Mar
Introduction
Spring is an ideal time to take advantage of the healthiest and most flavorful vegetables. From asparagus to turnips, there are a variety of fresh and nutritious veggies that offer amazing benefits. Asparagus offers vitamins A and C along with folate and a variety of beneficial minerals. Broccoli is packed with calcium, vitamin C and dietary fiber.
Kale contains many essential nutrients including iron and vitamin K. Lettuce is low in calories but rich in several important vitamins like folate and vitamin K. Potatoes are a great source of potassium, vitamins B6 and C as well as iron. Spinach can provide magnesium, manganese, folate and other important minerals. Beets offer vitamins A,C and B6 while also being loaded with antioxidants.
Radishes are abundant in vitamin C while Swiss chard is an excellent source of dietary fiber. Finally turnips have impressive amounts of vitamin C and calcium. Here’s our list of the 10 best spring vegetables for you to enjoy this season!
How To Eat These Delicious Spring Vegetables
- Asparagus
Asparagus is a delicious and nutritious spring vegetable. With its vibrant green hue and delicate flavor, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most popular veggies this time of year. Here’s a recipe for an easy and flavorful way to enjoy asparagus:
Ingredients:
1 pound of asparagus
2 tablespoons butter Salt and pepper to taste
2 cloves of garlic, minced Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Rinse asparagus spears in cold water, then pat dry with a paper towel.
Place them on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching each other.
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat; add minced garlic and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes.
Drizzle butter mixture over asparagus spears and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bake for 8 minutes or until asparagus are tender but still crisp and bright green in color. Serve warm with lemon wedges for garnish.
- Broccoli
Broccoli is a wonderfully versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed cooked or raw. Here’s a delicious recipe for broccoli.
Ingredients:
1 pound of fresh broccoli
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Rinse the broccoli in cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Cut into small florets that are about the same size. Heat up the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat; add minced garlic and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Drizzle olive oil mixture over broccoli florets and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix well to make sure all the pieces are coated evenly with the mixture.
Serve cold or at room temperature. Enjoy!
- Kale
Kale is a wonderful and nutritious vegetable that’s always delicious when prepared well! Here’s a tasty recipe for you to try.
Ingredients:
2 bunches kale, rinsed and dried
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cut the kale into small pieces and place in a large bowl.
Heat up the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat; add minced garlic and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes.
Drizzle olive oil mixture over kale pieces and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix well to make sure all the pieces are coated evenly with the mixture. Serve cold or at room temperature. Enjoy!
- Lettuce
Lettuce is a great source of vitamins, minerals and fiber, and it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Here’s how you can get the most out of your lettuce:
Instructions:
Start by rinsing the lettuce under cold running water or immerse in a bowl of cold water for several minutes.
Shake off any excess moisture and pat dry with paper towels, or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
Once dry, chop or tear the lettuce into smaller pieces if desired. Use as desired in salads, sandwiches or wraps! Enjoy!
- Potatoes
Potatoes are a classic side dish that can be prepared with endless variations. Here’s a delicious recipe for roasted potatoes that is sure to be a hit with the whole family:
Ingredients:
2 pounds potatoes, quartered
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine quartered potatoes and olive oil.
Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, rosemary, salt and pepper; mix until all the potatoes are evenly coated in the mixture.
Place potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Enjoy!
- Spinach
Spinach is a versatile and nutritious green that adds delicious flavor to any meal. Here’s a simple recipe for sautéed spinach that you’ll love:
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups fresh spinach leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt Pinch of ground nutmeg
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the spinach leaves to the skillet and season with salt.
Cook until the spinach has wilted, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle with nutmeg and serve warm! Enjoy!
- Beets
Beets are a sweet and earthy root vegetable that can be used in a variety of recipes. Here’s a delicious beet recipe that is sure to please:
Ingredients:
4 medium beets, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch of ground black pepper
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine cubed beets, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper; mix until all the beets are evenly coated in the mixture.
Place beets on baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25 minutes or until tender.
Remove from oven and sprinkle with lemon juice.
Serve warm and enjoy!
- Radishes
Radishes are a crisp and refreshing root vegetable that can be used in a variety of recipes. Here’s an easy recipe for roasted radishes that you’ll love:
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup radishes, sliced into thin wedges
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch of ground black pepper
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, radish slices, salt, and pepper; mix until the radishes are evenly coated in the mixture.
Place radishes on baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10 minutes or until tender.
Serve warm and enjoy!
- Swiss chard
Swiss chard is a leafy green with a delicious sweet and earthy flavor. Here’s a great recipe for sautéed Swiss chard that you’ll love:
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 bunch of Swiss Chard, chopped into large pieces
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch of ground black pepper
Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant; about 30 seconds.
Add Swiss chard and season with salt and pepper; cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the Swiss chard has wilted and is tender.
Serve warm and enjoy!
- Turnips
Turnips are a delicious root vegetable that is packed with vitamins and minerals. Here’s an easy recipe for boiled turnips that you’ll love:
Ingredients:
1 pound turnips, peeled and cut into small cubes
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch of ground black pepper
Instructions:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the cubed turnips and cook until tender; about 10 minutes.
Drain the turnips and return to the pot with the butter; season with salt and pepper.
Mash the turnips until desired consistency is reached.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Final Words
Eating delicious spring vegetables is a great way to take advantage of all the natural flavors and nutrient-rich benefits the season has to offer. From fresh asparagus to new potatoes, there is a wide variety of seasonal produce that can be enjoyed in unique recipes. Whether you opt for roasted vegetables or stir fries, adding a few different types of spring vegetables to your weekly meals can be both nutritious and delicious!
