14 Best Comfort Foods to Celebrate Spring's Fresh Flavors
It's pasta primavera season.
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
If you're in the mood for comfort food, the season doesn't really matter. After all, it's as much about warming up your soul as it is about warming up your body. Still, when the weather starts to get a little warmer with the first day of spring, you still might want to change up what you consider comforting. With all those seasonal spring vegetables and a bit more sunshine, spring comfort foods can be a little lighter, brighter, and fresher.
Of course, you're going to still have those dreary, rainy days and cool nights ahead. So, you'll find plenty of spring pasta dishes and spring soups that mix those seasonal flavors (hello, pea recipes and asparagus recipes!) with the pure comfort of cheese and carbs. Or think of all those tasty Easter dinner recipes that you could make even when it's not the holiday! Leftover ham tastes amazing in so many cozy dishes like classic ham tetrazzini.
But wait, did you hear that? Is that the grill calling your name after a long, idle winter? Sure is! When that sunshine hits, fire it up for some tasty burger recipes, BBQ recipes, and all the other grill recipes you've been craving in the colder days. Spring comfort foods really do bring out the best of both indoor and outdoor cooking. You can use up everything in your pantry to restock for warmer weather while plucking from that garden at the same time. Now that is a comforting thought!
Pasta with Peas
Sweet spring peas, meet crispy pancetta and creamy mascarpone. Toss all those in with some penne and then add some lemon zest and herbs for added freshness.
Get the Pasta with Peas recipe.
Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Grits
Classic shrimp and grits are good on their own. But when you add some lemon to the mix, you add a burst of freshness that's perfect for spring.
Get Ree's Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Grits recipe.
Lamb Burgers
Quick question: What's the first thing you want to make when you fire up the grill? If you said burgers, then this recipe is for you. There are so many ways to customize the toppings, too.
Get the Lamb Burgers recipe.Ravioli Primavera
Anything with the word "primavera" just screams "spring." In this case, it's store-bought ravioli that gets spruced up with broccoli, asparagus, peas, and ham. Plus, there's pesto and parmesan cheese.
Get Ree's Ravioli Primavera recipe.
Broccoli Cheese Soup
"Broccoli cheddar soup is my life," Ree Drummond proclaims. And there's no better time than a cold-ish spring day to whip it up and get all cozy. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli!
Get Ree's Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe.
White Chicken Chili
Chili is pure comfort in a bowl! But when springtime hits and you feel like you want to go a bit lighter, go with white chicken chili. It still has a nice kick from poblanos and jalapeños.
Get the White Chicken Chili recipe.
Grilled Ribs
Finally, BBQ season is back! And there's nothing like sticky, finger-lickin' good ribs. Want even more comfort? Serve 'em with Ree's favorite baked beans.
Get the Grilled Ribs recipe.
Ham Tetrazzini
Leftover ham never sounded so good! Combine with veggies, cheese, and pasta and you've got yourself a comforting easy casserole that the whole family will love.
Get the Ham Tetrazzini recipe.
Asparagus Pasta
Fresh asparagus, bright lemon, lots of parmesan cheese―could this pasta get any better? Why, yes! It's got crispy, crumbled bacon in it too for added crunch and flavor.
Get the Asparagus Pasta recipe.
Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup
In the beginning of spring, you will definitely still find leeks and potatoes to make this creamy soup. Serve it with pea crostini to really liven it up for the season.
Get Ree's Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup recipe.
Spinach Lasagna
If you're like the Drummond family, anytime is a good time for lasagna. This version replaces the wintery red sauce with a creamy, cheesy filling and lots of fresh spinach.
Get Ree's Spinach Lasagna recipe.
Lemon-Pepper Grilled Rib-Eyes
Did you think it would be hard to freshen up a hearty steak? Think again! Ree's fresh lemon-pepper seasoning will brighten it right up before you pop it on the grill.
Get Ree's Lemon-Pepper Grilled Rib-Eyes recipe.
Eggplant Rollatini
If you're craving a heavy red sauce pasta, you can still lighten it up a little by replacing pasta with thin slices for eggplant. You still get all the cheesy goodness, don't worry.
Get Ree's Eggplant Rollatini recipe.
Lemon Pasta
Sometimes, all you need is a little lemon zest to liven up your life. Well, that and some garlic, basil, red pepper, and a hearty portion of parmesan to add to some simple spaghetti.
Get the Lemon Pasta recipe.
Shop These Pumpkin Spice Snacks Right Now
Make Meatball Casserole For Dinner This Week
30 Recipes for a Homestyle Southern Thanksgiving
20 Peanut Butter and Jelly Recipes
