Sliced chicken schnitzel with a side of pink radishes

As the days grow longer and the first shoots of green emerge, there’s no better way to banish any lingering winter blues than with a table full of light, bright and flavour-packed dishes. These recipes showcase the very best of spring produce — think tangy rhubarb, crunchy radish and fresh garden peas — guaranteed to put a spring in your step. Whether you’re planning a celebratory meal or a sharing-style feast, these recipes will shake off winter funk and bring a burst of brightness to your entertaining.

Discover more ways to bring joy this spring, including morning rituals and expert tips. Or find more seasonal dishes in our curation of spring recipes and healthy spring recipes.

Spring entertaining dishes

Smoked cod’s roe dip with spring vegetables, soft-boiled eggs and flatbreads

This rustic and bright sharing platter brings together smoky cod’s roe, crisp spring vegetables, jammy eggs and fluffy flatbreads for a fresh, springtime starter.

Smoked cod's roe dip on a plate with vegetables, boiled eggs and flatbreads

Spring risotto

Celebrate the best of the season with a risotto packed with asparagus, peas, broad beans and mint, finished with a scattering of green spring onion and a spoonful of mint oil.

Chicken schnitzel with pickled radishes

Crisp chicken schnitzel is paired with a colourful side of quick-pickled radishes, cucumber and fennel, lemon wedges and dill for a fresh and seasonal twist on a classic.

Miso-buttered radishes

Peppery radishes are at their best in spring, and this quick side transforms them into something truly special with a buttery miso glaze. Serve as a simple side or a punchy addition to your sharing table.

Asparagus quiche with capers

A nutty brown butter pastry crust, punchy capers and gruyère make this seasonal asparagus quiche a stunning centrepiece for weekend entertaining.

Quiche with asparagus and two slices cut out

Rhubarb gin

Make your own pink gin by infusing tart rhubarb with sugar and gin — it's especially delicious over ice or in a spring G&T.

Steak tacos

These tacos pair juicy steak with the crisp bite of radishes and a scatter of fresh herbs, making a special dinner idea for two which is deceptively easy to make.

Spring roast chicken

A centrepiece worthy of any gathering, this roast chicken is infused with lemon and thyme, sitting atop a bed of new potatoes with a pea salad and dill aïoli on the side. It’s the ultimate way to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Roast chicken on a platter with new potatoes and a bowl of pea salad with two glasses of white wine

Asparagus wrapped in bacon

A sophisticated yet simple dinner party nibble, seasonal asparagus spears are wrapped in crispy bacon — ideal for passing round at springtime gatherings.

A plate of bacon-wrapped asparagus with dip on the side

Pea, coconut and lime ice cream

This refreshing, dairy-free ice cream makes the most of fresh garden peas, creamy coconut and zesty lime. Pepped with a splash of vodka, it's ideal for rounding off a relaxed springtime meal.

Roast new potatoes with chilli crab salsa

Jersey Royals take centre stage in this colourful sharing dish, topped with a zingy crab and chilli salsa — perfect for a light lunch with a glass of chilled white wine in the garden.

Pea and halloumi fritters with charred lemon dip

Sweet peas and salty halloumi are a match made in heaven. These fritters – flavoured with mint and chilli flakes for a little kick – are light, golden and perfect for sharing, especially when dipped in a tangy lemon yogurt.

Stack of pea and halloumi fritters next to a salad

Broccoli and mozzarella focaccia

Chewy focaccia is layered with soft and squidgy broccoli and creamy mozzarella for a satisfyingly salty sarnie. You can customise your sandwich by adding some fennel salami, olives, capers or a spread of soft cheese or whipped ricotta under the broccoli.

Focaccia sandwiches filled with broccoli and mozzarella

Spanish-style hake

Meaty hake is paired with plenty of colourful veg and vibrant orange slices in this flavour-packed, Mediterranean-inspired supper. Serve with crusty bread and a salad, if you like.

Spring greens curry

A bowl of green goodness, this vegan curry is loaded with spring greens, baby corn and chickpeas, plus a homemade curry paste packed with fresh aromatics.

Two bowls of spring greens coconut curry with wedges of lime on the side

Burrata with sweet and sour spring veg

Creamy burrata is served with a medley of sweet and sour spring vegetables (pickled asparagus, baby carrots, radishes), offering a lovely and light veggie dish. We’ve used rich burrata for this recipe, but any creamy fresh cheese (including mozzarella, ricotta or even young rindless goat’s cheese) would work.