Spring is one of the most exciting food times of the year.

Warmer weather brings an explosion of new fruits and vegetables in vibrant colors. After the heavy produce that dominates our winter meals, spring brings a breath of fresh air.  You can find a comprehensive list of spring fruits and vegetables here.

The luscious green of peas, asparagus, broccoli and lettuces combine with the bright red of strawberries and deep pink from rhubarb.  Additionally, warmer weather means more time to spend enjoying the out-of-doors and less time to spend in the kitchen.

Here are some suggestions to update your meal plan to incorporate spring produce into your meals and give you more time outside of the kitchen.

Salads

Making salads is one of the simplest and quickest ways to incorporate spring produce into your meals. A salad solely made of fruit is a refreshing addition to your meal. Here is a beautifully simple fruit salad. I encourage you to substitute different fruit to suit your family’s preferences.

Fruit Salad

• 1/2 pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 mango, peeled, pitted and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 kiwis, peeled and sliced
• ½ pound grapes, cut in half
• ½ small cantaloupe, peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pint blueberries
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ¼ cup sugar

Combine the fruit in a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice and sugar. Pour lemon juice-sugar mixture over fruit and stir to combine.

Salads do not have to be complicated. You can choose to focus on a single vegetable, such as this refreshing Broccoli Salad.

Simple Broccoli Salad

• 2 bunches broccoli
• 1/3 cup raisins
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 tbsp cider vinegar
• ½ cup toasted sunflower seeds

Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets and steam for 5 minutes.  In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and vinegar. When the broccoli is done, put it in a large bowl with the raisins and toss with the dressing. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Top with sunflower seeds before serving.

Fruit and Vegetable Salad

Do not be afraid to combine fresh fruit and vegetables in your salads. A salad that beautifully marries greens and fruit is the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Sweet Vinaigrette Dressing.