Hello Spring! Even with a mild winter, there is little that excites me more than seeing the first bursts of green on the trees in my neighborhood. Hearing the birds chatter on my early morning walk with the pup (the pup who is 7…), and finally having days that I don’t need my winter coat, are the days I actually dream about. Along with the good mood and good weather, are great ingredients. Here are my top 6 favorite in-season flavors to cook with this spring, along with 2 recipes for each to get you started!

Apricots

Rich in many plant antioxidants, apricots may also protect your eyesight and reduce inflammation, all for under 20 tasty calories!

Seared Chicken with Apricot Sauce
Eatingwell.com

Fresh Apricot Crisp
Healthygreenkitchen.com

Artichokes

This green powerhouse is actually in the thistle family (not a vegetable!), and most notably offers some protection against various forms of cancer. But that’s not all. They help boost your good cholesterol, lower the bad, and help detoxify the body.

Pasta with Artichokes, Tomato, and Feta
Gimmesomeoven.com

Chickpea and Artichoke Pate
 Keyingredient.com

Asparagus

Top ranked for it’s antioxidants, it may even help slow the aging process and could fight cognitive decline. Loaded with fiber, folate, and Vitamins A, C, E, and K, this versatile veggie also helps detoxify the body and can help fight cancers like breast, colon, and lung.

Chicken and Asparagus Teriyaki Stir-Fry
Skinnytaste.com

Asparagus, Spinach, and Feta Frittata
Twopeasandtheirpod.com

Leeks

The antioxidants in leeks are converted to Allicin which are offer anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal benefits to the body. They are also rich in vitamin K and A, all while helping reduce cholesterol in only 60 calories per 3.5 grams.

Creamy Potato Leek Soup
Care2.com

One-Pot Chicken, Leek, and Beans
Olivemagazine.com

Peas

With anti-inflammatory benefits, this small veggie packs a punch against wrinkles, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, and candida. They help regulate blood sugar which along with being low in calories (less than 100 per cup), yet hight in fiber and protein, can help with weight management.

Lemon Primavera Bowties
Delish.com

Pea, Tomato, and Bacon Gnocchi
myrecipes.com

Spinach

Spinach is a well known nutritional superfood, as an excellent source of magnesium, Iron, folate, calcium, potassium, and vitamins A, E, K, B6 and B2. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits on top of all that!

White Bean and Spinach Burgers
Vegkitchen.com

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Skinnytaste.com

What are you cooking with this spring?