3 Plant-Based Recipes to Celebrate this Spring

There’s something magical about spring. The days grow longer, the air feels lighter, and nature bursts into life with vibrant colors and fresh scents. It’s my favorite season — a time of renewal, growth, and inspiration. As someone who loves to align my meals with the rhythms of nature, I’m a big advocate for eating seasonally. Not only does it connect us to the earth, but it also ensures we’re nourishing our bodies with the freshest, most nutrient-packed ingredients. And there's no better time to start eating seasonally like spring.

Spring is all about fresh greens, tender vegetables, and the first sweet berries of the year. Eating seasonally during this time helps prepare our bodies for the warmer months ahead, boosting energy and supporting overall well-being. It’s the perfect way to get ready for my Serenity Program with Ballates, starting March 31st — a program designed to harmonize body and mind through mindful movement and nourishment.

Here are three of my favorite plant-based, spring-inspired recipes that celebrate the season’s bounty. They’re simple, delicious, and perfect for embracing the joy of spring.

1. Spring Pea Risotto with Lemon

This vibrant risotto is one of my all time favorites. Fresh peas are packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making them a perfect seasonal ingredient, and the citrus from the lemon is the ultimate flavor.

Ingredients: 1 cup fresh or frozen peas; 1 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 3 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup arborio rice; zest of 1 lemon; olive oil; salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon to taste

Preparation: sauté the onion and the garlic in olive oil until soft. Add the rice, stirring for a 3-4 minutes. Start pouring the broth slowly, one scoop at a time always stirring. When the rice is almost ready (it can take about 15-20 minutes), add the peas and the lemon zest. Check the salt and pepper, drizzle the lemon and some olive oil and serve hot.

2. Berry Rhubarb Fool

Rhubarb and berries are spring’s sweet-tart duo. This simple dessert is light, refreshing, and full of antioxidants.

Ingredients: 1 cup rhubarb, chopped; 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries); 2 tbsp maple syrup; 1 cup coconut yogurt (or any plant-based yogurt); a handful of granola for crunch (optional)

Preparation: cook the rhubarb and berries with maple syrup until soft. Let it cool, then mix with half of the coconut yogurt and layer in a glass yogurt plus the mix. Top with granola for a crunch if you want to.

3. Spanakopita

My love for Greece runs deep, and spanakopita is one of my all-time favorite dishes. This vegan version is just as delicious, with a flaky crust and a spinach-rich filling.

Ingredients: 1 package phyllo dough (I use a gluten-free version); 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 block firm tofu, crumbled (or vegan feta); 2 tbsp olive oil; zest of 1 lemon; salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

Preparation: sauté the onion and garlic until soft, then add the spinach and cook until wilted. Mix in the crumbled tofu, lemon zest, and seasonings. Layer the phyllo sheets in a baking dish, brushing each with olive oil. Add the spinach mixture, then top with more phyllo sheets. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes or until golden and crispy. I promise that this is one of the best recipes on the planet. Thank you, Greece!

Why I Love Seasonal Eating in Spring

Spring’s ingredients — like peas, spinach, rhubarb, and berries—are not only delicious but also incredibly nourishing. They’re rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, helping to detoxify and energize the body after winter. Eating seasonally also supports local farmers and reduces our environmental footprint. Everybody wins!

Looking for more recipe inspiration? Check out Easy Plant-Based Cuisine — beginner-friendly cookbook packed with simple, vegan, delicious and gluten-free recipes plus practical tips for transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle. From quick weeknight dinners to decadent desserts, this book has your back!