As the vibrant hues of spring come into full bloom, there’s no better time to infuse your meals with the fresh, colorful flavors of the season. Spring produce offers a kaleidoscope of colors and textures, making it the perfect inspiration for creating bright and colorful plates bursting with green goodness. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or are just starting to explore plant-based eating, take advantage of all the season’s fresh veggies that are available at your favorite farmers market.

Focusing on plant-based foods doesn’t mean giving up meat, fish, and seafood altogether. Rather, it’s a gentle shift towards a plate adorned with an abundance of fruits, veggies, and greens that are the stars of the show. By skillfully balancing flavors and textures and crafting dishes that both tantalize your taste buds and support your health and wellness goals, you can ramp up your repertoire of healthy meal options while still catering to your family’s cravings.

Spring indeed provides a plethora of opportunities to experiment and get creative with fresh produce and herbs, alongside your favorite staples. Potatoes, for example, serve as a versatile canvas for creating delicious side dishes, or even main course meals. We all have our favorite “go-to” potato salad that is perfect for a warm-weather picnic, but you can add just about anything to a potato to create something truly exceptional. One of my favorite springtime recipes elevates the everyday roasted red potatoes by combining them with farm-fresh peas and a medley of delicious herbs. This harmonious dish serves as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite luncheon entrée, makes a great side dish for a grilled steak, and even a vibrant entrée salad nestled atop a bed of fresh lettuce. It’s a celebration of seasonal flavors that is sure to impress.

So embrace the season and let the vibrant bounty of spring produce ignite your culinary imagination. With a dash of creativity and an abundance of fresh ingredients, you can savor the flavors of springtime and nourish your body with every delicious bite.

– 2 pounds of baby potatoes, halved
– 1 cup fresh peas
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh mint leaves (or basil), chopped, for garnish

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Wash and halve the baby potatoes, ensuring they are similar in size for even cooking. Place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and toss with garlic and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the edges. Remember to toss the potatoes halfway through for uniform cooking. Remove potatoes from the oven and immediately toss with the fresh peas (you can use frozen peas, thawed, in a pinch). Whisk two tablespoons of olive oil with two teaspoons of lemon juice and toss with potatoes. Serve immediately or rest for a few minutes and serve at room temperature.

Add in your own ideas … freshly sliced radishes, pickled onions, microgreens … get creative, and have fun!