20 tips to give classic recipes a spring twist

One of the easiest ways to give your classic recipes a spring makeover is by swapping out any produce called for with seasonal options. Look at what’s in season in the spring and opt for the most similar produce to what you typically use. 

Use spring herbs in your recipes, too. You don’t have to completely change the flavor profile of your dish, but adding in some fresh basil, mint, chives, dill, or another seasonal herb can add a nice spring twist to your meal. 

Nothing screams warm weather like grilled food. If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to make your meal more springy, grill it instead of cooking inside. If you typically bake your dish or make it on the stovetop, use the grill. 

If you don’t have a grill or you don’t know how to use one, no sweat. You can also adapt your meals by roasting. If you’re used to cooking something in a slow cooker or having it sit on your stovetop for hours on end, try roasting your dish instead. 

Spring dishes are typically lighter than winter and fall dishes, and one of the easiest ways to make a dish feel lighter is by serving it over greens. If you usually serve your dish with heavy sides, eliminate one and put it over greens instead. 

Soup doesn’t need to be reserved for fall and winter. A light soup, like garden vegetable or chicken wild rice, makes for a great side in the spring. On a rainy day, light soup is the perfect balance between springy and comfort food. 

Green foods are where it’s at in the spring. If you can find a way to incorporate something green into your meal in the spring, do it. Vibe-wise, your dish will feel more springy, and the nutrients from the green foods will have you feeling great, too. 

Take some time to consider the textures in each of your meals this spring and make sure they’re balanced. Add some crunch to your softer meals, and consider using a light yet creamy sauce to balance anything that’s too crispy. 

Again, take some time to consider what textures you’re eating this season. Now is the time to embrace crunch, especially with produce. Fresh fruits and veggies are readily available this time of year, so take advantage. If one of your classic recipes calls for cooked veggies, consider serving them raw instead. 

Never underestimate the power of a good garnish. If you’re at a loss for how you can turn a classic meal into a springtime favorite, go the easy route by sprinkling on a springy garnish, like a sprig of parsley or even an edible flower. 

Lots of classic dishes call for heavy starches, especially those served in the fall and winter. Rather than using potatoes or rice, serve your dish with some chips or light bread, or without any starch at all. 

If you love a heavy soup in the winter and want to eat the same flavors in the spring, consider turning it into a light pasta dish. For example, minestrone soup makes for a delicious springtime pasta. 

In the fall and winter, meat is often the star of the show. In the spring, give veggies top billing. Start treating your veggies like you treat your meats by marinating and seasoning them. They’ll be so flavorful and satisfying that you won’t even notice you’re eating a lighter meal. 

Citrus is a classic springtime flavor, and adding zest is an easy way to give your dishes some citrus flavor. Consider zest a garnish and incorporate it into meals that could stand to be a bit brighter. 

Heavy dressings, like ranch and blue cheese dressing, are delicious, but it’s nice to have a change of flavor and texture in the spring. Swap out those heavy dressings for vinaigrettes when you want a spring twist.

If you’re making a pretty standard meal but want a spring addition, serve some seasonal fruit on the side. It’s easy and tasty, and it doesn’t require you to think while you’re cooking. Make your meal on autopilot and add some fruit on the side at the end. 

Remember, spring food should feel lighter. One way to make a meal feel lighter is by swapping out the meat for a hearty vegetable — think using cauliflower instead of steak. Sure, the vegetable will be a bit heavy, but the overall meal will be lighter. 

If you’re not fond of using vegetables instead of meat, stick with protein, but try using fish instead. Trout, bass, walleye, and salmon are all good springtime fish options that still make for a substantial meal but aren’t as heavy as poultry or red meat. 

Deconstruct your favorite classic meal and serve it as a bowl recipe (which just means taking away the gluten). You can still have tasty foods, like lasagna and egg rolls, just in a lighter fashion. 

Spring food is all about natural flavors. It’s great to marinate and use springtime herbs in your cooking, but it’s just as good to let natural flavors do the work. When it fits with a recipe, hold back on some of the seasoning so that your ingredients can show off their natural tastes.