As spring rolls by, so does an array of vibrant, fresh vegetables at your local farmer’s market. These aren’t just any veggies—they’re the stars of the season that you really shouldn’t pass up. From crisp peas to earthy beets, we’ve rounded up 11 must-try vegetables that can transform your meals and maybe even your health. Grab your tote and find out what makes these spring selections truly special.

Radishes
Radishes are the unsung heroes of the veggie world, with their spicy crunch and vibrant colors. Snag them fresh and local – they’re way crunchier and zestier than anything you’ll find wrapped in plastic at the grocery store. Slice them thin for topping salads and tacos or pickle them for an extra zing.
Make this Recipe: Rosemary Roasted Radishes
Fresh Peas
There’s nothing like popping fresh peas straight from the pod – it’s like tasting spring itself and they’re really not available any other time of year. Grab these at the farmer’s market for their unbeatable sweetness. Toss them in salads or stir them into pasta for a fresh, green kick. Plus, fresh beats canned or frozen peas any day for that crisp, garden-fresh flavor.
Make this Recipe: Thai Pea Soup
Asparagus
Stumbling upon asparagus at the farmer’s market is a sure sign spring has sprung. These stalks are tender, flavorful, and perfect for throwing on the grill. Fresh from the farm, they’re a world apart from the limp, woody spears at the supermarket. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sea salt for a simple, delicious side.
Make this Recipe: Shaved Lemony Asparagus Salad
Rhubarb
Tart, tangy rhubarb is a springtime favorite, especially for desserts. When you pick it up fresh from the market, you’re getting those stalks at their peak flavor – something you won’t find in the grocery aisles. Perfect for pies or compotes, it pairs beautifully with strawberries for a classic spring treat.
Make this Recipe: Rhubarb Bread
Spring Onions
Spring onions add that perfect pop of flavor without overwhelming your dishes. They’re milder and sweeter when you get them fresh and local. Chop them into salads or grill them whole as a side. They’re a simple way to bring that fresh-from-the-garden taste to any meal.
Make this Recipe: Soba Noodles with Leeks, Spring Onions and Eggs
Artichokes
There’s something special about fresh artichokes that grocery stores just can’t replicate. They’re meatier and more flavorful when you get them straight from the farmer. Roast them or steam them and dip the leaves in some melted butter for a treat that screams spring.
Make this Recipe: Tomato Braised Artichokes
Fiddlehead Ferns
Fiddleheads are the adventurers of the veggie world, with their wild, curly look. Picked fresh, they bring a grassy, nutty taste that’s a springtime delicacy. Quick sauté with butter and garlic, and you’ve got a conversation-starting side dish. They’re super unique and a fresh reminder of nature’s cool twists.
Strawberries
Strawberries from the farmer’s market are a game-changer. Sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor, they leave those supermarket berries in the dust. Eat them by the handful, toss them in a salad, or make a classic spring dessert. Fresh, local strawberries are a taste of sunshine after the long winter.
Make this Recipe: Chilled Strawberry Soup
Fava Beans
Fava beans at the farmer’s market are tender, buttery, and just plain delicious. Shelling them might take a bit of work, but the payoff in flavor is worth it. Blend them into a fresh spring hummus or simmer with a bit of pancetta for a side. They’re a seasonal treat that epitomizes the spring season.
Make this Recipe: Fava Bean Grilled Pita Bites
Arugula
Arugula from the market is peppery, fresh, and vibrant – it puts the bagged stuff to shame. It’s perfect for adding a spicy kick to salads, sandwiches, and pizzas. Plus, picking it up fresh means you’re getting all the bold flavors and nutrients at their peak.
Make this Recipe: Arugula Pesto
Garlic Scapes
These curly, green shoots from garlic plants are a farmers’ market treasure. Mild and sweet, with a hint of garlic flavor, scapes are versatile and fun. Use them to make a pesto, grill them as a veggie side, or chop them into salads. They’re a fresh, flavorful twist on garlic that you won’t find just anywhere.
Make this Recipe: Pickled Garlic Scapes
13 Tips To Have The Best Spring Picnic
Planning a spring picnic? Let’s make sure it’s one for the books. Forget about those soggy sandwiches and wilted salads, level up your picnic game with some simple, yet game-changing tips. From choosing the right gear to packing the perfect blend of snacks, these pointers will help ensure your outdoor feast is nothing short of spectacular.
Read it Here: 13 Tips To Have The Best Spring Picnic
11 Tips That Will Have You Grilling Like A Pro This Season
Grilling is an art that balances skill with a touch of science, and mastering it can transform your backyard meals into gourmet events. This guide lays out 11 essential tips that will elevate your grilling game and turn you into a grill master this season. From choosing the right type of grill to mastering the heat needed for perfect sear marks, we cover everything you need to know.
Read it Here: 11 Tips That Will Have You Grilling Like A Pro This Season
Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.