Menu Planning: Fresh and Light Meals

As the weather warms up, our culinary cravings naturally shift towards lighter, fresher flavors. This is the perfect time to embrace the fresh, seasonal ingredients that this time of year offers – from mangos to leafy greens, let’s get inspired with our menu planning for the month ahead.

The Freshest Produce of the Season

Spring brings a burst of freshness to the produce aisle, especially with many fruits and vegetables that are now in season. If you’re unsure just what produce is in season during the spring months, here are a few of the most common fruits and veggies to consider adding to your grocery list:

Seasonal Fruits

Apricots – this stone fruit is naturally sweet and makes for a great addition to salads and are even better in a dessert like a tart or cobbler.

Citrus Fruits – grapefruit, lemons, limes, and oranges are at their peak. Citrus offers flavors that brighten up meals; zest citrus to add to baked goods.

Mangos – sweet and creamy, mangos are perfect for making smoothies and pair well with savory dishes, like salads or in a salsa, too.

Pineapples – this sweet and refreshing fruit is perfect for adding some tropical flair to your dishes or even to summer beverages, like smoothies.

Strawberries – juicy and vibrant, strawberries are perfect on their own or in salads and desserts, adding a bit of sweetness to any dish.

Seasonal Veggies

Artichokes – a flavorful vegetable, artichokes are great for steaming, grilling, or stuffing. Artichoke hearts are great in salads, too.

Asparagus – with a tender texture and earthy flavor, asparagus is best when roasted, grilled, or steamed to preserve its delicate taste.

Fresh Herbs – add flavor to any dish with fresh herbs, like basil, mint, cilantro, and parsley. Grow your own or pick them up fresh to easily elevate your cooking.

Leafy Greens – kale, spinach, collard greens, and arugula are easily found in spring. Enjoy in salads and stir-fries. Or, add to smoothies for a nutritional boost.

Peas – sweet and crunchy, peas are perfect for salads, soups, or side dishes. Try looking for fresh peas that are in their pods to enjoy as a fresh and healthy snack.

Storing Fresh Produce

A little knowledge goes a long way when it comes to maximizing the shelf life of your produce. Here are three tips to help you pick and store your fresh produce:

Choose the Correct Ripeness – select fruits and vegetables that are firm but have a slight give when gently pressed. Avoid overripe produce, as it may spoil quickly.
Inspect for Damage – look for blemishes, soft spots, or discoloration. These can indicate internal damage, which means a shorter shelf life for your fruits or vegetables.
Storage Matters – most spring fruits and vegetables thrive in the cool environment of the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. However, there are some exceptions, like tomatoes, avocados and stone fruits. These are best at room temperature for optimal flavor.

Fresh and Light Meals: Themed Menu Ideas for May

Plan your meals for each week based on what is in season and what is on sale. This helps you to create a grocery list and stick to it, avoiding unnecessary spending. This sample menu offers a variety of delicious meal options for Monday through Friday. All meal suggestions should be adapted to accommodate any dietary needs and/or restrictions. And, don’t forget to add a dessert to any of your meals, like a fruit parfait, to utilize various seasonal fruits.

Monday: Meatless Marvels

Begin the week with a focus on vegetarian or vegan dishes. Balance any of these meatless meal options with green salad or with roasted seasonal vegetables.

Tuesday: Taco Twists

A spin on Taco Tuesdays, but with lighter options and fresher flavors that utilize seasonal veggies. Tacos are a good reason to add chips and mango salsa on the side, too.

Wednesday: Springtime Salads

Delve into the versatility of leafy greens and other salads for meal variety throughout the week. Great on their own as the main meal, or on the side when paired with pasta or meat dishes.

Thursday: Skillet Sizzlers

A skillet meal is perfect when you need something quick, easy and with little cleanup since the whole meal is cooked in one pan. Pair a skillet meal with a nice salad.

Friday: Seafood Suppers

Enjoying a light seafood meal is a great way to end the week. Add pasta or a leafy green salad to round out the meal.

Savor the Season

The key to fresh and light meals is to incorporate as many seasonal fruits and veggies into your weekly grocery shopping, allowing you to create meals that are both delicious and satisfying. Be sure to try shopping at farmers markets for fresh, local produce each week. Not only do you support smaller, local farms, but it’s also a great way to learn more about the food you’re buying. For more meal planning inspiration and dessert ideas, check out our past menu plans and dessert recipes.