4 Fresh and Delicious Spring Recipes to Welcome the Season
By Stacey Donadio, Lifestyle Blogger & Monmouth County Realtor
There’s something about spring that inspires us to lighten things up—our homes, our routines, and definitely our meals. As the days grow longer and fresh produce becomes more available at local farms and markets, it’s the perfect time to refresh your recipe rotation. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding your family, or just craving something new, these four spring-inspired recipes are fresh, flavorful, and easy to make.
🌱 1. Spring Pea & Mint Crostini
This light appetizer is perfect for entertaining or as a quick bite before dinner. Sweet peas paired with fresh mint on crispy crostini—it’s like spring in a bite!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Baguette, sliced and toasted
- Olive oil
Instructions:
Boil peas for 2–3 minutes, then drain and cool. In a food processor, blend peas, garlic, parmesan, mint, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle in olive oil until creamy. Spread on toasted baguette slices and garnish with more mint or lemon zest.
🍓 2. Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Sweet, tart, and savory, this salad is always a hit. Great as a side or topped with grilled chicken for a light meal.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans or almonds
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
Poppy Seed Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
Whisk together dressing ingredients. Toss salad ingredients in a large bowl and drizzle with dressing just before serving.
🌸 3. Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus
This easy sheet pan dinner is light, fresh, and comes together in 20 minutes—perfect for busy spring weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into thirds
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. On a baking sheet, toss shrimp and asparagus with melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings. Roast for 12–15 minutes, stirring once, until shrimp is pink and asparagus is tender. Garnish with parsley and serve over rice or pasta.
🍋 4. Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Cake
A sweet way to end any spring meal—this cake is moist, lightly sweet, and packed with citrus flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch cake pan. In a bowl, mix ricotta, sugar, eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, and juice. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in blueberries. Pour batter into pan and bake 35–40 minutes, until golden and set. Cool before slicing.
Celebrate the Flavors of Spring
Spring is the season of renewal—and that includes your kitchen! These recipes are all about celebrating fresh flavors and keeping things simple, bright, and seasonal. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight meal or hosting Sunday brunch, let these dishes bring a little sunshine to your table.
Looking for the best local farms and markets in Monmouth County to grab your fresh ingredients? I’d love to share some of my favorites with you. Shoot me a message anytime!
Realtor Stacey Donadio 