Spring is a magical time in the kitchen. After the cozy comfort foods of winter, the first bright green shoots and crisp vegetables feel like a breath of fresh air.
Whether you shop at a local farmer’s market or pick up tender asparagus, peas, and radishes at your favorite grocer, spring brings a bounty of flavor and inspiration.
In today’s blog post, I’m sharing a vibrant, easy, and delicious Springtime Vegetable Medley—a recipe that celebrates the very best of the season. This dish is perfect as a light lunch, a colorful side, or even the star of your spring table.
Packed with nutrients and bursting with color, it’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds. If you love the idea of eating with the seasons, this is the perfect place to start!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seasonal Freshness: This medley uses only the freshest spring vegetables, ensuring every bite is brimming with flavor and nutrients.
- Ease and Versatility: With simple steps and easy substitutions, this recipe adapts to whatever is in your fridge or at your market.
- Healthy and Nourishing: Low in calories, high in vitamins, and naturally plant-based—this dish fits a variety of diets and lifestyles.
- Beautiful Presentation: The rainbow of vegetables makes for a stunning and appetizing plate, perfect for impressing guests at brunch or dinner.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and enjoy for several days, or take to work for a satisfying lunch.
“Cooking with spring vegetables is a celebration of renewal, flavor, and color. It’s a simple way to bring joy to your table.”
Ingredients
Vegetable | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Asparagus | 1 bunch (about 1 lb) | Trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces |
Snap peas | 1 cup | Stringed if needed |
Carrots | 2 medium | Peeled and sliced thin on the bias |
Radishes | 1 cup | Sliced thin |
Baby potatoes | 1 lb | Halved or quartered |
Fresh peas | 1 cup | Frozen is fine if fresh unavailable |
Green onions | 4 | Sliced thin |
Olive oil | 3 tbsp | Extra virgin for best flavor |
Lemon | 1 | Zest and juice |
Fresh herbs | 1/4 cup | Parsley, dill, or mint, chopped |
Salt | To taste | |
Black pepper | To taste | Fresh cracked for best flavor |
Equipment
- Large pot or saucepan (for blanching vegetables)
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Microplane or grater (for lemon zest)
- Serving platter or bowl
Instructions
- Prep your vegetables: Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly. Trim the asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces. String the snap peas, if necessary. Peel and slice the carrots on the bias (diagonal). Halve or quarter the baby potatoes, slice the radishes thinly, and chop the green onions and herbs.
- Boil the potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the baby potatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes, until fork-tender. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Blanch the green vegetables: In the same boiling water, add the asparagus, snap peas, and peas. Blanch for 2-3 minutes, until just tender and brightly colored. Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and preserve the color. Drain well.
- Sauté the carrots and radishes: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced carrots and radishes, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until slightly golden and just tender.
- Add the blanched vegetables and potatoes: Add the drained asparagus, snap peas, peas, and baby potatoes to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Season and finish: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the zest and juice of 1 lemon, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Toss to combine.
- Add green onions and herbs: Off the heat, sprinkle over the sliced green onions and chopped herbs. Give it one final gentle toss.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving platter or bowl. Garnish with extra herbs and a few twists of black pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, drizzle with a little balsamic glaze or add a sprinkle of toasted nuts just before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Mix up your vegetables: Substitute or add in whatever spring produce you have—think fava beans, leeks, or even baby artichokes.
- Make it a meal: Add cooked quinoa, farro, or a can of drained white beans for a protein boost.
- Try different herbs: Dill, basil, tarragon, or chives all add their own unique springtime flavors.
- Go dairy-free or add cheese: This recipe is naturally vegan, but a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese is a lovely addition if you eat dairy.
- Looking for more spring ideas? Try our Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious or the Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals for even more seasonal inspiration!
- Make it ahead: This dish keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- Add a crunch: Toss in toasted pine nuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds for extra texture.
- Dress it up: A spoonful of vegan pesto or a dollop of herbed yogurt makes a delightful finishing touch.
“The best part about spring vegetables is their versatility. Don’t be afraid to experiment with what’s fresh and local!”
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 recipe) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 |
Protein | 5g |
Carbohydrates | 32g |
Fiber | 7g |
Fat | 5g |
Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
Sodium | 140mg |
Vitamin A | 110% DV |
Vitamin C | 60% DV |
Potassium | 20% DV |
Iron | 12% DV |
Note: Nutrition facts are estimates and will vary based on the exact vegetables and amounts used.
Serving Suggestions
- As a main dish: Serve the vegetable medley over a bed of cooked quinoa, brown rice, or farro for a hearty, satisfying meal.
- With grilled proteins: This recipe pairs beautifully with simple grilled tofu, tempeh, or even a lemony baked chicken for omnivores.
- On a spring platter: Arrange alongside hummus, pita bread, and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired spread.
- For brunch: Top with a poached or soft-boiled egg for extra protein and richness.
- In a wrap or sandwich: Stuff into a warm pita or vegan flour tortilla with a swipe of herbed spread and some crisp greens.
- Paired with bread: Serve with your favorite crusty loaf, or try this Vegan Bread Maker Recipe for Soft and Delicious Loaves!
- Cold or room temperature: This dish is just as tasty served cold, making it perfect for picnics or packed lunches.
“Fresh, colorful, and endlessly adaptable—this springtime medley is made for sharing.”
Conclusion
Springtime is truly a celebration of renewal, and nothing captures that spirit quite like a plate full of fresh, seasonal vegetables. This vibrant medley is more than just a recipe—it’s a template for creativity and joy in the kitchen.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find the flavors and colors of spring inspiring and satisfying.
Don’t be afraid to adapt this dish to your tastes and what’s available. Remember, the best meals are made with what’s fresh, local, and made with love.
For more plant-based inspiration, check out our Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor or explore our ideas for Veg Maharashtrian Recipes: Easy & Delicious Meals. Happy spring cooking—and may your table always be filled with color, flavor, and good company!
📖 Recipe Card: Springtime Vegetable Medley
Description: A vibrant mix of seasonal spring vegetables, lightly sautéed for a fresh and healthy side dish. Perfect for celebrating the flavors of spring.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup sugar snap peas, ends trimmed
- 1 cup baby carrots, sliced
- 1 cup radishes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup baby zucchini, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add carrots and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in asparagus, snap peas, radishes, and zucchini.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for another 8-10 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Remove from heat and drizzle with lemon juice.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 110 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 13 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Springtime Vegetable Medley”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A vibrant mix of seasonal spring vegetables, lightly saut\u00e9ed for a fresh and healthy side dish. Perfect for celebrating the flavors of spring.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces”, “1 cup sugar snap peas, ends trimmed”, “1 cup baby carrots, sliced”, “1 cup radishes, thinly sliced”, “1 cup baby zucchini, sliced”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper”, “2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley”, “1 tablespoon lemon juice”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and saut\u00e9 for 1 minute until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add carrots and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in asparagus, snap peas, radishes, and zucchini.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for another 8-10 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and drizzle with lemon juice.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “110 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “3 g”, “fatContent”: “6 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “13 g”}}