60 Spring Recipes For Seasonal Cooking Inspiration
Spring has sprung, and with it comes a bounty of fresh, vibrant produce that’s just begging to be the star of your cooking. From juicy tomatoes to charred artichokes, earthy beetroot and refreshing cucumber, springtime brings a colourful palette of seasonal produce. Find all the cooking inspo you need with this delicious round-up of spring recipes.
ASPARAGUS
Asparagus is packed with vitamin K and folate. It shines in salads, pasta dishes, and grilled alongside other seasonal vegetables.
LEMON & ROCKET PESTO TARTINES WITH AVOCADO & ASPARAGUS
Toasted sourdough slices are topped with cream cheese, pesto and steamed asparagus. A fantastic midday snack loaded with green goodness.
POTATO CAKES WITH SUNDRIED TOMATO PESTO & FRIED EGGS
A hearty breakfast served with charred asparagus, crispy bacon and sunny-side-up eggs. Absolutely delish!
PUFF PASTRY SMOKED SALMON TART WITH GRILLED ASPARAGUS
Flaky puff pastry is generously topped with cottage cheese, salmon ribbons and asparagus – the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish.
GRILLED ASPARAGUS, FIG & GOAT CHEESE SALAD WITH CITRUS VINAIGRETTE
Creamy cheese and zesty dressings always elevate the flavours of asparagus. This fresh salad is simple to prep and ideal for outdoor entertaining.
ARTICHOKE
Artichokes are a good source of vitamin C for immunity and fibre for digestive health. They elevate dips and make a flavorful addition to pizzas and sandwiches.
ARTICHOKE & LEMON MAYONNAISE WITH CHICKEN DIPPERS
This snack plate featuring marinated artichoke and crispy chicken dippers is ideal for casual entertaining. Dunk into the lemon mayo for the best bite.
BRAAIED VEGGIE PIZZA
Get a slice of artichoke heaven with this Blanco pizza crowned with braaied artichoke, zucchini and creamy burrata. Drizzle with basil pesto before serving.
BRAAIED LAMB RIBS WITH ARTICHOKES AND CITRUS VINAIGRETTE
Artichokes are drizzled with olive oil, generously seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic powder, then roasted in the oven till tender. Serve with succulent braaied lamb ribs.
ARTICHOKE AND CHIVE JAFFLES
Meet your new favourite jaffle filling – pickled artichoke combined with chives, grated mozzarella, mayo and mustard. Yum!
BEETROOT
Beetroot is rich in vitamin C for skin health and manganese for metabolism support. Its earthy sweetness enhances salads, or it can be roasted and puréed for vibrant dips or incorporated into yummy desserts.
BEETROOT RAVIOLI WITH BROWN BUTTER AND POPPY SEEDS
Mixing ricotta with puréed beetroot creates a delicious ravioli filling. Top with lemon-infused brown butter to take this dish to the next level.
BEETROOT TZATZIKI
Traditionally made with cucumber, this version of tzatziki uses grated beetroot to give it a vibrant colour and earthy taste. Break off pieces of flatbread and dunk into this delish dip.
SUCCULENT LAMB NOISETTE WITH ROCKET, BEETROOT & CITRUS SALAD
What’s Sunday lunch without beetroot? We’ve incorporated pickled baby beetroot into this salad, enjoyed alongside succulent lamb noisette.
KIWI BURGER SLIDERS
Beetroot and eggs on a burger? Yes please! This Kiwi classic might be unconventional, but it’s super delish – trust us.
BEETROOT CAKE WITH MERINGUE FROSTING
Instead of using food colouring, we’ve used bright red beetroot juice to get that characteristic red velvet look; dust the meringue frosting with beetroot powder for a sensational treat.
GLUTEN-FREE CHOCOLATE AND BEETROOT CAKE
A delectable teatime cake, made with puréed beetroot, dark chocolate and almond flour. Enjoy with mascarpone for a slice of heaven.
BROCCOLI
Broccoli provides ample vitamin A for vision and vitamin C for immunity. Char on the braai, steam them for a quick side dish, or enjoy with vinaigrette in healthy salads.
SHAVED LEMON BROCCOLI & WILD ROCKET SALAD WITH JAMMY EGGS
Tenderstem broccoli is great for adding to salads; this one is filled with wild rocket, fresh peas, roasted almonds and Gruberg.
CHARRED BROCCOLI AND BABY GEM SALAD
Charring broccoli results in a delicious flavour; combined with the roasted garlic, lemon and olive oil dressing, it’s the ultimate no-fuss salad.
BROCCOLI & BACON ORECCHIETTE
Broccoli is perfect for bulking up and adding nutrition to dishes, like this one.
BROCCOLI AND CHICKPEA BHAJIS
Bhajis are traditional Indian fritters with many variations; we love ours with broccoli and chickpeas for a protein-packed and nutrient-dense snack.
COURGETTES
Courgettes, or zucchini, are loaded with vitamin B6 for brain function and potassium for heart health. They taste great in salads or spiralised into ‘zoodles’ for a low-carb ‘pasta’.
MINT, LEMON & OLIVE OIL MARINATED ZUCCHINI SALAD
Spring is perfect for enjoying vibrant salads; marinated with olive oil and drizzled with coriander dressing, zucchini is the star of this one.
ZUCCHINI AND RICOTTA LASAGNE
For a delicious, carb-free take on lasagne, use thinly sliced zucchini as the pasta sheets.
ZUCCHINI NOODLES WITH CHICKEN, FETA AND KALE MEATBALLS
A tasty and nutritious midweek dinner dish. The herbed chicken meatballs complement the garlicky and zesty zoodles.
ZUCCHINI FRIES WITH GUACAMOLE & CHILLI OIL
The delicious texture of zucchini is perfect for making fries. Simply coat with seasoned panko crumbs and fry to golden brown perfection.
CUCUMBER
Cucumber is super hydrating and contains vitamin K for blood clotting and silica for skin health. It’s perfect for refreshing salads and snacking.
CUCUMBER RIBBON SALAD WITH CARAMELISED FETA
Luscious locks of cucumber are drizzled with a herby dressing and topped with fried feta.
SPINACH & SNOEK PÂTÉ WITH CUCUMBER
Cucumbers work great as a base for spreads and dips; the perfect keto-friendly snack.
CRYING TIGER STEAK WITH NAHM JIM JAEW SAUCE & PICKLED CUCUMBER
Pickled cucumber cuts through the richness of the steak in this crowd-pleasing braai dish.
CURRIED LAMB KEBABS WITH RAITA
Raita is one of our favourite ways to use cucumber. Serve with curried lamb kebabs for a mouthwatering pairing.
MIELIES
Mielies, or corn, offer vitamin B1 and folate (vitamin B9) for energy. They shine in corn-on-the-cob recipes, salsa or cornbread.
CORN RIBLETS WITH SMOKY MAYO
Impress braai guests with these corn riblets; finish with smoky mayo, spring onion, coriander and fresh lime juice.
CHIPOTLE CHICKEN ON HERBED QUINOA WITH CHARRED CORN, AVO & FETA
Corn, avo and feta is one of our favourite flavour combos; add herbed quinoa and chipotle chicken to the mix for an elevated, light lunch.
ELOTES – MEXICAN-STYLE GRILLED CORN
Elotes is a popular Mexican street food dish. Braai and coat with smoky sauce for the ultimate braai side dish.
EASY CORN SALSA WITH PEPPADEW JALAPEÑO & GINGER RELISH
Make the most of your corn with this Easy Corn Salsa; the jalapeño adds a lovely bite.
AVOCADOS
Avocados are rich in vitamin E for skin health and potassium for blood pressure control. They’re a creamy addition to salads, sandwiches and health bowls.
AVOCADO LINGUINE WITH PARMESAN PANGRATTATO
This delicious pasta dish uses avocado for the sauce, truly showcasing the versatility of this creamy and nutrient-dense fruit.
PORK FILLET WITH RAINBOW SLAW & SOY-CASHEW BUTTER DRESSING
Filled with healthy fats from the avo and umami goodness from the pork and zingy dressing, this is the perfect lunch or dinner fix.
AVOCADO CREME POTATO SALAD WITH CRISPY BACON & FRIED ONIONS
Potato salad never looked so good! Impress braai guests with our take on this classic.
GREEN EGGS & HAM: DEVILLED AVOCADO EGGS
The ideal party or midday snack, filled with all the healthy fats you could ask for.
MARBLED CHOC AVOCADO BANANA BREAD
Why have regular banana bread when you can have marbled chocolate avo banana bread? Give it a good schmear of your favourite nut butter for the ultimate bite.
4 INGREDIENT AVOCADO & LIME NO-CHURN ICE CREAM
Zesty, healthy and absolute perfection! We have yet to taste a creamier scoop.
Love avos? Check our avocado recipe round-up.
*CHERRIES
Cherries are packed with vitamin C for collagen production and antioxidants like anthocyanins. They work well in sweet pastries and jams, or as a snack.
BREAKFAST PUFF PASTRY WINDMILLS WITH CHERRY GLAZE
These cherry-filled treats are absolutely delish and ideal for using leftover puff pastry.
CHERRY CRUMBLE BARS
Looking for the perfect treat to serve at your next get-together? These Cherry Crumble Bars topped with homemade cherry jam are it!
CHERRY CHUTNEY WITH OVEN-ROASTED CAMEMBERT
A deliciously sweet and sour cherry chutney balanced by the addition of balsamic vinegar and whole-grain mustard. Enjoy with bubbling hot camembert for a sensational pairing.
FLATBREAD WITH BRIE CHEESE, PROSCIUTTO, ROCKET & CHERRIES
This crowd-pleasing flatbread is ideal for casual gatherings. The cherries add a delicious tart note that pairs well with the brie cheese and prosciutto.
*Available in November
LEMONS
Lemons are bursting with vitamin C for immunity and citric acid for digestion. They add zesty flavour to marinades, dressings, and lemon-infused desserts.
LEMONGOLD CUPS
These LemonGold Cups make for the ultimate spring treat.
FRENCH TOAST WITH LEMONGOLD LABNEH & BACON CRUMBLE
Why pick between sweet or savoury when you can have both? Topped with zesty labneh and crispy bacon bits, this French toast is taken to delicious heights.
LEMONGOLD CHEESECAKE MOUSSE CUPS WITH BISCOFF BISCUIT BASE
Who doesn’t love a good lemony cheesecake? The Biscoff base is equally irresistible.
LEMONGOLD CURD CRÉME FILLED DONUTS
This is the ultimate doughnut recipe. The lemon curd has the perfect sour-to-sweet ratio.
SOUTH INDIAN LEMON RICE
This Indian-inspired rice dish is fragrant and has just the right amount of zesty goodness – guests will keep coming back for more.
PERI- PERI PORK NECK ESPETADA WITH LEMON DIPPING SAUCE
These succulent and spicy pork neck skewers pair beautifully with a lemon dip.
Want more? Try these lovely lemon recipes.
STRAWBERRY
Strawberries provide vitamin C for skin health and manganese for bone development. They’re also perfect in morning smoothies, fruit tarts, and as a topping for breakfast dishes.
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE ICE CREAM SANDWICHES
Indulge your sweet tooth with these Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandos.
STRAWBERRY, MELON AND PARMA HAM SALAD WITH RISONI PASTA
This salad celebrates two of our favourite spring fruits – strawberry and melon.
RICOTTA PANCAKES WITH STRAWBERRY & LEMON CURD
Pancakes and strawberries – name a better combo.
CLASSIC NEW YORK-STYLE CHEESECAKE
A New York classic cheesecake with a South African twist. The Marie biscuit base the perfect texture while the fresh strawberries cut through the rich and creamy cheesecake.
TOMATOES
Tomatoes are a fantastic source of vitamin A for vision and potassium for heart health. They shine in pasta sauces, Caprese-style salads, and homemade dips.
FRESH TOMATO MARINARA SAUCE PASTA
After trying this classic Italian dish, you’ll ditch the store-bought marinara for this fresh and flavourful version. Toss it through linguine pasta and slurp up all that tomato goodness.
TOMATO EZME
Ezme is a Turkish appetiser or salad made with fresh tomatoes, roasted red pepper and chilli for heat. Perfect for scooping up with flatbread.
MORNING TOMATO & GINGER HEALTH JUICE
Get your dose of vitamins and minerals with this ginger and tomato-packed health juice.
CHARRED TOMATO AND LEMON COTTAGE CHEESE TARTINES
A simple and quick lunch idea, topped with cottage cheese and charred tomatoes.
OLIVE OIL-POACHED VINE TOMATOES WITH MOROCCAN CHICKEN
Poached vine tomatoes tie all the flavours together in this Moroccan-inspired dish.
CAPRESE-STYLE ROOSTERKOEK SANDWICH
A local classic served Caprese-style, loaded with balsamic roasted cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and basil pesto. Yum!
*WATERMELON
During those hot spring days, stock up on watermelon; it’s super hydrating and contains vitamin A, which is great for skin health. Add it to fruit platters, drinks or salads.
CHARRED WATERMELON & BOCCONCINI SALAD
To enhance the sweetness of watermelon, lightly char them on the braai. Enjoy with bocconcini and top with pumpkin seeds for texture and nuttiness.
CHERRY TOMATO & WATERMELON GAZPACHO
Slurp up this refreshing bowl of gazpacho on hot spring days.
GET THE RECIPE
OYSTERS WITH WATERMELON & LIME GRANITA
Watermelon and lime make for the perfect granita to serve with freshly shucked oysters.
WATERMELON & LABNEH SALAD WITH GRANOLA AND FRESH MINT
A tasty spring salad; serve watermelon cubes on a bed of creamy labneh and top with granola and fresh mint leaves for the ultimate brekkie salad.
*Available in November
Find out what else is in season with our seasonal fruit & vegetable chart.
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