Fresh Beginnings: A Seasonal Spring Menu

Spring food refers to the fresh, seasonal ingredients that become available during the spring months, typically from March through June. This season is characterized by lighter, more vibrant produce that reflects the renewal and growth of nature after winter.

Spring foods are typically fresh, light, and packed with nutrients, helping to cleanse the body and provide energy as the weather warms. Many recipes emphasize simple preparations that highlight the natural flavors of these ingredients. Incorporating spring produce into meals supports local farmers and encourages eating in harmony with the season that are often steamed, roasted, or grilled.

Stationary Appetizers:

Asparagus & Prosciutto Bundles
Blanched asparagus wrapped in thin prosciutto, drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.

Mini Caprese Skewers
Cherry tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil on a toothpick, finished with balsamic glaze.

Smoked Salmon Canapés
On rye crisps or cucumber rounds, with cream cheese, dill, and a touch of lemon zest.

Strawberry & Mascarpone Crostini
Toasted baguette slice, mascarpone, fresh strawberry, and mint drizzle.

Asparagus and Prosciutto Rolls:

Tender asparagus spears wrapped in thin slices of prosciutto, finished with a light drizzle of zesty lemon vinaigrette or a rich balsamic glaze for added depth.

Pea and Mint Crostini:

Creamy pureed peas blended with fresh mint and ricotta spread generously on toasted baguette slices, topped with vibrant microgreens or a sprinkle of sharp parmesan cheese.

Radish and Herb Butter Tartines:

Soft herb-infused butter spread over warm toasted bread, layered with thinly sliced radishes, and seasoned simply with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Deviled Eggs with Chive and Lemon:

Classic deviled eggs enhanced with fresh chives and bright lemon zest, creating a perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors.

Strawberry and Goat Cheese Salad Bites:

Juicy strawberry slices placed atop crisp endive leaves, crowned with tangy goat cheese and a drizzle of sweet honey or tangy balsamic reduction.

Spring Vegetable Crudité with Green Goddess Dip:

An assortment of crisp snap peas, baby carrots, radishes, and cucumber served alongside a creamy, herb-packed yogurt avocado dip known as Green Goddess.

Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Canapés:

Delicate smoked salmon layered over cucumber rounds spread with dill-flavored cream cheese, finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Spring Pea and Ricotta Tart:

A flaky, buttery tart crust filled with a creamy mixture of fresh peas, ricotta cheese, fragrant lemon zest, and garden-fresh herbs, baked to perfection.

Smoked Salmon Blinis
Mini pancakes with crème fraîche, smoked salmon, and dill.

Shrimp Ceviche Cups
Chilled shrimp with citrus, avocado, and microgreens in a mini tortilla cup.

Crab & Lemon Aioli Tartlets
Mini pastry cups filled with crab salad, lightly dressed with lemon aioli.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon or Asparagus
Sweet melon or blanched asparagus wrapped in thin prosciutto, finished with mint or lemon zest.

Mini Chicken Satay Skewers
Grilled chicken with a tangy peanut or citrus glaze, easy to pick up.

Family Style Menu:

Proteins:

Lemon Herb Roasted Spring Chicken

Roast a whole chicken seasoned with fresh lemon zest, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and parsley.

Spring Chicken Piccata

Lightly bread chicken cutlets and pan-fry until golden. Make a tangy piccata sauce with white wine, lemon juice, capers, and fresh parsley.

Grilled Chicken with Spring Vegetable Medley

Marinate chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic, and fresh basil.

Chicken and Asparagus Stir-Fry

Quickly stir-fry sliced chicken with asparagus tips, sugar snap peas, and julienned carrots. Season with fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of honey.

Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Feta

Combine grilled chicken breast pieces with mixed greens, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, and toasted almonds. Toss with a light vinaigrette made from lemon juice, olive oil, and honey.

Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers
Marinate shrimp in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, olive oil

Asparagus and Crab Risotto
Use tender young asparagus tips and lump crab meat in a creamy risotto base. Flavored with fresh dill and a touch of lemon zest.

Seared Scallops with Pea Purée
Pan-sear scallops and serve them on a bed of smooth pea purée. Garnish with microgreens and a drizzle of olive oil

Spring Vegetable and Mussel Soup
Simmer mussels with leeks, fennel, and spring carrots in a light fish stock infused with white wine and fresh thyme.

Citrus-Marinated Salmon =
Marinate salmon fillets in orange and grapefruit juice with a touch of honey and Dijon mustard.

Seared Salmon

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

with a citrus marinade

Cod en Papillote

with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs

Roast Pork Tenderloin

Spring Beef Stir-Fry

Grilled Flank Steak

with chimichurri

Grilled Flank Steak w and Lemon Herb Sauce:

Marinate flank steak in olive oil, garlic, thyme, and lemon zest. Serve with a lemon sauce of parsley, chives, and Dijon mustard.

Braised Beef with Spring Peas and Carrots:

Slow-cooked beef chuck roast with peas, baby carrots, shallots, and light red wine broth.

Beef and Morel Mushroom Ragout:

Simmered beef with fresh morel mushrooms for a rich, earthy ragout beef cubes with these earthy mushrooms, shallots, garlic, and fresh thyme in a light broth.

Spring Lentil and Asparagus Salad

with feta and mint

Chickpea Patties

with a cucumber-yogurt sauce and radish salad

Tofu Stir-Fry

with fresh ginger, snow peas, and baby corn

Side Dishes:

Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Zest and Sea Salt:

Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection, brightened with fresh lemon zest and a sprinkle of sea salt for a crisp, vibrant flavor.

Spring Pea and Mint Salad:

A light and refreshing combination of sweet spring peas and aromatic mint leaves, perfect for a cool, revitalizing side dish.

Honey and Thyme Glazed Baby Carrots:

Baby carrots roasted with a glaze of honey and fresh thyme, balancing sweetness with herbal notes for a delightful finish.

Radish and Cucumber Slaw with Dill Dressing:

Thinly sliced radishes and cucumbers tossed in a tangy dill dressing, offering a crisp and invigorating contrast.

Grilled Zucchini Ribbons with Parmesan:

Smoky grilled zucchini strips layered with rich Parmesan cheese, delivering a savory and satisfying bite.

Roasted Fennel with Garlic and Rosemary:

Sweet, caramelized fennel bulbs roasted alongside garlic and rosemary, infusing the dish with fragrant, earthy flavors.

Creamy Parmesan Polenta:

Smooth and velvety polenta enriched with grated Parmesan, serving as a comforting and cheesy base or side.

Spring Herb Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette:

Nutty quinoa tossed with fresh spring herbs and a zesty lemon vinaigrette, creating a healthy and flavorful salad option.

Truffle Parmesan Risotto
Creamy Arborio rice slowly cooked with white wine, chicken broth, and finished with Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of white truffle oil. The rich, earthy aroma elevates any meal.

Roasted Asparagus with Lemon and Almonds
Fresh asparagus spears roasted to perfection, tossed with toasted sliced almonds and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice. A bright, crunchy, and sophisticated accompaniment.

Honey-Glazed Carrots with Thyme
Baby carrots glazed in honey and butter, then sprinkled with fresh thyme leaves. The natural sweetness of the carrots pairs wonderfully with savory thyme.

Garlic and Herb Mashed Cauliflower
A low-carb alternative, cauliflower mashed with roasted garlic, cream, and a blend of fresh herbs like parsley and chives for a smooth and flavorful side.

Wild Mushroom Medley
A sauté of shiitake, cremini, and oyster mushrooms with garlic, shallots, and fresh thyme, finished with a splash of white wine and a touch of cream for earthiness and depth.

Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Roasted beets served warm on a bed of arugula, topped with crumbled goat cheese, candied pecans, and a balsamic reduction drizzle for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

Herbed Quinoa Pilaf
Quinoa cooked in vegetable broth and mixed with chopped fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, and mint, along with finely chopped toasted walnuts for crunch and texture.

Grilled Zucchini with Basil Pesto
Zucchini slices grilled until tender, then brushed with a vibrant basil pesto. A fresh, colorful side that pairs well with grilled meats or seafood.

Creamed Spinach with Nutmeg
Fresh spinach wilted and combined with a creamy sauce infused with a hint of nutmeg, garlic, and Parmesan cheese—a classic that brings richness to any plate.

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Rosemary
Fingerling potatoes tossed in olive oil, fresh rosemary, and kosher salt, then roasted until golden and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.

“If there is something you’d like to have, but isn’t on these menus, let me know and we can totally add it”

Plated & Coursed

Salads:

Asparagus & Pea Salad
Blanched asparagus, sugar snap peas, baby arugula, radish slices, and pea shoots, dressed with a light lemon vinaigrette and sprinkled with shaved Parmesan.

Strawberry & Spinach Salad
Baby spinach, fresh strawberries, toasted almonds, and crumbled goat cheese, with a poppy seed or balsamic glaze dressing.

Spring Herb & Fennel Salad
Thinly sliced fennel, microgreens, tarragon, chives, and baby lettuces, finished with a citrus vinaigrette.

Avocado & Citrus Salad
Segments of orange or grapefruit, avocado slices, butter lettuce, shaved radish, and a light citrus-honey vinaigrette.

Burrata & Pea Shoot Salad
Creamy burrata served on a bed of pea shoots with lightly roasted spring vegetables and a drizzle of aged balsamic.

Rhubarb & Berry Salad
Fresh spring berries and poached rhubarb over arugula, with pistachios and a subtle honey-lavender vinaigrette.

Peach or Nectarine & Burrata Salad
Thinly sliced fresh stone fruit with burrata, microgreens, and a light citrus vinaigrette or honey drizzle (for late spring).

Green Goddess Salad:

Baby kale and spinach, radishes, shaved asparagus, feta, sliced strawberries, chopped pistachios

Plated Appetizer:

Seared Scallop over Pea Purée
Single or double scallop served atop a smooth spring pea purée with microgreens and lemon oil drizzle.

Smoked Salmon Roulade
Smoked salmon rolled with herbed cream cheese, plated with cucumber ribbons and a touch of dill crème fraîche.

Tuna Tartare Stack:

Lightly seasoned diced tuna layered with avocado and mango

Seared Duck Breast Medallions:

paired with a spring fruit compote (like apricot or cherry).

Lobster or Crab Medallion
Chilled lobster or crab on a bed of pea purée with microgreens and a light citrus beurre blanc.

Mini Herb-Crusted Lamb Loin
Sliced into medallions, served with a light mint jus and roasted spring vegetables.

Entree:

Seared Halibut with Pea Purée & Spring Vegetables
Lightly seared halibut atop a silky pea purée, garnished with baby carrots, asparagus tips, and microgreens.

Lobster Tail with Lemon Chive Beurre Blanc
Poached lobster tail with a delicate lemon-chive beurre blanc, plated with lightly blanched spring vegetables.

Pan-Seared Scallops with Spring Herb Risotto
Scallops atop a creamy risotto with fresh peas, ramps, and micro herbs

Chicken Ballotine with Spring Herb & Leek Filling
Tender chicken roulade stuffed with fresh spring herbs, ramps, and leeks, plated with a pea purée.

Corn-Fed Quail with Strawberry & Rhubarb Gastrique
Seared quail breast paired with a lightly sweet and tangy strawberry-rhubarb gastrique and microgreens.

Turkey Medallions with Lemon-Ramp Jus
Seared turkey medallions finished with a light lemon and ramp jus, garnished with micro herbs.

Lamb Loin with Minted Pea Purée & Baby Carrots
Herb-crusted lamb loin plated with pea purée, baby carrots, and fresh micro herbs.

Filet Mignon with Morel Mushroom Duxelles (optional seasonal)
Tender filet mignon topped with a light morel duxelles or a spring vegetable medley for non-mushroom option.

Beef Tenderloin Medallions with Rhubarb & Chive Compote
Seared beef medallions with a lightly tart rhubarb and chive compote, plated with microgreens.

Grilled Halloumi & Asparagus Stack
Layers of grilled halloumi, asparagus, and thinly shaved radish, finished with micro herbs and lemon oil.

Stuffed Artichoke & Ricotta Roulade
Light artichoke hearts filled with ricotta and spring herbs, plated with pea purée and microgreens.

Miso-Glazed Black Cod with Spring Pea & Fennel Purée
Tender black cod with a delicate miso glaze, plated on pea and fennel purée, garnished with micro herbs and edible flowers.

Chicken with Lemon & Ramp Velouté
Seared chicken medallion finished with a light lemon-ramp sauce and fresh baby herbs.

Dessert:

Strawberry & Rhubarb Pavlova
Crisp meringue topped with lightly macerated strawberries, rhubarb compote, and micro mint.

Lemon & Berry Tartlet
Mini tart filled with lemon curd, fresh seasonal berries, and edible flower garnish.

Grilled Peach & Mascarpone Parfait
Layered grilled peaches with mascarpone cream and almond crumble, finished with micro herbs.

Mixed Berry Mille-Feuille
Layers of puff pastry, light cream, and seasonal berries, garnished with mint.

Meyer Lemon Panna Cotta with Strawberry Coulis
Silky lemon panna cotta topped with fresh strawberry coulis and micro mint.

Citrus & Lavender Verrine
Layered lemon custard and lightly whipped cream infused with lavender, topped with fresh berries.

Rhubarb & White Chocolate Tart
Flaky tart shell filled with white chocolate ganache, topped with poached rhubarb ribbons and micro herbs.

Passionfruit & Coconut Mousse
Layered mousse served in a small plate portion with passionfruit gelée and toasted coconut flakes.

Fruits:

  • Strawberries

  • Cherries

  • Apricots

  • Peaches

  • Nectarines

  • Plums

  • Pineapple

  • Mangoes

  • Kiwi

  • Rhubarb

  • Loquats

  • Mulberries

  • Pineberries

  • Tart cherries

  • Gooseberries

  • Raspberries (early varieties)

  • Lemons (early spring harvest)

  • Oranges (late winter into early spring)

  • Grapefruit (late winter into early spring)

  • Honeydew melon (early spring varieties)

  • Cantaloupe (early spring varieties)

  • Blueberries (early varieties)

Spring Produce List:

Vegetables:

  • Asparagus

  • Artichokes

  • Arugula

  • Beets (young, tender greens)

  • Broccoli Rabe

  • Brussels Sprouts (early spring varieties)

  • Cabbage (early varieties)

  • Carrots (early harvest)

  • Cauliflower

  • Chard & Swiss chard

  • Chicory

  • Chives

  • Collard Greens

  • Fennel

  • Garden Peas (snap, snow, shelling)

  • Garlic Scapes

  • Green Onions & Spring Onions

  • Kale

  • Kohlrabi

  • Lettuce (various types)

  • Leeks

  • Mustard Greens

  • New Potatoes

  • Radishes

  • Rhubarb

  • Spinach

  • Sugar Snap Peas

  • Turnips (and turnip greens)

  • Watercress