SPRING MENU PLANNING

With spring in full swing, I'm changing up my weekly menu to incorporate more seasonal produce and lighter, quicker meals perfect for spring dinners on the deck. If you receive a CSA box you're most likely seeing lots of asparagus, arugula, lettuce, fresh herbs, peas, leeks, strawberries, new potatoes, and radishes! / If you're local to Charlotte and looking for an organic CSA to join check out Wild Hope Farm! I shared about Wild Hope Farm on my Instagram stories a few weeks ago and thanks to you all they have sold out of their spring and summer CSA shares! Fall and winter shares are still available as well as flowers and eggs! /

I've been craving lots of main dish salads, light pasta dishes with herby sauces, loaded quiches and grilled flatbreads piled with greens. Here are some of the recipes making their way onto my menu lately... 

Spring Nicoise Salad, from How Sweet Eats
Is there a salad that sings SPRING more than Salad Nicoise? I think not. I love the addition of the asparagus and radishes in this one. Also a great "salad" for littles who haven't quite mastered leafy greens yet. =)

Lemon Artichoke Hummus, from The Bojon Gourmet
This would make a delicious spring lunch on it's own, or a light spring dinner paired with a pile of falafel on the side!

Socca Pizza with Ricotta & Spring Veggies, from the Kitchen
I made socca a few times right after I got married - looking for budget friendly dinner ideas - and somehow haven't made it since. Time to dig up my bag of chickpea flour and make this beautiful spring pizza! (Kite Hill makes a wonderful dairy free ricotta if you're in the market!)

Asparagus Eggs Gribiche, from Sprouted Kitchen
A quick, light spring meal. Eggs Gribiche will always remind me of a dish my mom made quite a bit during my teens. Don't skimp on the fresh herbs - they make the dish!

The Perfect Picnic Pie, from Green Kitchen Stories
A perfect make ahead meal! This crust is a delicious base for any quiche (or even dessert) and a great way to use up leftover greens hanging out in your fridge.

Vegetarian Meatballs with Soy-Honey Glaze, from Bon Appetit
This is a new recipe I came across that I'm so excited to try.  Fresh ginger, chiles, honey, garlic, scallions, and loads of fresh herbs - is your mouth watering yet??

Baked Herb & Pistachio Falafel, from Sprouted Kitchen
Love a good falafel - they are so kid friendly and easy to wrap up with your favorite toppings. I love this version with pistachios and fresh herbs!

Greek Turkey Burgers, from Foodie Crush
Perhaps not technically a "spring" recipe - I make these turkey burgers year round, but in the spring I like to doctor them up with extra herbs and serve with pickled onions and guacamole!

Ramp, Carrot & Chicken Mini Quiche, from La Tartine Gourmande
Garden party anyone? This recipe is a little fancy with mini tart shells but if you're looking for delicious spring flavors for your next quiche, you've found them! I love the addition of the poppy seeds in the crust.

Springtime Cobb Salad, from How Sweet Eats 

Finishing off this list with one more spring-forward salad: a delicious twist on the classic Cobb. Pour a glass of white and eat this al fresco. I promise it makes it taste better. 😉

Happy cooking and happy eating! Take a deep breath and enjoy this beautiful weather! Sending hugs to you all!