9 Healthy Recipes That Celebrate Spring

The long, cold winter is (finally!) over. Celebrate with fresh springtime treasures like asparagus, pea shoots and more.

By: Dana Angelo White, M.S., R.D., A.T.C.

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Photo By: Con Poulos

Photo By: Antonis Achilleos

Photo By: Kang Kim

What's In Season?

After a long and cold winter, farmers market fanatics are stir-crazy and clamoring for their favorite produce. Welcome the warmer weather and celebrate the flavors of spring with these top in-season picks.

Asparagus

These pretty spears are bursting with fiber, iron and potassium. Quick cooking keeps asparagus crisp, sweet, and full of nutrients; toss on the grill, roast in the oven, or sauté with olive oil and a sprinkle of coarse salt.

Give It a Try: Spring Layered Salad with Asparagus and Buttermilk Dressing

Radishes

Crunchy, brightly colored radishes are a delightful addition to meals and snacks, and they're a good source of vitamin C. Search the markets for striped pink-and-white "French Breakfast" and other unique varieties. In addition to enjoying them raw, try them roasted or sautéed.

Give Them a Try: Glazed Radishes

Pea Shoots

These fresh and highly perishable greens are a farmers' market treasure. Add these nutrient-filled greens to salads or tuck into summer rolls.

Give Them a Try: Pea Salad with Tarragon and Pea Shoots

Bok Choy

Boy Choy is a flavorful cabbage popular in Asian cuisine. Like other leafy green veggies, it's packed with vitamins and minerals including vitamins K and C, plus folate and calcium.

Give It a Try: Grilled Bok Choy

Lettuces

Tender and succulent lettuce will elevate your sandwiches and salads. Choose varieties in deep shades of green and purple for the maximum amount of nutrients.

Give Them a Try: Green Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

Rhubarb

Tart and tangy, antioxidant-rich rhubarb can be mellowed by the sweetness of berries. Experience this magical springtime combo for yourself by making a batch of jam or baked goods.

Give It a Try: Rhubarb Compote

Spinach

Spring is the beginning of a long growing season for this leafy green veggie. Spinach is a nutrition powerhouse filled with vitamins A, C, fiber and potassium. Enjoy in a fresh salad or make a batch of pesto that can be stored in the freezer.

Give It a Try: Perfect Spinach Salad

Artichokes

Artichokes are one of the best sources of hunger-fighting fiber with more than 10 grams each. Canned artichoke hearts are a year-around option but 'tis the season to enjoy them freshly picked.

Give Them a Try: Steamed Artichokes

Ramps

These onion-y green shoots (also known as wild leeks) are pleasantly pungent with the aroma of garlic. A good source of vitamins A and C and the minerals chromium and selenium, savor them raw or sautéed. But get 'em while you can since the season is short and they'll quickly disappear until next season.

Give Them a Try: Spring Pizzas