Spring into Warmer Weather with Fresh, Seasonal Produce Recipes

As the snow melts and the days grow longer, Michigan’s fields and farmers markets begin to awaken with the first vibrant signs of spring. April and May bring an abundance of fresh, nutrient-rich produce—think tender asparagus, a variety of mushrooms, crisp leafy greens and herbs. It’s the perfect time to lighten up your meals while still embracing comfort and nourishment.

Try one of these easy-to-prepare recipes packed with flavor and seasonal produce Michigan has to offer this spring.

Creamy Avocado Green Goddess Dressing

Serves: 4

Difficulty: Easy

Prep time: 10 minutes

Total time: 15 minutes

This green goddess dressing uses creamy avocado and tangy Greek yogurt as a base to enjoy the goodness of fresh herbs. Use as an antioxidant-packed salad dressing, dipping sauce or drizzled on top of grilled meats.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup full fat Greek yogurt
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 avocado, ripe
• 1 cup fresh flat leaf parsley

• ¼ cup fresh mint
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro
• 2 Tbsp. fresh dill
• 2 Tbsp. fresh tarragon
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp. capers
• 1 garlic clove

• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, add all ingredients except chopped chives. Add a little splash of water at a time if a thinner texture is desired.
2. Once blended and the dressing has reached desired texture, stir in chives.
3. Serve with salads or as a dipping sauce.

Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff

Serves: 4

Difficulty: Medium

Prep time: 15 minutes

Total time: 40 minutes

Mushrooms are a great way to add a savory component to any recipe, so it’s perfect in a stroganoff. They’re nutrient-dense – low in calories but high in some nutrients. Most mushrooms from grocery stores are rich in Vitamin D, which aid in maintaining and building strong bones. They also have a modest amount of fiber and B vitamins, and they offer antioxidant benefits. While this recipe uses the signature egg noodles, this recipe would go great with whole wheat fettucine for extra fiber and energy boosting B vitamins. Enjoy this recipe for meatless Monday with silken tofu mixed in or go the meat route with seared or grilled chicken. This recipe goes great with broiled asparagus.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. dried egg noodles
• 3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
• 12 oz. button mushrooms, sliced or quartered
• 2 medium shallots, chopped
• 4 sprigs thyme
• 2 tsp. Dijon mustard

• 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 3 Tbsp. cornstarch or flour
• 3 Tbsp. capers
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• ¼ cup sour cream, full fat reduces curdling risk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 Tbsp. flat leaf parsley finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions or until al dente (hard to the bite).
2. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add half of the olive oil. Once warm, add mushrooms, stirring frequently until mushrooms have released their liquid and are just starting to brown, about 8 minutes.
3. Add remaining olive oil, turn temperature down to medium-low and add shallots and garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly browned.
4. Add thyme, Worcestershire sauce and mustard and cook, stirring, until mostly evaporated, about 30 seconds.
5. In a bowl, whisk broth and cornstarch. Add to skillet, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and let sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Once sauce is reduced, stir in sour cream (make sure the heat is low to prevent curdling), and most of the parmesan cheese, reserving a little for garnish. Add pasta, stir in capers and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve with remaining parmesan cheese and parsley as garnish.

Shanthi Appelö is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan based in Detroit. Passionate about the science of nutrition and behavior, Shanthi has experience working in clinical nutrition, public health and teaching in the university setting. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, exploring the outdoors, working on art and spending time with family. For more recipes and health information, visit ahealthiermichigan.org.