Spring and Summer Recipes

Young pea shoots (also called pea tendrils) are a frequent sight at farmers' markets in the spring and early summer. These crisp, delicate pea greens are a delicious addition to your favorite pizzas, pastas, salads, and more. We're showing you some of our favorite ways to use them in this recipe collection! Plus, find our best tips for cooking with pea shoots and answers to a few frequently asked questions.

This roundup of the best spring recipes is packed with colorful, bright flavors and plenty of fresh inspiration. From vibrant pasta dishes to crisp salads and vegetable-forward mains, this healthy collection celebrates the season’s freshest ingredients. Whether you’re planning weeknight dinners or a weekend gathering, these recipes make it easy to cook with what’s in season and bring lighter, fresher meals to the table.

This easy blackberry rum sauce is a perfect summer topping for all your favorite desserts. Fresh blackberries are simmered with sugar and a splash of rum until rich and flavorful. Serve it warm over cheesecake, pancakes, French toast, ice cream, and more. You can keep the berries whole or blend the sauce until smooth for a jam-like texture. It stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it easy to have on hand anytime.

This balsamic glazed salmon with strawberry salsa is a fresh, easy option for busy weeknights. The salmon cooks quickly with a tangy balsamic glaze, then gets topped with a bright strawberry salsa for a seasonal twist. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for spring or summer dinners. Serve with a leafy green salad and some crusty French bread to round out the meal.

Blackberry Goat Cheese Crostini - This easy goat cheese appetizer recipe is perfect for summer entertaining! A simple whipped goat cheese, fresh summer blackberries, basil and a hint of lime. A simple blank canvas for other crostini ideas. Topped with a drizzle of honey and fresh basil for a twist on caprese. Vegetarian. A quick tutorial on how to make crostini appetizers.

This collection of chicken recipes with pesto is packed with fresh, flavorful ideas for easy meals. From chicken breast and thighs to whole roast chicken, these recipes use basil pesto (store bought or homemade pesto works!) for quick, versatile dishes. You’ll find pastas, soups, pizza, and more, with options to swap in arugula, spinach, or cilantro pesto. A go-to roundup of the best pesto chicken recipes for weeknight dinners and beyond.

This strawberry ice cream is a creamy, custard-based dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer. Made with fresh berries and churned in an ice cream maker, it has a bright, flavorful taste and smooth texture. The classic custard base creates a rich scoop that’s perfect for warm days. A simple homemade dessert that highlights fresh strawberries with every bite.

This easy fish pasta works just as well for a relaxed weeknight as it does for date night. Sear white fish fillets until golden and crisp, then use the same skillet to make a simple lemon butter sauce before tossing everything with pasta. We love it with barramundi, but salmon, cod, shrimp, or scallops all fit beautifully in this seafood dish. It’s ready in under an hour, simple to customize with extra vegetables, and includes step-by-step photos plus a how-to video for guidance.

If you’re craving a classic summer dessert, this homemade chocolate ice cream delivers. A traditional custard base made with egg yolks creates a silky texture, while double chocolate gives it rich flavor. After chilling overnight, churn it into a smooth, scoopable treat. Perfect for serving at gatherings or using in sundaes, sandwiches, or cakes, this recipe uses just six simple ingredients. Step-by-step photos and tester notes help guide you through the process.

This garlic scape pesto is a quick, vibrant way to enjoy fresh garlic scapes from the farmers’ market. Bright, bold, and packed with garlicky flavor, it comes together in under 10 minutes and is completely vegan. Perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on toast, or using as a dip. Includes step-by-step photos, a how-to video, and tips for storing and making the most of your garlic scapes.

These easy blueberry cocktails are a perfect summer drink. Start by making a simple blueberry syrup with fresh berries, sugar, and water—feel free to swap in strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, or peaches. Mix the syrup with a splash of whiskey (or vodka, gin, or a nonalcoholic spirit) and fresh lemon juice, then top with tonic water for a light, refreshing spritzer. Easy to scale up, this recipe is great for entertaining a crowd.

Fresh spring vegetables give this breakfast pizza a seasonal twist that’s perfect for brunch. Topped with gruyere, basil pesto, asparagus, and sweet peas, it’s an easy recipe that feels special without much effort. Bake the eggs directly on the pizza or add a fried egg at the end if you prefer. Make a large pizza to share or smaller ones for guests, then finish everything with a handful of fresh arugula for a bright, satisfying breakfast.

This easy slow cooker blueberry jam is a great way to capture summer flavor with minimal effort. Fresh blueberries cook down in the crock pot with lemon juice, sugar, and fresh thyme for a bit of depth and interest. Spread it on bagels, pancakes, or waffles, or use it as a filling for cakes and cupcakes. The recipe includes step-by-step photos, tips, and variations, and it freezes well so you can enjoy it year-round. ​

This strawberry bruschetta is a simple, flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings. Fresh berries, tangy goat cheese, basil, balsamic vinegar, and honey come together on crisp crostini for a sweet and savory bite. It’s an easy recipe you can pull together in minutes, with helpful tips and substitution ideas to make it your own for any spring or summer occasion.

These roasted carrots with labneh are a simple yet flavorful side dish that works for both weeknights and entertaining. Carrots are seasoned with cumin and smoked paprika, then roasted until tender and caramelized. Served over creamy labneh, they offer a delicious contrast in texture and flavor. Use baby carrots or whole carrots with tops, and don’t forget to turn those extra greens into a quick carrot top pesto for an added bonus.