Spring has sprung here at FitStar HQ, and we’re getting excited about the new bounty of produce that’s hitting our local markets. For many, springtime foods translate to FRESH eating. We can take a break from our beloved baked winter squashes and roasted root veggies. Bring on, instead, the crisp leafy greens and vibrant varieties of fruit! We love this round-up of recipes Cooking Light has featuring springy foods and flavors, and were inspired to make our own.
Check out our list of Top 5 Favorite Springtime Foods below, including 15 recipes showing how to eat and enjoy them!
#1 – Asparagus
No springtime foodie list would be complete without asparagus! These lovely spears were declared the “food of kings” by France’s Louis XIV, though are a healthy choice for everyone since they contain nutrients like iron and B and C vitamins. Steam, sauté, grill,or roast the stalks to eat as a side, or top with a soft-boiled egg and call it a meal. Here are some more ideas:
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Grilled Asparagus with Caper Vinaigrette
Garden Fresh Asparagus Soup
#2 – Strawberries
Need a change from citrus but still want a daily dose of Vitamin C? You’re in luck – strawberries pack a healthy dose of both Vitamin C and fiber. Plus, they’re delicious on their own (make sure they’re a deep red color for optimal sweetness), in smoothies, added to parfaits, in salads, and even salad dressings. We’re partial to just washing them and eating them plain, but try one of these recipes and enjoy them in a whole new way:
Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles
Wheat Berry, Spinach, and Strawberry Salad
Tara Stiles’ Strawberry Shortcake Smoothie
#3 – Peas
Let’s give it up for plant proteins! Peas – such as snap peas, snow peas, and green peas – are high in fiber and low in fat, making them an awesome choice for a varied diet. We love legumes cooked in stirfrys or raw in salads; serve them as a side dish or dip them in hummus for healthy nutrient-dense snack. Want more ideas? Check these out:
Lemony Snap Peas
Minted Peas with Rice and Feta
Snow Peas with Toasted Almonds
#4 – Cherries
Of all springtime foods, cherries seem to be the most special. Maybe it’s because their window of availability is so short – you have to grab them while you can from late spring through early summer. Loaded with fiber and potassium, but low in calories, cherries are as good for you as they are good to eat! Enjoy them ripe and raw, or add them to cereals, yogurts, smoothies, and salads.
Grilled Flank Steak with Cherry Pecan Rice
Salad with Goat Cheese, Cherries, and Pistachios
Summer Cherries Jubilee
#5 – Leafy Greens
We all know spinach and lettuces are good for us – and many of us are lucky to have year-round access to our favorite leafy greens. The great things about spring greens is we get to enjoy the sweeter versions – such as baby spinach and little gem lettuces. You can enjoy these greens as you always do – in salads, in smoothies, or as sandwich filler, or you could expand your repertoire with some of these ideas:
Baby Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon-Citrus Vinaigrette
Butter Lettuce Salad with Egg and Potatoes
Spinach and Garlic Omelet
Do you have a favorite food you look forward to this time of year? Join the conversation in the comments below!
Keep Moving,
Team FitStar
The post Spring Eating – Our 5 Favorite Springtime Foods appeared first on FitStar - Inspiring people to live healthier lives.