Healthy Recipes Featuring Seasonal Wisconsin Produce

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your meals with the flavors and nutritional benefits of seasonal produce. In Wisconsin, we are fortunate to have a spring and summer season that is ideal for growing flavorful and nutritious produce that you can plant yourself, or buy at a local farmer’s market or grocery store. Let’s explore some healthy spring recipes that are easy to make, using seasonal Wisconsin produce.

Spring Pea and Mint Soup

Nothing says spring quite like the bright, fresh flavor of peas. This light and creamy soup combines the sweetness of fresh peas with the coolness of mint, making it a perfect starter for a spring lunch or dinner.

• Ingredients: Fresh shelled peas, low-sodium vegetable broth, chopped fresh mint, a small onion, garlic, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Preparation: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add peas and broth, simmering until peas are tender. Blend until smooth, then stir in chopped mint. Serve warm or chilled.

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Strawberries, a spring favorite in Wisconsin, add a sweet and juicy burst to this nutritious spinach salad. The poppy seed dressing provides a tangy contrast, making this salad a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

• Ingredients: Fresh spinach leaves, Wisconsin strawberries (sliced), sliced almonds, feta cheese, and homemade or store-bought poppy seed dressing.
• Preparation: Toss the spinach with strawberries, almonds, and feta cheese in a large bowl. Drizzle with poppy seed dressing just before serving to keep the spinach crisp.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Parmesan Breadcrumbs

Asparagus, one of the first crops to be harvested in spring in Wisconsin, is versatile and filled with nutrients. This recipe gives it a crispy twist with lemon parmesan breadcrumbs, perfect for a side dish or a healthy snack.

• Ingredients: Fresh Wisconsin asparagus, olive oil, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Preparation: Toss asparagus with olive oil and grill until tender. Mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and seasoning. Sprinkle over grilled asparagus before serving.

Rhubarb and Apple Crumble

Rhubarb, with its tart flavor, is a classic sign of spring in Wisconsin and pairs beautifully with the sweetness of apples in this comforting dessert. This crumble offers a healthier take by cutting down on sugar and using whole grains.

• Ingredients: Chopped fresh rhubarb, peeled and sliced apples, whole wheat flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, unsalted butter, and cinnamon.
• Preparation: Mix rhubarb and apples with a bit of brown sugar and cinnamon, place in a baking dish. Combine flour, oats, remaining sugar, and butter to make the crumble topping. Sprinkle over the fruit mixture and bake until golden and bubbly.

Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad

Cucumbers, crisp and refreshing, are a staple in spring and summer salads. This creamy dill cucumber salad is a light and flavorful side dish that compliments any meal.

• Ingredients: Thinly sliced Wisconsin cucumbers, Greek yogurt or sour cream, fresh dill, lemon juice, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Preparation: Mix Greek yogurt or sour cream with chopped dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, and seasoning. Toss with cucumber slices and chill before serving for a refreshing side.

Incorporating these nutritious and flavorful dishes into one’s diet is especially beneficial for seniors, as healthy eating can significantly enhance quality of life. Balanced meals rich in fruits and vegetables contribute to better physical and mental health, and a stronger immune system. We encourage our community members, especially our elderly and their families, to explore these spring recipes and enjoy the seasonal Wisconsin produce. For more information on senior nutrition and wellness, or to learn more about our programs and services, contact us.