Growing Your Own Organic Produce Just Got Super Easy

Strawberries

Strawberries are one of the yummiest produce in season for May, since they can taste like literal candy when ripe. They're just a classic when it comes to spring fruits!

What to make:

• Strawberry Smoothies
• Strawberry Stuffed French Toast
• Chilled Strawberry Soup
  
• Strawberry Pancakes
  
• Strawberry Basil Margaritas
  
• Strawberry Chia Cookies

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a stalk vegetable that blooms beautifully in spring. It's commonly used in pies, but you could also make some boozy cocktails with rhubarb! Here are a few ideas to get you started.

What to make:

• Rhubarb Pie
• Strawberry Rhubarb Bellinis

Mango

Mango is oh-so tropical, lending a blissful vacation vibe to any recipe. From drinks to snacks, you can count on mango to be super juicy this season. Try one of our recipes!

What to make:

• Mango Curry Shrimp
• Jicama Mango Salsa
• Mango Sorbet
  
• Mango Peach Frosé

Kiwi

Kiwis pack a nutritious punch, supplying more than twice your recommended daily amount of vitamin C. We adore that they're an immune-boosting fruit and can taste like candy when eaten at peak ripeness!

What to make:

• Kiwi-Pineapple Smoothies
• Strawberry-Kiwi Adult Capri Sun Drinks
• Kiwi Chia Seed Pudding

Pineapple

We could honestly eat an entire pineapple by ourselves. It's that yummy! Pineapple is equally yummy in savory dishes as it is in sweet ones, and we have plenty of recipe ideas to explore with this produce in season.

What to make:

• Pineapple Margaritas
• Pineapple Al Pastor Tacos
  
• Candied Pineapple
  
• Piña Colada Cake
  
• Salmon Burgers with Grilled Pineapple

Beets

Beets are famous for being rich in antioxidants, which is helpful especially if you're trying to eat an anti-inflammatory diet. Try one of these recipe ideas for a nutritious boost!

What to make:

• Beet Salads
• Red Velvet Beet Cupcakes
  
• Beet Hummus

Citrus

Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, limes, and lemons thrive this time of year! Use 'em to make juice, mix 'em into sauces and dips, or make them the star of your recipes and cocktails!

What to make:

• Chocolate Orange Truffles
• Citrus Sangria
  
• Lemon Drop Martinis
  
• Brûléed Grapefruit Tart
  
• Lemon Loaf
  
• Instant Pot Orange Chicken
  
• Blood Orange Cocktails
  
• Lemon Chicken Skewers

Avocado

Avocado can be used in recipes way beyond your regular avocado toast. Take advantage of this produce in season this May by making spreads, dips, sauces, and more with this green fruit!

What to make:

• Avocado Pasta
• Vegan Avocado Red Velvet Brownies
  
• Guacamole
  
• Stuffed Avocados
  
• Mint Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream

Broccoli

Good ol' broc is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and you don't have to eat it plain if you don't want to! Broccoli makes an excellent side dish for pastas and casseroles, plus it gets pretty yum when you roast it in the oven.

What to make:

• Easy Roasted Broccoli
• Steamed Sea Bass with Broccoli, Mushrooms, and Summer Squash

Carrots

Carrots, whether you eat them crunchy or cooked down, are the perfect spring veggie. You may know carrots for being able to benefit your vision, but they also can lower cholesterol levels and even help prevent cancer! Sneaking carrots into soups or salads is an easy way to make use of the seasonal veg.

What to make:

• Carrot Hot Dogs
• Carrot Cake
  
• Finger Food Appetizers with Carrot Marmelade

Spinach + Arugula

We all loathed spinach as kids, but it's gained some real appeal since we've grown up! Spinach is another easy produce in season that you can sneak into recipes like smoothies and pasta sauces. We can't forget a classic spinach dip, either! Arugula is also in season for May, so get ready to make some delish salads, too.

What to make:

• Spinach Dip
• Jalapeño Spinach Queso
  
• Green Pasta
  
• Salads
  
• Spinach Mushroom Gnocchi Casserole

Artichokes

Fresh artichokes are a blast to cook with if you've never tried it! They'll be super fresh and tasty when you pick them up from your local market. If you're wondering what to do with this piece of produce, we've got a few ideas...

What to make:

• Spinach-Artichoke Dip
• Stuffed Artichokes
• Steamed Artichokes with Garlic Butter
• Spinach Artichoke Muffins
  
• Spring Vegetables Napoltiana

Peas

Peas are such an underrated vegetable, in our opinion. They're great when eaten alone, but they also help bulk up soups, pastas, and more. You could even make a delish risotto with some peas!

What to make:

• Sweet Pea + Asparagus Soup
• Blender Pea Soup

Radishes

Radishes aren't particularly tasty on their own, but they make excellent garnishes for salads, sandwiches, and even tacos. They pack a healthy punch with vitamin C and calcium!

What to make:

• Tilapia Tacos
  
• Salad Cake
• Radish Salad

Asparagus

This stalky veggie used to yuck us out as kids, but now, it's super delish when we roast it in the oven or grill it with some fish.

What to make:

• Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus

Cauliflower

Broccoli's cousin, cauliflower, is so versatile. Make some cauli wings or cauli rice to sneak in some good veg.

What to make:

• Roasted Cauliflower + Burrata
• Cauliflower Fried Rice
  
• Chicken + Cauliflower Rice Bowls

Green Onion

Green onion can bring flavor to any dish, plus it makes an excellent garnish.

1. Artichokes

Artichokes are a unique addition to savory appetizer and dinner recipes. They offer a pleasant texture that you can't find in other produce. Preparing artichokes takes special skill, so if you're looking to challenge yourself in the kitchen this spring, give the green veggie a try.

What To Make: Roasted Lemon Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Chopped artichokes become unbelievably tender in this baked dip. Each bite is zesty and creamy, so come prepared with toast to devour it with. (via Half Baked Harvest)

2. Arugula

We've long thought of arugula as spinach's bitter sister, but the leafy green is actually very versatile in flavor and texture. It comes in many different varieties so you can play around with which one works best for your palette.

What To Make: Strawberry Arugula Salad

This recipe sweetens arugula up with a berry good pairing. The fresh ingredients in this dish will definitely elevate all those springtime feelings. (via Feel Good Foodie)

3. Asparagus

Long gone are the days of thinking asparagus is a gross vegetable — it's got flavor for days. These stalks taste delicious roasted, but there are a handful of ways you can prep them from tossing them in salads, pastas, pizzas, and more!

What To Make: Asparagus Pizza

Surprise! Pizza can be healthy! Lay out this pie using a homemade dough for the best results, but if you have to go the store-bought route, the fresh and seasonal toppings will balance out the dough. (via Most Hungry)

4. Avocados

There's nothing better than a perfectly ripe avocado – they smooth out your meal's texture while supplementing it with healthy fats and vitamins. Guacamole, salads, and deliciously-topped toasts are definitely our favorite things to make with fresh avocados.

What To Make: Healthy Avocado Toast

Once you go avo toast, you never go back — breakfasts just won't be the same. You can play around with your toasty additions to form the best morning bite, topping it with eggs, deli meats, or even just a sprinkle of Everything But The Bagel seasoning. (via Live Eat Learn)

5. Beets

Earthy beets are so good when cooked the right way. If you're looking for new techniques to try with this radical root, we have a couple tips! Boiling or steaming beets eliminates their undesired crunchy texture, and marinating them immerses each piece in flavor. Give it a try!

What To Make: Beet Pasta

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You can get in some hidden nutrition with this beet pasta sauce. This vegan recipe doesn't skimp on the creaminess of a regular pasta sauce, plus the eye-catching color makes it a total joy to eat!

6. Berries

Did you hear? Raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries are back in. Though we admit we're definitely stuffing them in our mouths year-round, they taste the absolute best in springtime. Use these sweet seasonal bites to top pancakes or waffles, add to yogurt bowls, blend for a smoothie, or just pop a few in your mouth for a midday snack!

What To Make: Caribbean Passion Smoothie

Flavors of mango, passionfruit, peaches, and strawberry infuse this thick springtime smoothie. This recipe is a great way to incorporate healthy foods into your day, even when that sweet tooth calls. (via Culinary Hill)

7. Broccoli

Your parents were right – you will grow up to love broccoli. Broccoli comes back into season this month, so you've got the perfect excuse to make something to compliment its crunchy earthiness.

What To Make: Green Goddess Vegan Broccoli Soup

Assemble this electric green soup for an extreme boost of healthy foods! Broccoli teams up with kale to deliver your new favorite spring soup. (via The Girl On Bloor)

8. Cabbage

Cabbage is super versatile, adding soft or crunchy textures depending on how it's cooked. If you're not into raw cabbage in all its uncooked glory, boiling this vegetable makes all the difference on the both the texture and taste fronts.

What To Make: Grilled Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa

A bright cabbage slaw decorates these flavorful grilled chicken tacos for added crunch! If tacos aren't your vibe this season, you can still use it to sprinkle on top of salads or sandwiches for the same effect. (via Barley & Sage)

9. Carrots

We immediately associate the words 'springtime' and 'carrots' with one of our fave desserts: carrot cake. We know this crunchy veg gets up to more than sweets, though. Carrots are also an excellent ingredient for more savory soups, salads, and even sandwiches. (Hello, bánh mì!)

What To Make: Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Transform the beloved carrot cake into a tasty breakfast creation! This recipe takes the cake and forms your fave dessert into a loaf of bread, so you can divvy up some slices to enjoy at the start of each day. What? Carrots are healthy! 😉 (via The Endless Meal)

10. Garlic

Garlic is a basic building block for just about any culinary venture. Fresh garlic comes into season around the springtime, and luckily there are so many ways to use it!

What To Make: Tomato Confit

Spend time with this tomato and garlic confit recipe to make a spread with deep flavors that you can put on veggies, toast, or even eat by the spoonful — we won't judge! You can control the flavors based on the amount you spread, and we say...more is more! (via Brit + Co.)

11. Grapefruit

We can chow down on a grapefruit alone, but it's a fun fruit to experiment with how you can incorporate it into springtime cooking. Aside from all of the dishes you can make with grapefruit (fruit salad, smoothies, glazes), it totally shines in cocktails and mocktails, too.

What To Make: Skinny Grapefruit Margarita

Welcome warm weather with a sweet sip like this grapefruit marg! Prep a big batch for any springtime functions, or enjoy one by one during the work week. (via Olive You Whole)

12. Kale

Kale kickstarts tons of cooking project ideas: kale salads, kale chips, dips, and more. It can be really tasty when the right prep is done. Be sure to take the time to wash and massage your kale leaves so you can really bring out its flavor.

What To Make: Broccoli Kale Salad with Blueberries and Coconut

Having a fresh bowl chockfull of seasonal produce like this feeds you with a plethora of nutrients. This salad packs in kale, broccoli, coconut, and blueberries for a well-rounded springtime lunch or dinner, giving you sweet and savory bites all in one! (via The Endless Meal)

13. Limes

We know limes as the #1 cocktail garnish, but they're also a standout ingredient in dips and dressings! They decorate any snack, meal, drink, or dessert with tartness and juicy textures!

What To Make: Key Lime Pie From Scratch

Life's no fun if you can't have a little a key lime pie involved from time to time. The best lime pies incorporate a crumbly graham cracker crust that balances with the zesty lime and creamy consistency. (via Barley & Sage)

14. Mushrooms

Mushrooms always bring forth that good umami flavor note in a dish. They're super versatile in how they taste, and their texture can be modified using different cooking methods like searing, baking, or boiling.

What To Make: Ricotta Mushroom Toast

Pile on the fungi with this toast recipe that's sure to fill you up for lunch or breakfast. The caramelized mushrooms blend with a vegan ricotta spread, forming a truly unbelievable bite. (via Munching With Mariyah)

15. Oranges

Citrus really starts to shine during the spring season. Oranges are one citrus in particular that we love, because they're always fresh and communicate a complex flavor depending on how you use them. We love tossing them in a marinade, a smoothie, or even snacking on slices alone.

What To Make: Immunity Boost Juice

Beat the spring sniffles with this homemade immunity shot! Oranges, lemon, carrot, honey, ginger, and turmeric get blended together so you have a natural immune boost to shoot down this season. (via Two Spoons)

16. Radishes

Radishes are like a distant cousin to potatoes, with a little bit of a harder bite. Like potatoes, they can be cooked in a myriad of manners, but they offer a wildly different taste.

What To Make: Bold Vegan Borscht

Borscht is a popular soup-like dish in central Europe. It leverages beets, among many other veggies and spices that make it a healthy, hearty option for spring. It's the ideal balance between sweet and savory, so you can enjoy unique flavors for lunch or dinner. (via Gastroplant)

17. Rhubarb

This springtime stalk stands out for its sourness, which is often paired with sweet berries in recipes. This vegetable enters the seasonal produce rotation in late March, and lasts through June each year.

What To Make: Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

No strawberry pie is complete without a little rhubarb to even things out. This pie explodes in sugary flavors to satisfy the end of your meals this spring. (via Culinary Hill)

18. Spinach

Aside from its countless benefits, spinach looks and tastes wonderful. We don't recommend settling for eating spinach on its own, though — there are so many recipes you can use this seasonal leafy green in.

What To Make: Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach

This hearty meal makes use of wilted spinach to compliment the creamy garlic sauce that covers grilled chicken in flavor. Plus, it's packed with tons of good vitamins! (via The Endless Meal)

Ingredients For Easy Pecan Pie Bars

For the shortbread crust:

• ½ cup butter
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoon cornstarch

For the pecan pie filling:

• 2 eggs
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 & ½ cup pecans chopped

How To Make Easy Pecan Pie Bars

1. Preheat the oven to 325 F, then line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, add in the flour, salt, cornstarch, and mix. Add in the cold butter and work it into the dough with your hand or a pastry cutter until cookie dough forms. Press it onto the prepared baking pan and bake for 20 minutes.
3. In a separate large bowl, mix the eggs, brown sugar, light corn syrup, heavy cream, salt, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until combined. Stir in the pecan pieces.
4. Once the crust is done baking, pour the pecan pie filling on top of the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes. The edges will brown a little, and the center will be barely jiggly.
5. Remove from the oven, and let cool completely before transferring to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Slice the bars and serve.