Whether you're planning a casual garden party or attending a weekend potluck, these dishes feature the best of spring's bounty while offering a perfect balance of classic favorites and creative new combinations. From our zesty Lemon-Caper Deviled Eggs to the sophisticated Roasted Leg of Lamb with Pomegranate-Wine Sauce, each recipe has been carefully crafted to bring the joy of seasonal cooking to your table.
Classic Spring Starters
Set the tone for an unforgettably tasty spring gathering.
Lemon-Caper Deviled Eggs
This spin on traditional deviled eggs gets a kick from salty capers, tart lemon juice and piquant mustard.
Ham with Buttermilk-Chive Biscuits
Use spiral-sliced ham or any version of your favorite ham to fill these little biscuits.
Rhubarb Refrigerator Pickles
These crisp and tangy pickles are a great accompaniment to sharp cheeses and charcuterie, or use them as swizzle sticks for cocktails or seltzer.
Steamed Artichokes with Creamy Walnut Dip
A simple mixture of toasted walnuts and sherry vinegar provides a rich and wholesome dip for the artichoke leaves.
Grilled Salmon Spread with Fennel and Chives
Serve this creamy spread on grilled or toasted bread alongside grilled vegetables or enjoy with crudités and crackers as the start to any spring gathering.
Get the recipe: Grilled Salmon Spread with Fennel and Chives
Spring Salads and Sides
Salads and side dishes are a delicious way to explore a wide variety of spring's flavors.
Spring Salad with Strawberries and Creamy Orange-Avocado Dressing
This seasonal beauty calls on spring all-stars asparagus and strawberries for a satisfying salad. The blended avocado results in a smooth and creamy cloak for the produce.
Get the recipe: Spring Salad with Strawberries and Creamy Orange-Avocado Dressing
Rainbow Kale Slaw
Lacinato kale, also known as dinosaur kale, isn't as tough as curly kale and lends itself well to raw salads like this one. This recipe will easily double for a big group or potluck.
Antipasti Salad
Although this salad calls for many ingredients, most of them can be found prepared and ready to use. No heating of the kitchen required for this salad that offers something for every taste.
Red Potato and Asparagus Salad
This salad is just right for serving to a large group at an Easter gathering or spring picnic. To feed a smaller crowd, simply halve the recipe.
Spring Chickpea Salad
This delicious vegan salad of chickpeas and green peas is dressed with a creamy cashew dressing. We love the sophisticated flavor fresh tarragon gives it, but you can substitute almost any leafy herb you might have on hand: dill, basil and parsley are excellent.
Cabbage Slaw with Gala Apples and Walnuts
A colorful, simple and absolutely delicious slaw for any season. You can shred the cabbage on the large holes of a box grater, with the shredding attachment of a food processor or by simply slicing it very finely with a sharp knife.
Lemony Asparagus Salad
While delicious cooked, raw asparagus feels extra fresh in this tart salad. The asparagus is shaved into thin ribbons. Serve immediately or let the salad marinate several hours to blend the flavors.
Carrots with Peas and Pancetta
The classic combo of carrots and peas gets a delicious update with the addition of pancetta, fresh herbs and red wine vinegar.
Tangy Buttered Beets and Beet Greens with Dijon
Beets are available in purple, gold and candy-striped varieties, so use whatever looks best to you. Use Dijon, whole grain or even spicy mustard in this recipe.
Get the recipe: Tangy Buttered Beets and Beet Greens with Dijon
Bulgur with Peas and Mint
This fresh-flavored side dish beautifully complements simple pan-seared lamb chops. Be sure to use fresh peas in spring, when their flavor is at their peak.
Scalloped Potatoes
Serve as a side dish at any meal or as a main course with a green salad on the side. To make preparation a snap, use a mandoline to slice the potatoes.
Roasted Asparagus with Sesame, Chile and Garlic
This easy and flavorful preparation for asparagus may become a staple for your spring table.
Get the recipe: Roasted Asparagus with Sesame, Chile and Garlic
Swiss Chard with Tomatoes, Feta and Pine Nuts
With its deep and delicious earthy flavors, wholesome Swiss chard is always a great choice for any spring celebration.
Get the recipe: Swiss Chard with Tomatoes, Feta and Pine Nuts
Potluck-Perfect Spring Mains
These showstopping mains celebrate spring's most memorable flavors.
Picnic Chicken Drumsticks
Serve these flavorful, buttermilk-marinated chicken legs as a crunchy baked alternative to fried chicken. They're tasty straight out of the oven or even served cold. For a spin on the breading, use toasted wheat cereal in place of half of the breadcrumbs.
Quinoa Loaf with Mushrooms and Peas
Welcome spring to your table with this delicious main-course recipe that is destined to become a favorite for family and feasts alike. For tasty veggie burgers, serve any leftover slices on toasted whole wheat buns with lettuce and spicy mustard.
Spring Chicken Salad
Use this light and delicious salad as a sandwich filling or serve alongside slices of fresh mango. Add more veggies if you like: diced red bell pepper or thinly sliced cooked asparagus are colorful additions.
Tofu Veggie Skewers with Pineapple Mango Jerk Sauce
Transform mango into a spiced barbecue sauce that's perfect for glazing these colorful skewers. If you like, you can marinate the tofu and veggies in the sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
Get the recipe: Tofu Veggie Skewers with Pineapple Mango Jerk Sauce
Mini Wild Salmon Cakes
These Dijon mustard-spiked salmon cakes are a great choice for a spring potluck. Pairs perfectly with spring greens and can be made into any size patties, large for mains and small for the perfect one-bite appetizer.
Roasted Leg of Lamb with Pomegranate-Wine Sauce
This savory roasted lamb is drizzled with an unexpected tangy pomegranate pan sauce just before serving. It's an impressive dish that's perfect for winter or spring entertaining.
Get the recipe: Roasted Leg of Lamb with Pomegranate-Wine Sauce
Spring-Inspired Desserts
End on a sweet note with these irresistible desserts that balance seasonal fruits with decadent treats.
Rhubarb Pie with Orange Crust
The addition of orange juice and zest in this pie crust perfectly complements the tartness of the rhubarb filling. Enjoy this brightly-flavored pie with lightly sweetened whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt.
Mango, Raspberry and Cashew Cream Parfaits
Dried and fresh mango combine with creamy cashews, sweet raspberries and toasted almonds for a colorful dessert or brunch addition. Prepare all components ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
Texas Sheet Cake Cupcakes
Turn this traditional chocolate sheet cake into handheld treats made with whole wheat pastry flour and sweet potato purée. Perfect for tailgating and potlucks, these cupcakes are best enjoyed the day they are made.
Chunky Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with Fleur de Sel
Roasted peanuts, bittersweet chocolate and just a touch of salt, what's not to love? These cookies are downright irresistible.
Get the recipe: Chunky Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with Fleur de Sel
Cinnamon Roasted Pineapple with Macadamia Nut Cream
The natural sweetness of pineapple and dates and the richness of macadamia nuts make this a palate-pleasing dessert.
Get the recipe: Cinnamon Roasted Pineapple with Macadamia Nut Cream
Rosé Lemon Sorbet
This made-in-heaven match is light and refreshing, perfect for finishing off a spring brunch or gathering. Plan ahead to make this sorbet, which doesn’t require an ice cream maker.*
*Must be 21+. Please drink responsibly.
