Spring clean your pantry with these in-season staple vegetables, perfect for any savory or light dish!
Carrots
Whether you prefer purple, yellow, or orange, carrots of all shapes and colors are rich in fiber, calcium, potassium and have been shown to reduce age-related macular degeneration.
Recipes:
- Blend tomatoes, olive oil, and spices with carrots to create this hearty Tomato and Carrot Marinara Sauce.
- This lightweight Carrot Ginger Soup is the perfect throwdown after visiting the farmers market.
Asparagus
Valentine’s Day may be over, but leave it to the Greeks to discover the aphrodisiac properties of asparagus about 2,000 years ago. Asparagus is also loaded with potassium and vitamins A, B6, and C. It’s low in calories, easy to cook, and a good meal of choice to boost a steamy dinner date.
Recipes:
- Try this quick and savory Sautéed Asparagus and Morels with Gribiche Dressing dish that takes fewer than 10 minutes.
- Craving some pasta, but not quite ready to cut down the carbs after a long winter just yet? Try these hearty Ricotta Dumplings with Buttered Peas and Asparagus.
Kale
Kale has been having a moment for a while now, thanks to its widely acclaimed health benefits. Between its powerful antioxidants, being one of the most nutrient-dense foods in existence, and robust structure, it’s no wonder why the kale craze never died!
Recipes:
- Blend some tropical fruits to create this delicious and creamy Kale Smoothie from Tasty.
- Impress your friends with this stunning Kale, Fried Chorizo & Crusty Croutons with a Poached Egg.
Brussel Sprouts
Brussel sprouts are a bit of an acquired taste. Once you begin incorporating them into your diet, you learn how easy and versatile they are to prepare and cook. They’re loaded with vitamins and minerals, can help fight cancer, and can control blood sugar levels.
Recipes:
- Try this savory, addictive, and crispy Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts dish, the perfect side for a spring dinner party.
- Shred some brussel sprouts and load them with walnuts, pomegranates, apples, and feta cheese to make this dazzling Brussel Sprouts Salad.
Broccoli
Everyone loves to hate broccoli. But broccoli is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help reduce the risk of cancer and improve skin and bone health!
Recipes:
- Try this flavorful and vegan Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry with Chickpeas.
- Toss in some limes, chiles, and noodles for this sweet, zesty, and fulfilling Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb is usually incorporated into sweet dishes. It’s fairly tangy, which helps balance out its tart flavors when combined with fruit, like strawberries and raspberries. It makes an excellent source of fiber, calcium, and vitamins K and C.
Recipes:
- Switch out the quintessential rhubarb-strawberry pie for this sweet and puckery Rhubarb Crisp.
- Craving something more savory? Try this Rhubarb Sauce recipe to drizzle on your chicken.
Spinach
Springtime gives us a taste of summer, but it also ushers in a peak of the common cold. Boost your immunity system with spinach, which is loaded with calcium, manganese, vitamins K and E, and magnesium. Thanks to the fact that spinach is mostly water, it’s also an excellent way to support hydration.
Recipes:
- Get a flavor kick with this versatile Spicy Sautéed Spinach.
- Strawberries are in season during the spring and pair perfectly with greens in this sweet and tangy Strawberry Spinach Smoothie.
Beets
Perhaps the messiest and most colorful vegetable on this list, beets make a vibrant addition to any salad or smoothie. Beets are rich in folate, manganese, potassium, and magnesium, although they rank higher in carbs than most vegetables. Still, they can help fight inflammation and even boost athletic performance. So, beet it!
Recipes:
- Drizzle this pastel pink Tahini Beet Sauce onto any salad that makes for a healthy variation to a classic tahini sauce.
- This Beet Hummus recipe is the eye-catching side dish you need for your next backyard spring dinner party!
Bok Choy
Originating from China, studies show bok choy reduces the risk of developing lung, prostate, and colon cancer. In addition, it’s a reliable source of selenium, which can halt tumor growth, and has vitamins C and E containing beta-carotene, making it a powerful antioxidant.
Recipes:
- For those colder spring days, try this toasty and healthy Ginger Bok Choy Ramen Noodles.
- Go the classic route with this authentic Stir-Fried Bok Choy.
Swiss Chard
The leafy swiss chard is a robust and versatile vegetable that you can easily incorporate into nearly every savory dish. It’s high in vitamins K, A, and C and lowers the risk of heart- and lung-related diseases.
Recipes:
- In a rush? Stir together some garlic, onions, and spices for this easy-to-make Sautéed Swiss Chard.
- This protein-loaded Warm Chicken and Swiss Chard is the perfect, sustainable afternoon pick-me-up.