For when you want and you're feeling

40 Healthy Spring Recipes

The sun is here! Celebrate this season of growth with bright and refreshing drinks, breakfasts, mains, and desserts. These heathy spring recipes are great for holiday brunches too.

collage image of easy spring recipes

In many parts of the Northern Hemisphere, the end of March signals a reawakening of the seasons with spring! This season brings with it an abundance of fresh produce and bright colors. Transition out of winter chill can take some time, but these abundant & healthy spring recipes are my favorite way to celebrate. Let’s get into the full list!

Click on each of these links to go directly to that section of the page:

cutting board with ingredients for turmeric cauliflower with peas recipe

Healthy Spring Recipes – Drinks

Lavender Haze Cocktail

This recipe for a “Lavender Haze” Cocktail is refreshing, tart, purple and inspired by Taylor Swift! With floral notes from crème de Violette and sharper bites of gin and lemon juice, it’s a versatile, 3-ingredient drink that will be a hit at any spring or summer celebrations.

hand placing a cherry on top of a lavender haze cocktail

Blood Orange Screwdriver

This Blood Orange Screwdriver Cocktail recipe makes the most out of bright red winter citrus! This super-simple base recipe includes a nonalcoholic option to please everyone at your next brunch. 

seltzer pouring into a glass of blood orange screwdriver cocktail

Salted Pistachio Latte

This Salted Pistachio Latte is easily made right at home but tastes like it’s from a cafe! With a homemade pistachio syrup and frothy oat milk, it’s a perfect pick-me-up during the week without the expense.

close up of vegan salted pistachio latte

The Garden Party

Whip up a Garden Party Cocktail for a refreshing, colorful beverage that will please a crowd! It’s easily made nonalcoholic and has a ginger sugar rim. Single glass and punch options are included.

pitcher of strawberry basil garden party coctails

Turmeric Ginger Steamer for Better Sleep

This Turmeric Ginger Sleep Steamer is the perfect drink for before bed! Similar to Moon Milk, this caffeine-free drink recipe is comforting and the perfect way to wind down in the evening. Easily vegan with tons of anti-inflammatory ingredients.

overhead shot of a mug of turmeric ginger sleep milk

Strawberry Rhubarb Margaritas

Strawberry Rhubarb Margaritas are a perfect celebration of summer! It is made with an infused simple syrup, tequila, and some fresh orange juice. Easily made nonalcoholic as well!

a cocktail shaker pouring strawberry rhubarb margaritas into a glass

Carrot Bloody Mary

Mix up a new brunch drink with this recipe for a Carrot Bloody Mary! Swapping tomato juice for carrot juice lends a subtle sweetness to this classic savory cocktail. Refreshing and festive!

two carrot bloody mary cocktails on an outdoor table

Rhubarb Shrub

This Rhubarb Shrub Recipe is a perfect way to celebrate spring flavors. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it is a fresh, tart, and bright addition to many drinks (alcoholic or non).

champagne pouring into a glass of sparkling rhubarb shrub

Strawberry Limeade

This simple sweet/tart Strawberry Limeade will be your favorite refreshing drink! A perfect pair to classic cookout foods, it’s bright, tangy, and easily customized. Topped with mint for a cooling spring or summer beverage!

side view of strawberry limeade with a lime circle and a sprig of mint

Sparkling Rosé French 75

This Sparkling Rosé French 75 Cocktail Recipe is colorful and easy to make! A twist on a traditional drink recipe, this replaces champagne with sparkling pink wine for a light and pretty beverage with minimal ingredients. This will be your new favorite.

sparkling rose pouring into a champagne flute of rose french 75

Carrot Ginger Turmeric Juice

Carrot Ginger Turmeric Juice is bright, refreshing, and full of anti-inflammatory ingredients! Ready in just about 5 minutes, it’s a great morning treat that is very hydrating. It’s inspired by the version from Trader Joe’s and no juicer is required!

carrot bloody mary being poured into a tall glass

Healthy Spring Recipes – Breakfasts

Fluffy Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

This recipe for Fluffy Vegan Cinnamon Rolls is ready in under 2 hours and full of cozy cinnamon sugar flavor! Made with just 8 ingredients, it’s perfect for for brunch or an evening dessert.

side view of cinnamon roll on a white plate with a plate of more in the background

Fluffy Vegan Scones

Vegan scones are delicious breakfast treats that feel fancy but are ready in less than 30 minutes! Fluffy, soft, and totally customizable with add-ins like berries and nuts, this will be your new favorite brunch option.

plate of two vegan scones next to a jar pf jam

Carrot Cake Waffles

These Vegan Carrot Cake Waffles are perfectly festive for spring and full of cozy flavors! They’re great for Easter brunch or breakfast in bed and reheat beautifully during the week (when toasted, of course).

vegan carrot cake waffle on a breakfast tray next to a vase of flowers

Vegan Irish Soda Bread

Easy Vegan Irish Soda bread, ready in one hour! With dried fruit and classic flavors like caraway, this simple vegan bread recipe is fun to make and a great pairing for so many meals.

irish soda bread cut in half on a wooden board with a blueberry jam in the background

Vegan English Muffins

The simplest recipe for Vegan English Muffins, made with just 8 ingredients! These are full of classic flavor and delicious when toasted (with butter + jam) or on a breakfast sandwich. Much richer in flavor than store-bought, you’ll impress your friends with this recipe!

sliced open english muffin spread with blackberry jam

Healthy Spring Main Meals

Asparagus Barley Risotto

This Vegan Asparagus Barley Risotto is a comforting dinner recipe that’s topped with bright and fresh spring produce! Made with whole grain pearl barley, it’s a unique take on a traditional dish and easily customized. 

close up of barley risotto topped with asparagus and peas on a white plate

Asparagus Ricotta Galette

Make this Asparagus Ricotta Galette for your next brunch – it’s the perfect recipe to celebrate spring! Layered with a flavorful vegan ricotta and topped with savory herbs and roasted asparagus, it’s elegant, light, and festive. 

overhead shot of a vegan asparagus ricotta galette on a wooden board

Caramelized Lemon White Beans

These Caramelized Lemon White Beans are full of zesty flavor and easily made into a hearty vegan main meal! Slightly sweet with notes of garlic and citrus, this is a perfect springtime dinner!

spoon and bread next to a plate of white beans and asaparagus

Crispy Orzo with Peas and Garlic Butter

This recipe for Crispy Orzo with Peas and Garlic Butter is a perfect pantry meal that is packed with flavor and so comforting! Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a family-friendly healthy weeknight dinner that everyone will love. Totally vegan with gluten-free options!

overhead shot of crispy orzo with peas and two lemon rounds

Roasted Cauliflower Quinoa Bowls with Green Tahini

These Roasted Cauliflower Quinoa Bowls are customizable, full of plant protein, and very satisfying with a drizzle of bright green tahini sauce on top of peppery arugula. Pack them for lunch this week!

ovehead shot of cauliflower quinoa bowl with arugula

Arugula Fennel Salad

This Arugula Fennel Salad is a bright and zesty addition to any fall or winter table! Peppery arugula leaves are coated in a citrus dressing and then topped with chopped dates, orange wedges, sliced fennel, and tangy feta (vegan as needed). Ready in 10 minutes!

overhead shot of arugula fennel and orange salad on a white platter

Pesto Zuppa Toscana

This recipe for Vegan Pesto Zuppa Toscana is a hearty and cozy meal that’s totally vegan! Inspired by the Olive Garden favorite, “Tuscan Soup” is a perfect weeknight dinner full of protein and nutrients.

hand with a spoon reaching into a bowl of tuscan soup

Thai-Inspired Peanut Butter Bagel

This Thai Peanut Butter Bagel is a totally unexpected lunch option that you’re going to love! We spread crunchy peanut butter onto a toasted bagel with mild jalapeño jelly, sliced cucumbers, and shredded carrots. Satisfying and so flavorful!

overhead shot of a sliced open thai peanut bagel with cucumber slices and jalapeño jam

Rosé Pasta with Broccolini

Vegan Rosé Pasta with Broccolini is a perfect summer meal! Enjoy this tomato cashew cream sauce, splashed with lively rosé wine, for a simple dinner (ready in under an hour) that feels restaurant-quality.

platter of rose pasta with broccolini

Roasted Rhubarb Sandwich

This recipe for a Roasted Rhubarb Sandwich is a new take on a classic grilled cheese! With toasty bread, caramelized onions, soft rhubarb, a tangy spread, and fresh mint, it’s a perfect summer sandwich.

four pieces of toasted bread topped with rhubarb and cashew cheese

Creamy Kale and Potato Tacos

These Creamy Kale and Potato Tacos are inspired by those served the classic Washington, D.C. restaurant Chaia! This version uses a cashew cream sauce base to cook crispy potatoes and kale for the perfect tortilla filling. Topped with salsa verde, pickled onions, and micro greens, they’re a delicious and easy plant-based dinner option ready in 20 minutes!

three creamy kale potato tacos on a blue board

Herby Quinoa Salad

Say no to boring grain bowls! This Herby Quinoa Salad with Go-To Tahini Dressing is what all plant-based meal prepping aspires to be. It’s full of unique textures, fresh flavors, and high in vegan protein.

side view of herby quinoa salad with tahini dressing

Strawberry Quinoa Salad

This Strawberry Quinoa Salad is a perfect summer side dish, full of fresh berries, creamy avocado, refreshing mint, and high-protein quinoa. It’s interesting, satisfying, and quick to make!

side view of green bowl of strawberry quinoa salad with a silver spoon on a grey table

Healthy Spring Recipes – Desserts

Soft Batch Lemon Crinkle Cookies

These Soft Batch Vegan Lemon Crinkle Cookies are meltingly soft and full of fresh citrus flavor! They’re ready in under 30 minutes as a bright & customizable dessert option that’s also freezer-friendly.

overhead shot of vegan lemon crinkle cookies on a stone table next to yellow flowers

Grapefruit Poppyseed Loaf Cake

This Grapefruit Poppyseed Loaf Cake Recipe is easy to make and a perfect winter dessert! Topped with a bright pink citrus icing, it’s a fragrant olive oil-based cake that’s full of bright flavor. Totally vegan and made in a loaf pan!

hands placing a grapefruit poppyseed load cake on a tray

Flower Shortbread Cookies

This recipe for Edible Flower Shortbread Cookies is show-stopping and simple! Made with just 5 ingredients, these vegan treats are festive and fun for any spring or summer occasion.

overhead view of flower shortbread cookies on a marble tray

Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a bright and fresh winter dessert that can be totally vegan and gluten-free! Made with cashews and coconut cream, this plant-based cheesecake is easy to make and full of sunny flavor. 

stack of three meyer lemon cheesecake bars on a black table with a sprinkle of powdered sugar

Vegan Olive Oil Cake

This Fluffy Vegan Olive Oil Cake Recipe is the definition of a pantry staple dessert, made with just 10 ingredients. No special equipment is required to bake!

side view of a vegan olive oil cake with berries

Brown Butter Rhubarb Crumble

This recipe for Brown Butter Rhubarb Crumble is tart, sweet, and slightly spiced with notes of cinnamon and cardamom. Flexible enough for a weeknight dessert, this customizable crisp recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser! A dish that is naturally vegan with gluten-free options.

brown butter rhubarb crumble next to two forks

Grand Marnier Strawberry Sundaes

The Grand Marnier Strawberry Sundae is an elevated dessert that feels fancy but is ready in minutes! Serve the infused fruit over your favorite vanilla ice cream for an elegant and convenient treat. Non-alcoholic options available! 

hand spooning strawberries into a grand marnier sundae

Tessellated Rhubarb Almond Cake

Turn your dessert into art with this Tessellated Rhubarb Cake! This recipe includes a step-by-step guide to creating a perfect rhubarb design, along with a video. Tart rhubarb atop crunchy almond cake, this is an ideal vegan/gluten-free summer dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make!

overhead shot of a tessellated rhubarb cake before baking

Any Berry Galette

This flexible recipe for a Flaky Berry Galette works with any kind of berry! With the BEST flaky pie crust, we’re using fresh fruit for a rustic-inspired dessert that is perfect for a spring or summer table. Easy to make with simple ingredients and vegan!

overhead shot of vegan berry galette with a scoop of ice cream in the center on a piece of parchment

Vegan Strawberry Shortcake

This recipe for Vegan Strawberry Shortcake is ready in just 20 minutes! It’s a great spring or summer dessert idea filled with fresh, bright berries and fluffy coconut whipped cream.

stack of vegan strawberry shortcake with whipped cream on a wooden table

Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake

This Vegan Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake is perfect creamy, salty, and sweet! A dairy-free “cheesecake” filling made from coconut and cashews is swirled with bright strawberry jam and then poured into a crispy pretzel crust. Easily no-bake and gluten-free!

overhead shot of a swirled strawberry pretzel cheesecake with a slice cut out

What kinds of produce are in season in spring?

  • Arugula
  • Asparagus
  • Broccoli
  • Fennel
  • Grapefruit
  • Mandarin
  • Peas
  • Rhubarb
  • Spinach

This is of course not a complete list, but some of my favorites that really come to light in these early months.

Portrait of Emily Meyers, founder of Garlic Head

About the Author

Emily (Frigon) Meyers is the founder of Garlic Head, a plant-based recipe website for all eaters who want to easily, affordably, and sustainably incorporate more vegetables into their diets while saving time and money. She is a lifelong vegetarian and 10+ year vegan. Garlic Head does not focus on labels - it focuses on creating food that everyone can enjoy.

Emily earned a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University along with degrees in Economics, Spanish, and Global Sustainability from the University of Pittsburgh. She has been featured on numerous podcasts and websites including The Food Institute, VegNews, Buzzfeed, and the Boston Globe.

Meet Emily here.

Love this post? Share the love!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Garlic Head Logo

Garlic Head is a community for food lovers that is focused on providing affordable, simple, & delicious plant-based recipes to help us feel our best.

iPhone X displaying Garlic Head's "3-Ingredients Cocktails" e-Book

Free Resource

Get this e-book for free!

Please enter your name.
Please enter a valid email address.
Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.
For when you're feeling...
Our recipes look great on Pinterest!