Remember to toss in in some seasonal sliced radishes, green onions, avocados or carrots.
Here are some of the most popular fruits and vegetables that are in season during the month of March.
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: March
Balsamic Garlic Roasted Green Beans & Mushrooms
Balsamic vinegar and whole cloves of garlic make these roasted green beans and mushrooms extra special.
Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad with Candied Almonds
Made with just a few simple, fresh ingredients, this refreshing salad, topped with clusters of candied almonds, is sure to become a family favorite.
Easy Roasted Artichoke Recipe (Mediterranean style)
Sausage Orzo and Spinach Soup
Italian sausage, orzo pasta and fresh spinach combine in a creamy tomato based broth in this creamy, hearty soup that's both easy and delicious.
Roasted Carrots with Dijon Vinaigrette
Roasted baby carrots drizzled with a sweet and tangy dijon vinaigrette. The perfect spring vegetable side dish!
Cabbage Salad
Broccoli Bowtie Pasta Salad
Farfalle pasta is tossed in a sweet and tangy mayonnaise dressing with broccoli, grapes, bacon and chopped pecans in this unique and tasty salad.
Creamy Artichoke Mushroom Chicken
This easy to make baked chicken dish features artichoke hearts and fresh mushrooms for a unique and tasty twist on the usual chicken dinner.
Copycat Panera Greek Salad
If you love Panera's Greek salad, then you're going to love this copycat version. So delicious, and so easy to make at home!
Roasted Fennel
Grilled Parmesan Asparagus
Fresh asparagus spears are cooked on the grill with a dash of garlic salt, then finished off with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese. Easy, healthy and delicious!
Roasted Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce
Fresh rhubarb is roasted, then pureed and cooked with traditional barbecue sauce ingredients in this unique and flavorful condiment.
Potato Leek Soup - Once Upon a Chef
Rice Cooker Mushroom Risotto
Yes, you can make delicious, creamy risotto in your rice cooker and this version, loaded with mushrooms and Parmesan cheese, is so easy!
Kale and Almond Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
Fresh kale is tossed with almonds and Parmesan cheese in a tangy lemon vinaigrette.
Costco Quinoa Salad (Copycat Recipe)
This delicious salad is protein packed with quinoa and lentils, plus plenty of vegetables and tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect as a healthy lunch, light dinner, or side dish.
Cucumber Radish Salad| The Mediterranean Dish
Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast
Roast beef, mushrooms, carrots and onion, slow cooked in a tomato based sauce with Italian seasonings, then served over noodles.
Crunchy Asian Coleslaw
Shredded cabbage and carrots are mixed with onion and cilantro, then tossed with a slightly sweet and savory soy sauce dressing in this colorful slaw that's perfect with almost any meal.
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.
Easy Rhubarb Crisp Recipe [+ Video] - Savory Nothings
Moroccan Quinoa Power Salad
This hearty grain salad is loaded with vegetables, protein and sweet dried fruit. It's a great side or light lunch any day of the week!
Spinach and Herb Manicotti with Lemon
Pasta tubes are filled with a mixture of ricotta, spinach, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese and herbs in this special occasion dish that is sure to impress friends and family.
Chickpea Edamame Salad with Avocado Ginger Dressing
Chickpeas and edamame are tossed with a creamy, slightly spicy avocado and ginger dressing in this healthy protein packed salad.
Lemon Orzo Asparagus Salad
Orzo pasta is cooked with turmeric for wonderful color and flavor, then tossed with fresh asparagus and a lemon vinaigrette in this delicious spring time side dish.
Be sure to save this list of March Seasonal Recipes to your favorite Pinterest board for later.
