Introduction
Spring is the season for lighter plates, fresh produce, and simple flavors that feel bright and comforting. These spring side dishes are easy to prepare, pair well with many main courses, and work for weeknight dinners or seasonal gatherings. Choose a few favorites or plan a full menu around them.
1. Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus
This oven-roasted asparagus is crisp, tender, and full of citrus flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place asparagus on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Drizzle with olive oil and add garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Toss gently to coat.
- Arrange lemon slices on top.
- Roast for 12–15 minutes until tender with lightly crisp edges.
Prep Tip: Pat asparagus dry before roasting to help it brown evenly.
How to Serve It
Serve warm with extra lemon zest or grated parmesan.
2. Creamy Spring Pea Salad
This chilled pea salad is smooth, fresh, and lightly tangy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Boil peas for 2 minutes, then transfer to ice water.
- Drain peas completely.
- In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Fold peas and dill into the dressing.
- Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving.
How to Serve It
Top with cracked pepper and extra dill.
3. Honey Glazed Carrots
Sweet and tender carrots cooked in a light honey glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add carrots and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring often.
- Add honey and salt.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until carrots are tender and coated.
How to Serve It
Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme.
4. Spring Herb Roasted Potatoes
Crisp on the outside and soft inside, these potatoes are full of herb flavor.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chopped rosemary
- 1 tsp chopped thyme
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss potatoes with olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How to Serve It
Serve hot with sour cream or garlic yogurt sauce.
5. Cucumber Radish Spring Salad
Crunchy and refreshing with clean flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sliced cucumber
- 1 cup sliced radishes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Combine cucumber and radishes in a bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar.
- Sprinkle with salt and toss gently.
How to Serve It
Chill briefly and finish with fresh dill.
6. Baked Parmesan Zucchini
A simple baked side with crisp edges and mild flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1½ tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Toss zucchini with olive oil and salt.
- Arrange on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle evenly with parmesan.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden.
How to Serve It
Serve warm with lemon wedges.
7. Garlic Sautéed Spinach
Fast, light, and perfect for any spring meal.
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, sliced
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add spinach and salt.
- Cook 2–3 minutes until wilted.
How to Serve It
Add a squeeze of lemon before serving.
8. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Earthy and creamy with balanced flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 medium beets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup goat cheese
Instructions
- Wrap beets in foil and roast at 400°F (205°C) for 50 minutes.
- Cool, peel, and slice.
- Toss with olive oil and vinegar.
- Top with goat cheese.
How to Serve It
Serve slightly warm or chilled.
9. Lemon Herb Rice
Light citrus flavor pairs well with spring mains.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp butter
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Cook rice with water, butter, and salt.
- Stir in lemon zest and parsley.
- Fluff before serving.
How to Serve It
Top with extra herbs and lemon slices.
10. Green Bean Almondine
A classic spring side with crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Boil green beans for 3 minutes, then drain.
- Melt butter in skillet and toast almonds.
- Add beans and salt.
- Toss for 2–3 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve immediately while warm.
11. Spring Pasta Salad
Fresh and easy for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1½ tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Combine pasta and tomatoes.
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
- Toss and chill for 20 minutes.
How to Serve It
Finish with fresh basil.
12. Roasted Yellow Squash
Ingredients
- 2 yellow squash, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 18–20 minutes.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle with fresh herbs.
13. Creamy Herb Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded cabbage
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- ½ tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Mix dressing ingredients.
- Toss with cabbage.
- Chill 15 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve cold with grilled dishes.
14. Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 12 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Cook mushrooms in butter for 7–8 minutes.
- Add garlic and salt.
How to Serve It
Top with chopped parsley.
15. Spring Lentil Salad
Ingredients
- 1½ cups cooked lentils
- 1½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Toss all ingredients.
How to Serve It
Serve at room temperature.
16. Roasted Cauliflower Florets
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25 minutes.
How to Serve It
Add lemon juice before serving.
17. Buttered Spring Corn
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn kernels
- 1 tbsp butter
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Sauté corn in butter for 5–6 minutes.
How to Serve It
Top with chopped herbs.
18. Tomato Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Toss all ingredients.
How to Serve It
Serve chilled.
19. Cheesy Baked Broccoli
Ingredients
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- ½ cup shredded cheddar
Instructions
- Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 15 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve warm.
20. Lemon Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked orzo
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Zest of ½ lemon
Instructions
- Toss ingredients together.
How to Serve It
Serve warm or room temperature.
21. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle with herbs.
22. Fresh Herb Quinoa
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Stir all ingredients together.
How to Serve It
Serve warm or chilled.
Conclusion
These spring side dishes bring color, freshness, and balance to seasonal meals. Save the ones you like, mix and match them throughout the week, and share this collection with anyone planning spring menus or gatherings.
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