Welcoming Spring Flavours While It's Still Parka Season
Welcoming Spring Flavours While It's Still Parka Season
Embrace fresh spring flavours—even when winter still lingers in Ontario!
Here in Ontario, spring is just on the horizon, bringing with it the promise of fresh, vibrant produce and lighter, brighter meals. But, as any Canadian knows, it’s not quite time to put away the parkas just yet. Sure, it’s 17 degrees and sunny on a random Thursday at 4 p.m., but the next morning, you’re waking up to -3 with a mix of flurries and freezing rain as you hustle the kids off to school.
So, how do we embrace the fresh flavours of spring while still needing our winter layers? By incorporating the best of both seasons into our meals!
The Best Spring Produce (Even If It’s Still Cold)
Spring is when farmers’ markets begin to showcase the first wave of fresh produce—think tender greens, crisp radishes, sweet peas, and earthy asparagus. But until the temperatures stabilize, we’re still craving comfort food that warms us up. The key is to blend the two:
- Peas & Mint: Toss them into a creamy risotto or a cozy bowl of pasta to add freshness without losing that warming effect.
- Asparagus: Roast it alongside heartier proteins like chicken or salmon for a meal that feels balanced between the seasons.
- Radishes: Slice them thin and add to buttered toast or a grain bowl for a peppery crunch that reminds us warmer days are coming.
- Rhubarb: Use it in a warm crumble or as a compote over oatmeal before fully committing to springtime pies.
_Check out our features on North American spring produce and a collection of spring ingredients you can actually forage yourself! _
Cozy Meets Fresh: The Perfect Seasonal Transition Meals
If you’re not ready to swap out all your winter staples, there are plenty of ways to ease into spring flavours while still keeping things comforting. Here are some favourite transitional meal ideas:
- Spring Soup: A silky pureed soup of spring greens and leeks can still be served piping hot.
- Root Veg & Fresh Herb Mash: Take your classic mashed potatoes up a notch by blending in chives, dill, or parsley.
- Warm Grain Bowls: Swap out heavy stews for quinoa or farro bowls loaded with roasted veggies, soft-boiled eggs, and bright citrus dressings.
- Springtime Pasta: Lighten up your favourite creamy pasta with fresh peas, asparagus, or a lemony ricotta topping.
Spring Desserts to Brighten Up the Season
Even if it’s still chilly, desserts can bring the essence of spring into the kitchen. Rhubarb and strawberries make a classic pairing, while lemony, floral notes in cakes and cookies help refresh the palate after months of heavier sweets. Try a honey-lavender shortbread or a zesty lemon tart to embrace the season, no matter what the thermometer says.
Spring may not be fully here, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start tasting it. The best part? When the warm weather finally arrives, we’ll already be in the spirit!
Check out our collection of the most spectacular spring recipes to bring the season to your table!
Socca Pizza with Pesto & Prosciutto
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This crispy, gluten-free chickpea flatbread is a fresh take on pizza, featuring vibrant spring ingredients like asparagus, peas, and peppery arugula. Topped with creamy burrata, salty prosciutto, and a bright pesto, this dish is bursting with seasonal flavours. Socca is a great way to add extra fibre and protein to your meals while keeping things light and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a fresh new way to enjoy spring’s best produce, this recipe is sure to impress.
Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Celebrate rhubarb season with these naturally sweetened muffins that perfectly balance tart rhubarb with juicy strawberries. Made with oat flour, Greek yogurt, and dates, they’re moist, tender, and packed with nutrients. With a subtle cinnamon warmth and a hint of vanilla, these muffins make an excellent breakfast or midday snack. They’re lower in sugar but full of flavour—perfect for enjoying the best of spring’s produce in a healthier way.
One-Pot Pasta with Leek, Bacon & Peas
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This one-pot wonder brings together spring’s freshest ingredients—sweet leeks, tender peas, and crispy bacon—into a creamy, comforting pasta dish. Cooking everything in one pot enhances the flavours and keeps cleanup simple. Finished with lemon, parmesan, and chives, this dish is a perfect balance of rich and fresh, making it a go-to for effortless springtime dinners.
Lemon Keftedes (Meatballs)
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
These Greek-inspired lamb meatballs are bursting with bright Mediterranean flavours. Fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, and a hint of cumin create a perfect balance of warmth and zest. Served with a squeeze of lemon, these high-protein keftedes make for a flavourful dinner, a satisfying lunch, or an impressive appetizer. Whether paired with a salad, pita, or yogurt sauce, they’re an easy way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your spring table.
Pan Fried Gnocchi with Mushrooms & Kale
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Skip the boiling and pan-fry your gnocchi instead for a crispy, golden texture that pairs perfectly with sautéed mushrooms and wilted kale. This quick and easy dish highlights fresh, hearty greens and rich umami flavours in just 15 minutes. Tossed with garlic, rosemary, and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, it’s a satisfying vegetarian meal that’s perfect for busy spring weeknights.
Baked Dandelion & Squash Fritters
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Dandelion greens might be bitter on their own, but when paired with sweet butternut squash, they create a deliciously balanced bite. These baked fritters are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for dipping into a tangy goat yogurt sauce. Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavour, they’re a creative way to enjoy foraged greens this spring.
Lemon Garlic Asparagus with Parmesan
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
Spring asparagus shines in this simple yet flavourful side dish. Roasted or sautéed with garlic, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, the spears turn perfectly tender with just the right amount of crispness. Finished with freshly shaved parmesan, this dish is an easy way to enjoy one of the season’s best vegetables in under 10 minutes.
Lamb Bolognese Pasta with Peas
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This lighter take on traditional Bolognese skips the tomatoes in favour of a rich, creamy white sauce made with ground lamb, white wine, and aromatic herbs. Sweet peas add a pop of freshness, making this dish a perfect transition into spring. Tossed with rigatoni and finished with parmesan, it’s a comforting yet elegant meal that brings out the best in seasonal ingredients.
Dandelion Pasta Salad
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This bold and flavourful pasta salad embraces the slightly bitter bite of dandelion greens, balanced by buttery walnuts, chilli flakes, and a savoury anchovy-infused sauce. Tossed with whole-wheat penne and a squeeze of lemon, it’s a nutritious, protein-packed dish that’s great for lunch or as a side. If you’re new to foraging or just looking for a new way to enjoy spring greens, this recipe is a must-try.
