It’s officially time to embrace some warmer temps—and the variety of fresh ingredients that take center stage during the spring months. Fortunately, for those who prefer to keep it plant-based, there are plenty of delicious in-season ingredients that make for some of the best vegetarian spring recipes.
PSA: even without staple sources of protein like chicken and beef, you can still meet your protein intake and whip up a filling meal while keeping it meatless. Fill your carb category with dishes like fresh pesto pasta, or brighten up your side salad with toppings like goat cheese and asparagus. In spring, there’s no lack of produce to help you up-level your dishes. From mains to sides, these vegetarian spring recipes will keep your table fresh and festive all season long.
Featured Image by Suruchi Avasthi.
15 Vibrant Vegetarian Spring Recipes
Sheet Pan Spring Veggie Bowl with Yogurt and Herb Dressing
Why We Love It: Sheet pan recipes are super simple and hearty meals that keep your weekly menu interesting. These sheet pan veggies would make a great addition to any spring get-together or Easter brunch with seasonal ingredients like baked carrots and herbs.
Hero Ingredient: This recipe’s yogurt and herb dressing may just become one of your staple sauces.
Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Why We Love It: Green galore! What better combination of spring produce like herbs, spinach, peas, and cucumbers to make for the perfect pasta salad?
Hero Ingredient: This tahini dressing will be a guaranteed party pleaser.
Spring Rice Salad
Why We Love It: Who said that rice couldn’t be a main dish? Aside from its beauty, this spring rice salad is filled with ingredients that will keep you full and energized. Soft-boiled eggs are a great way to up your protein intake as a vegetarian (and they’re also a gorgeous addition).
Hero Ingredient: A squeeze of lemon juice will go a long way on this salad.
Spring Onion and Goat Cheese Quiche
Why We Love It: Goat cheese is one of my favorite spring toppings, especially when paired with fresh greens and bright flavors. Pro tip: cook your vegetables before filling your quiche to prevent a gooey custard filling.
Hero Ingredient: Trust us on this one, goat cheese will make its way onto more than one of your spring recipes.
Sweet Potato Falafel Veggie Burgers
Why We Love It: It’s not always easy to enjoy a burger when you’re meat-free. These sweet potato burgers are a fun twist on typical veggie burgers and pack in nutrients in an easy and delicious way. For a springtime toppings combo that’s distinctly Mediterranean, opt for a a feta yogurt dressing, add red onions, crisp lettuce, and crunchy cucumbers. Perfection.
Hero Ingredient: Chickpeas are every vegetarian’s secret to making the tastiest plant-based dishes.
Strawberry & Arugula Salad with Spring Herbs & Goat Cheese
Why We Love It: This salad is a party on your plate and in your mouth. The arugula and herbs mellow out the sweetness from the strawberries and candied pecans. The honey lemon dressing is one that might make its way onto all of your salads throughout the season.
Hero Ingredient: A dash of white wine vinegar will make all the difference in your dressing.
Summer Veggie Pasta Salad with Feta & Lemon-Tahini Dressing
Why We Love It: Looking for a lighter meal or savory side dish? The recipe may say summer, but ready to enjoy these veggies now. We love that it’s hearty—making the most of macaroni elbows and big blocks of feta—while also featuring a rainbow of veggies. And with that creamy, citrusy dressing? It’s the perfect refreshing spring meal.
Hero Ingredient: Fresh lemon juice in the dressing will be one of your favorite toppings for salads, bowls, and so much more. The miso paste is a close second—that hit of umami is incomparable.
Creamy Vegan Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil
Why We Love It: No matter the season, sometimes the best evening ritual is cozying up with comfort food. This creamy pasta incorporates fresh spring ingredients and rich creaminess while still keeping it vegetarian-friendly. If you find yourself a bit chilly in the breeze, give this dish a try.
Hero Ingredient: Lemon zest is the tangy topping that brightens up this pasta plate.
Power Greens & Egg Bites
Why We Love It: While these egg muffins can be enjoyed year-round, we love a good egg meal-prep recipe for the spring season. Eat it for breakfast or save it for a snack, these egg muffins have you covered for a protein-filled bite at any time.
Hero Ingredient: Goat cheese adds the best touch of creaminess while still staying on the lighter side.
Quinoa Cakes with Smashed Avocado Sauce
Why We Love It: Quinoa is one of those foods that scream spring. It’s light and airy, but can be mixed with other ingredients to create a healthy salad—or these tasty, crispy, and creamy vegetarian patties. Each burger (patty, or cake—whichever you prefer) is packed with protein and plenty of spinach. Nutritious and delicious. In other words: perfection.
Hero Ingredient: The avocado sauce is next level. You’re going to want it on everything.
Asparagus Risotto from Love and Lemons
Why We Love It: Asparagus is a spring staple, but sometimes I find it hard to make it more than a side dish. Once I found this recipe, I realized its full potential. Risotto gives the perfect richness that complements the asparagus.
Hero Ingredient: Dry white wine is basically a requirement to curate the best risotto.
Shawarma Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Green Chutney from Minimalist Baker
Why We Love It: If you’re familiar with shawarma seasoning, you know that the unique flavor shouldn’t be contained to only chicken or beef. These cabbage wedges are a great vegetarian option that lets you still enjoy the bold and vibrant middle-eastern flavors.
Hero Ingredient: This recipe includes a link to a must-have shawarma seasoning recipe. Use liberally and often.
Easy Caramelized Zucchini from Full of Plants
Why We Love It: Anything caramelized has my heart. The combination of sweet and savory flavors with a slight bitterness is the perfect complement to fresh-cut zucchini. These bite-sized pieces can be served over rice for a filling meal or side dish.
Hero Ingredient: Ginger is a unique taste to spice up the caramelization process.
Asparagus Gratin with Gruyère & Panko from The Modern Proper
Why We Love It: A fan-favorite produce item for spring, baked asparagus is a great side for any spring dinner party or family dinner. Panko gives these asparagus gratins a slightly crunchy texture that pairs so well with the creamy flavors.
Hero Ingredient: Gruyère gives this asparagus dish a tasty richness and a slightly nutty bite.
Savoury Rhubarb Dahl from Cup of Tiah
Why We Love It: Rhubarb is one of those ingredients that you need to use in spring for the best flavor. While it’s usually used in desserts, rhubarb is used here to create savory flavors that pair well with sweet spices like cinnamon.
Hero Ingredient: If you find yourself anywhere between January and June, pick up rhubarb and go to town.
