
Spring has officially entered the chat, and with it comes one of the most delicious times of the year: brunch season. As the days grow longer and brighter, many of us feel inspired to hit refresh in all areas of life. We’re cleaning out closets, stepping outside more often and rethinking what’s on our plates.
Here are three fresh, better-for-you spring brunch ideas that deliver on both flavor and nutrition.
Sundried Tomato and Basil Egg Bites

These egg bites are light, fluffy and protein-packed. The sundried tomatoes and basil give them a pop of Italian flavors. They’re beautiful on a brunch table, yet easy to make ahead and be consumed on the go or popped into a lunchbox.
Street Corn Avocado Toast

Avocado toast gets an upgrade with the addition of street corn-inspired toppings. Think toasted corn, a sprinkle of cheese, a squeeze of lime and a touch of spice layered over creamy avocado and bread. Avocados are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber, helping keep you full and satisfied. Corn adds natural sweetness along with fiber and essential vitamins, while lime juice and spices enhance flavor without excess sodium or fat.
Serves: 4
Difficulty: easy
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 can corn
- 1 Tbsp. light mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp. light sour cream
- 1 tsp. tajin, plus more to taste
- 1 tsp. lime juice
- 4 slices sourdough, toasted
- 2 avocados
- Toppings: pickled red onion and cilantro
Instructions:
- In a large pan over medium-low heat, add olive oil. Once oil is warm, add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add corn and turn up temperature to medium, stirring and cooking until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix light mayonnaise and sour cream with tajin and lime juice.
- Add corn to the mixture and mix until evenly combined.
- On each piece of toasted sourdough, mash ½ avocado using a fork. Top with a couple of spoonfuls of the street corn mixture, cilantro, pickled red onion and more tajin to taste.
Crunchy Spring Green Salad with Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette

This fresh spring salad is everything we crave when the seasons shift – bright, crisp and bursting with garden flavor. Blanched tender green beans, sweet snow peas, sugar snap peas and peas come together with a zesty lemon garlic dressing that ties it all together with just the right amount of punch.
Finished with fresh herbs, briny capers, and a generous shower of grated pecorino, this salad strikes the perfect balance between fresh and savory. It’s simple enough for a weeknight side dish, yet elegant enough to serve at a spring gathering.
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of sugar snap peas, ends peeled off
- 1 cup of snow peas, ends cut off & cut in half
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 2 Tbsp. capers, lightly chopped
- 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp. honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Tbsp. parsley, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp. chives, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 6 cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced
Instructions:
- Bring a pot with water to a boil and prepare an ice bath. Add all greens to boiling water and cook for 1-1.5 minutes, until tender. Strain then transfer to an ice bath. After a minute, strain again. Add to a serving plate.
- In a pan over medium-low heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in lemon zest and capers and cook for another minute. Transfer to a bowl and add vinegar along with honey, salt and pepper to taste. Stir or whisk until well-combined.
- Pour dressing over the greens along with add parsley, chives, parmesan and lemon juice. Toss and top with thinly sliced cherry tomatoes.
Focusing on prevention like healthy eating and exercise can lead to lower health care costs and more affordable insurance for all. Learn about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s (BCBSM) commitment to affordability here.
Shanthi Appelo is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson at BCBSM. For more health and wellness information, visit ahealthiermichigan.org.
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