Spring makes me long for all things new - especially what I put on my plate.
Searching for fresh ideas, I asked a bunch of friends to share their favorite springtime recipes. What I didn't expect was all the sweet stories, handwritten treasures, and lovely memories that came flooding in. Some recipes are classics, others were new to me, and maybe you too. Let's call it the modern take on the old-fashioned recipe swap.
Food holds such history and memory for all of us. Most of these recipes were dishes we grew up enjoying or the ones we treasured surrounded by our dearest people. What a joy to share these meals and memories with those we love.
PS Wherever possible, links to recipes in the title were included. However, for the beauty of handwritten recipes, some downloaded images are also included. Access all the recipes in this sweet downloadable recipe booklet below.
12 Well-Loved Spring Recipes
Access All Recipes in Downloadable Recipe Booklet Below
My New Orleans-loving friend Joni hosted amazing crawfish boils every spring. I might have been the luckiest person alive to be her neighbor and enjoy the feasts. This decadent, over-the-top pasta is a perfect way to celebrate crawfish season. Shrimp is a good swap if crawfish are not accessible.
Tara says Fish Tacos are perfect for a spring, almost summer vibe. She says even though the recipe looks laborious, her family volunteers to make this one together because they love it so much. She says the accompanying yum sauce is a must. Prepare for family adoration.
My sister-in-law Pam reminded me of this classic beauty. This dish held court every morning over family visits as we were always in awe of its puffy golden gorgeousness. An old-school, perfect breakfast dish. I love admiring my mother-in-law's elegant swirly handwriting for this recipe.
My daughter Kelly is not only a brilliant foodie, but also a holistic nutritionist. You can see more of her good stuff on her website, Second Nature Wellness. Kelly always combines what's good for you, with a fun twist. This spring seasonal recipe captures veggie goodness but with a cool take as a griddle cake.
Karen shared this recipe as a way to celebrate and remember her mom, who passed away in August 2022. Not only is it a lovely tribute to generations past, but it's also a refreshing and unique side dish to bring to your next cookout.
This recipe might be your little black dress dish - as it's always perfect. Dawn said that this black bean salad goes with anything and gets better the more it sits. A perfect accompaniment for any Taco Tuesday or a Cinco de Mayo party.
Kathy says this is her favorite version of the classic cookout side. She likes to swap sunflower seeds in for almonds. I have to admit, broccoli and salad were not my favorite combos - but this little beauty is as virtuous as it is tasty. Nothing says spring like a creamy broccoli salad.
A childhood favorite salad, this is Cathy's most adored version of the Seven Layer Salad. As an admitted non-veggie lover, this is one salad she enjoyed every summer growing up. Tasty and refreshing. This is my husband's favorite salad.
Becca brought this to a recent church group potluck and it was a treat. Light, flavorful, colorful, and refreshing salad - perfect for backyard gatherings. Great side to contrast with brats, burgers, or heavier cookout dishes.
Ashley calls these "Road Rally" potatoes. She says a road rally is a scavenger hunt adventure by car that their family enjoyed in the past with friends. This recipe reminds me of every church potluck I ever went to growing up and a trip down memory lane with every bite.
A favorite for the little ones and made by my neighbor's mother-in-law as a treat for the grandkiddos every time she visits. I might have to pass this one off as my new tradition with visiting cuties.
Pam's cheesecakes are legendary around our home. She's pretty much ruined me for any other cheesecake made by anyone else. I call this spring break on a plate - an airy, light, ode to Florida cheesecake.
I shared this on my Facebook page. Thank you!