April Recipe Roundup: Fresh Spring Recipes to Try
Hey friends!
Welcome to this month’s Recipe Roundup, where I’m sharing some of my favorite spring recipes! My goal with these roundups is to inspire you and make meal planning just a little bit easier — because I know how tough it can be to figure out what to cook. I always love hearing what you’re cooking too, so please drop a comment and share what’s been on your menu lately!
This month, I’m diving into the flavors of spring — think asparagus, strawberries, and an abundance of fresh herbs. I’m also continuing my exploration of beans, so you’ll find a delicious bean-packed recipe in the mix as well. Here’s a peek at what I’ve been cooking and loving lately.
Spring Salad
Fresh, vibrant, and completely crave-worthy — this Spring Salad is everything I love about the season. It’s loaded with tender asparagus, sweet peas, crisp greens, and a handful of crunchy pistachios. The tangy feta and bright vinaigrette pull it all together, making each bite a perfect balance of flavors. I love enjoying it on its own, but it’s also amazing topped with grilled salmon, shrimp, or chicken if you’re looking to turn it into a hearty main. This salad is also a total crowd-pleaser, so it’s perfect for potlucks or picnics — I can pretty much guarantee it’ll be the first thing to disappear!
Why I love it: This salad is a total standout — bursting with color, fresh herbs, and flavor. What I really love is how versatile it is. You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or use whatever you’ve got in the fridge, and it’ll still come together into a delicious, quick, and easy side that’s always a winner.
Marinated Roasted Bell Pepper Bean Salad with Fried Capers
Lately, I’ve been trying to add more legumes into my meals — beans, chickpeas, lentils. I’ve been on the hunt for recipes that are both flavorful and easy to throw together. This salad totally delivered! It’s got creamy chickpeas and cannellini beans, crunchy marinated cucumbers, sweet roasted peppers, and the brightest lemon-herb dressing. The fried capers are absolute magic! Salty, crispy little flavor bombs.
Why I love it: It’s one of those salads that gets even better after sitting in the fridge — which makes it great for meal prep or just easy lunches throughout the week. The mix of textures is so satisfying, and the dressing pulls everything together in the best way.
Roast Asparagus and Miso Dressing
This roasted asparagus with miso dressing is one of those super simple recipes I keep coming back to — it’s quick, packed with flavor, and feels a little fancy without any extra effort. The asparagus roasts up beautifully with just olive oil, salt, and pepper, but the real star is the miso dressing. It’s creamy, tangy, a little sweet, and full of umami. This recipe makes plenty of dressing, so you’ll have some leftover to enjoy! Drizzle it over roasted veggies, grain bowls, or even chicken — it’s the perfect way to add an extra punch of flavor to just about anything.
Why I love it: It’s the kind of dish that feels way more special than the effort it takes. The miso dressing brings so much flavor, and it turns a simple veggie side into something you’ll actually crave. Plus, it keeps well, so you can make it once and have it on hand to zhuzh up lunches or leftovers.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
This strawberry spinach salad is one of my go-to spring recipes when I want something fresh, simple, and a burst of sweetness. Now that strawberries are finally in season, I’m finding any excuse to add them to everything. This salad is one of my favorite ways to enjoy them. It’s loaded with juicy berries, crunchy pecans, creamy feta, and tossed in a tangy-sweet poppy seed dressing that pulls it all together. Perfect for a cozy night in or sharing around the table with friends and family.
Why I love it: It’s fresh, vibrant, and hits that perfect sweet-savory balance. I make it on repeat this time of year, and it’s always a hit — whether I’m serving it up for a crowd or just making myself something quick and delicious.
Let’s Cook Together
I hope these spring recipes bring a little brightness to your kitchen this week — they’ve definitely been on repeat in mine! I’d love to know what you’re cooking right now, whether it’s something from this roundup or another seasonal favorite. Drop a comment below and share your creations — it always makes my day to see what you’re making!
And don’t forget, I’ll be back next week with another recipe roundup full of fresh, simple dishes to keep the spring vibes going.
Until then, happy cooking!
Ana
