Adrien’s Spring Meals: Seasonal Recipes That Are Delicious

What Are Spring Meals?

Spring meals are dishes built around early harvest produce, lighter cooking methods, and vibrant flavors. They emphasize:

• Tender greens

• Fresh herbs

• Young vegetables

• Lean proteins

• Citrus accents

• Minimal, clean preparation

Unlike the slow-cooked stews of winter, spring cooking favors roasting, blanching, grilling, and raw preparations that highlight natural textures.

Sustainable Eating in Spring

Choosing seasonal meals reduces reliance on:

• Imported produce

• Heated greenhouses

• Long-term cold storage

Tips for sustainable spring cooking:

• Buy local when possible

• Choose organic for high-spray crops

• Compost vegetable scraps, we love Mill for this

• Plan meals to reduce waste

• Preserve surplus herbs by freezing in olive oil

Best Seasonal Ingredients for Spring Meals

Eating seasonally means choosing produce harvested at its natural peak. In most temperate climates (March–May), that includes:

Vegetables

• Asparagus

• Sugar snap peas

• English peas

• Radishes

• Fava beans

• Spring onions

• Artichokes

• Baby carrots

Leafy Greens

• Arugula

• Spinach

• Butter lettuce

• Watercress

• Swiss chard

Herbs

• Mint

• Dill

• Chives

• Parsley

• Tarragon

Fruits

• Strawberries

• Rhubarb

• Early citrus

Sustainable Proteins

• Pasture-raised eggs

• Wild-caught trout

• Legumes like lentils and chickpeas

Why seasonal matters:
Seasonal ingredients are typically fresher, more flavorful, and often higher in nutrients due to shorter storage times. They also require fewer artificial growing conditions, reducing environmental impact.

Homemade Pasta

First of all, we need to make the Pasta. Adrien shares his easy way to make fresh pasta at home. You only need a couple of ingredients and a pasta roller which we think if one of those really worthwhile kitchen investments. After you try this once you won’t be going back to store bought pasta, we promise you!

Get the full recipe on Substack! 

Wild Foraged Garlic Pesto

Adrien shares his seasonal recipe for wild garlic pesto that has to be one of the most delicious and simple spring time meals of all time! This is a classic recipe with a few twists that allow for wild garlic which he has been harvesting from the woods. You can also swap this out for any seasonal herb or green – it’s a great base to get creative with.

Get the full recipe on Substack! 

Homemade Apple Tart

This beautiful tart can be adapted with almost any seasonal fruit, and is perfect for informal dinner parties. It has been on repeat in our kitchens! We often keep pastry in the freezer so we have on hand as well for any spontaneous dining opportunities with friends and family.

Get the full recipe on Substack! 

Frequently Asked Questions About Spring Meals

What foods are in season during spring?

Common spring foods include asparagus, peas, radishes, spinach, arugula, strawberries, rhubarb, fresh herbs, and artichokes. Availability depends on region and climate.

What makes a meal a “spring meal”?

A spring meal features fresh, early harvest ingredients and lighter cooking methods such as blanching, grilling, roasting, or serving raw.

Are spring meals healthy?

Yes. Spring meals are typically high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and plant-based nutrients. They are often lighter and less processed than winter comfort foods.

How can I eat seasonally on a budget?

Shop farmers’ markets near closing time, join a CSA, cook with whole ingredients, and base meals around affordable legumes and grains paired with seasonal vegetables.

Can spring meals include meat?

Absolutely. Choose sustainably sourced options like pasture-raised chicken or wild-caught fish, and use smaller portions to keep vegetables as the focus.