What to Cook This May
May is here! The trees are full of bright green leaves and I live in abundant sunshine. It’s time to plant our tomatoes, peppers and herbs, and I hope to devote more attention to them this year. Grace is just old enough to help. He is so cute in his little green watering can.
Some holidays are coming up. For Cinco de Mayo, browse Mexican recipes here (Start with the guacamole and margaritas). For the Kentucky Derby, try maple-sweetened mint julep o strawberry-infused mint julep (start pouring bourbon now). For Mother’s Day, check out my spring brunch roundup.
Farmers markets will be more colorful each week this month. Below, you’ll find some of my favorite spring recipes so we can make the most of our fresh produce.
Asparagus
Perfect Roasted Asparagus
Gluten-free and easily vegan (skip the cheese)
“This is an easy and delicious way to prepare asparagus. I can eat it every day. My 8 year old loves it too. I add parmesan and lemon. I roast the asparagus in my oven for 9 minutes. Thanks for the recipe!” – Anna
Avocado
The Best Guacamole.
Gluten free and vegan
“I always make guac with just lime juice, salt and cumin to rave reviews BUT after making it C&K-style last night, I can’t go back. Wow! The little onion crunch and pop of salt and coriander is divine. Thanks for another winner! ☺” – Janelle
Beets
Simple Beet, Arugula and Feta Salad
Gluten-free and easily vegan (skip the cheese)
“This is, quite literally, my new favorite salad! I made it for a few friends – who all adored it – and added it to my weekly meal staples. I’ve never actually made it with pumpkin seeds – substituting I leave out the pistachios, or omit the nuts if I’m not going to eat them right away, and the homemade balsamic is amazing…YUMMMM!” – Frankie
Broccoli
Lemony Broccoli, Chickpea, and Avocado Pita Sandwiches
Easily gluten free and easily vegan (see notes)
“Just made this and it was delicious!! I didn’t have pitas so I just sliced the avocado and ate it as a salad.” – Renee
Cauliflower
Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice
Gluten free and vegan
“I’ve never had cauliflower rice before, but a Google search led me to this recipe, which I made tonight. It was absolutely delicious and I have enough left over to use as a side dish tomorrow night I highly recommend it!” – Deirdre
Vegetables
The Creamiest Scrambled Eggs (with Goat Cheese)
Gluten free
“Hey son! This is a wonderful recipe! Great for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. I find this to be perfect fare for late in the hot summer weather when standing over a hot stove for any length of time is just NOT an option! It’s easy on the stomach but so delicious and filling…and healthy!” – Frances
More spinach recipes » (also arugula)
Herbal medicines
Cilantro-Pepita Pesto with Squash Ribbons and Fettuccine
Vegan
“Not only did it taste good when I made it, the leftovers were delicious too – major plus for me because I always like to have good leftovers to take to work for lunch. I added some roasted sweet potatoes to one of my portions of leftovers and the flavors worked really well. I know it’s been a while, but thanks for another great recipe Kate!” – Amanda
More cilantro recipes » (also dill)
Kale
Kale Pesto Pizza
Vegetarian only
“I made this for dinner last night – it was so delicious and my whole family loved it! This was my first time making pizza myself, and it was super easy. I can’t wait for lunch today to eat the leftovers :)” – Hallie
Mango
Thai Mango Cabbage Wraps with Crispy Tofu and Peanut Sauce
Easily gluten free and easily vegan
“I made this tonight and it was delicious. A perfect summer meal. I must also say that this is the first time that myself and my boyfriend actually enjoyed (even, loved) tofu! Yay for soggy free perfectly crispy tofu.” – Deana
Mushrooms
Roasted Mushrooms with Herbed Quinoa
Gluten free and easily vegan
“Kate, I wish I could show you how much I love this recipe! I’m sitting here typing while downing a bowl full. It’s amazing, light and just what I need! I used red quinoa instead and paired the dish with butter-sauted Brussel Sprouts. Very delicious!” – Kecia
Peas
Simple Goat Cheese and Egg Toast with Fresh Peas and Dill
Vegetarian like no other!
“I just made this recipe for my sister’s breakfast which is so cute. HA! But he doesn’t like peas so I prepared it without peas. I only ate one and it was still delicious. Thank you!” – Vanessa
Radishes
Strawberry Kale Salad with Nutty Granola Croutons
Gluten free
“I just found this recipe yesterday and made it right away. This is one of the best salads I’ve ever had! My husband agreed. This will be a regular at our house! The granola makes enough for many more salads and I suppose I can just freeze it to have ready for next time. Fennel seeds really add a lot. Thanks for the great recipe!” – Lisa
Rhubarb
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Gluten free and easily vegan
“Hey Kathryne, I made this for a potluck last night and it was a hit! I love how the rhubarb and strawberries shine because there isn’t too much sweetness added. I also like that the crisp isn’t too full of butter! It’s a really lovely crisp and it comes out of the oven so beautifully too, especially when the filling is still dripping down the sides!” – Margarita
More resources you may appreciate: 23 make-ahead breakfast recipes, 45 recipes packed neatly for lunch and 20 simple evening meals. You can do it shop my kitchen essentials here. Don’t forget that follow us on Pinterest for a steady stream of recipe inspiration!