To celebrate the season, we’re getting creative with the three As of spring: asparagus, artichokes, and arugula. Each of these tasty seasonal veggies has something different to offer in the kitchen, and we can’t wait to explore every one of them. Read on for fresh ideas we hope you’ll love.
Asparagus Risotto Verde
Other spring vegetables like carrots and fennel make a cameo in this inventive recipe, but asparagus is decidedly the star of the show. With its bright green color and fresh-from-the-farm flavor, this creative risotto adaptation is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party.
“I imagined eating a bowl of something that looked and tasted of springtime,” Family Style Food blogger Karen Tedesco said of the inspiration behind her recipe. We say, “Mission accomplished!”
Get step-by-step instructions and tips on how to make asparagus risotto verde at Family Style Food.
Asparagus Toast With Poached Eggs
Warm vinaigrette, farm-fresh eggs, and seasonal asparagus come together in this delightfully simple preparation that’s perfect for brunch.
Modeled after a memorable meal that chef, caterer, and Feasting at Home blogger Sylvia Fountaine enjoyed in Paris, this lovely recipe manages the formidable feat of being decadent and unpretentious at the same time.
Learn how to make asparagus toast with poached eggs with step-by-step instructions from Feasting at Home.
Triple-Pea and Asparagus Salad With Feta-Mint Dressing
The fresh flavors of asparagus, peas, and mint combine with the nutty flavor of farro in this hearty spring salad from Food & Wine. We hope you can find the first peas of the season for the “triple-pea” part of the recipe (green, sugar snap, and snow peas), but you can substitute frozen if you need to.
The salty and lemony feta-mint dressing just may become your summer stalwart; it’s also perfect with grilled vegetables, crispy roasted potatoes, or even folded through warm pasta.
Get the step-by-step instructions for making triple-pea and asparagus salad with feta-mint dressing at Food & Wine. Enjoy!
Vegan Veal Parmesan Sandwich With Baby Arugula
Peppery arugula adds some bite to these creative meat-free Parmesan subs from Veronica Sheppard of The Vegetarian Ginger.
Not only is this pick fresh and seasonal, it’s also a great way to enjoy a hot sandwich without busting your warm-weather diet.
With tips and step-by-step instructions from The Vegetarian Ginger, you can make your own vegan veal Parmesan sandwich.
Creamy Avocado Linguine With Meyer Lemon & Arugula
This clever vegan twist on pesto pasta features creamy avocados, fresh seasonal arugula, garlic, and Meyer lemon zest. “The creaminess of the avocado fools you into believing you are consuming something rich and decadent and cheesy,” says chef and blogger Sylvia Fountaine from Feasting at Home.
This dish looks may look like something from a fancy fusion restaurant, but it’s surprisingly simple to put together, making it ideal for busy weeknights or thrown-together weekend gatherings.
Get step-by-step instructions and tips on how to make creamy avocado linguine with Meyer lemon and arugula at Feasting at Home.
Roasted Vegetable Pizza With Baby Arugula
The savory flavor of artichokes, cherry tomatoes, and roasted red onions makes this pizza from Seasons and Suppers awesome — but a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of fresh arugula takes it over the top.
You can make this “Veg Out” pizza entirely from scratch — or use your favorite store-bought dough for quick and easy preparation.
Get step-by-step instructions to make this scrumptious roasted vegetable pizza with arugula at Seasons and Suppers.
Spinach & Artichoke Grilled Cheese Sandwich
If you ask us, the idea of combining a toasty grilled cheese with the creamy goodness of spinach and artichoke dip is downright genius.
Dreamed up by Foodie Crush blogger and self-proclaimed grilled cheese connoisseur Heidi Larsen, this creation combines seasonal freshness with classic comfort food for a bite that’s tough to beat.
Follow the step-by-step instructions at Foodie Crush and make your own spinach and artichoke grilled cheese sandwich.
Beer-Steamed Stuffed Artichokes
In our experience, any recipe containing the words “beer-steamed” has a 99% chance of rocking your socks off. And if you’re a bacon-lover, this boozy adaptation of the classic stuffed artichoke just may be your new favorite dish.
Dreamed up by Jackie Dodd (aka The Beeroness), this definitely-not-vegetarian recipe features a light and citrusy wheat beer that’s perfect for spring. Dodd will even show you a frustration-free method for peeling and stuffing those unruly artichokes.
Grab a cold one and make some beer-steamed stuffed artichokes with step-by-step instructions from The Beeroness.
Feature image by Bernadette Wurzinger at Pixabay
Editor’s note: Originally published on May 8, 2013, this article was updated in April 2021.