She Strengthens

Spring into Flavor: 16 Essential Ingredients to Refresh Your Kitchen

As the seasons change, so do our taste buds. It’s time to swap out hearty winter staples for lighter, brighter flavors that capture the essence of spring. From sweet baby artichokes to tangy goat cheese, these 16 ingredients will elevate your cooking and get you ready for the warmer months ahead.

Fresh Produce

Baby Artichokes: Sweet and Tender

These bite-sized artichokes are a springtime delight, with a sweeter flavor and easier prep than their full-size counterparts. Enjoy them as a side dish or add them to a salad for a burst of flavor.

Fresh Berries: Juicy and Flavorful

Say goodbye to bland winter berries and hello to sweet, tart strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. Pair them with creamy goat cheese for a match made in heaven.

New Potatoes: Waxy and Delicious

These small, firm spuds are perfect for salads, with a lighter, less starchy flavor than their larger cousins. Try them in a French potato salad with green beans and egg for a refreshing twist.

Tender Lettuces: Sweet and Crisp

Spring is the prime time for lettuces like butter lettuce, Bibb lettuce, mache, and watercress. Enjoy them in a bright, clean salad with a citrusy dressing.

Fava Beans: Rich and Buttery

Fresh fava beans are a springtime exclusive, with a rich, buttery flavor that’s worth the extra prep work. Smash them on toast and top with a poached egg for a decadent treat.

Asparagus: Sweet and Tender

While asparagus is available year-round, the thinnest, sweetest stalks appear in spring. Shave them into noodle-like strands and top with creamy ricotta and chopped pistachio for a unique side dish.

Herbs and Spices

Dill: Fresh and Bright

This fern-like herb adds a light, sweet flavor to any dish, making it perfect for springtime cooking. Toss coarsely chopped dill leaves into a salad or use it to add brightness to cooked dishes.

Chives: Mild and Delicate

Chives bring a subtle onion flavor without overpowering, making them ideal for spring dishes. Try them in a swiss chard potato chive frittata for a delicious breakfast.

Mint: Cool and Refreshing

After a winter hiatus, mint is back and better than ever, adding a burst of freshness to spring rolls and desserts.

Parsley: Fresh and Grass-Like

This garnish may be available year-round, but its fresh flavor is especially welcome in spring. Try trading in basil for parsley in pesto for a delicious twist.

Pantry Staples

Bee Pollen: Floral and Light

With its light, floral flavor, bee pollen is perfect for spring desserts. Try it in homemade frozen yogurt for a sweet treat.

Arborio Rice: Essential for Risotto

While available year-round, Arborio rice is essential for spring risotto, with its high starch content creating a rich, velvety texture.

Chickpeas: Convenient and Nutritious

With more time spent outside, chickpeas are a convenient, no-cook protein source for fast meals. Try making a smashed chickpea salad sandwich for a healthy, tasty option.

Fridge and Freezer Foods

Frozen Fruit: Convenient and Delicious

Frozen fruit is perfect for frosty smoothies and smoothie bowls, saving delicate fresh berries for cooking. Try Blissful Basil’s cosmic strawberry ginger peach bliss bowl for a dreamy breakfast or dessert.

Buttermilk: Fermented and Delicious

Real buttermilk is a fermented food, making it a great source of probiotics. Use it to make homemade herby dressings and dips, like The Gracious Pantry’s clean-eating ranch dressing.

Goat Cheese: Creamy and Citrusy

Goat cheese adds a delicious contrast to spring’s sweet vegetables, without overpowering. Crumble it over roasted vegetables or roll rounds in panko for a crispy, tangy treat.