March Produce Guide: Seasonal Fruits, Vegetables, and Recipes for a Vibrant Spring Transition
As the calendar turns to March, we find ourselves at the exciting crossroads of winter and spring. This month offers a delightful mix: the hearty comfort of winter favorites gradually gives way to the first fresh, vibrant flavors of spring. Our comprehensive March Produce Guide is your essential resource for discovering what’s in season, helping you plan delicious and nutritious meals. Dive in to explore a full list of seasonal fruits and vegetables, along along with a collection of our top-rated recipes designed to make the most of March’s unique bounty.
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About March Produce: Embracing the Best of Both Seasons
March marks a fascinating period in the culinary calendar—a month of delightful transition where the robust flavors of winter produce meet the delicate freshness of early spring ingredients. For many, this is the time we eagerly anticipate bidding farewell to the heavier root vegetables that have sustained us through colder months, yearning for the bright, zesty, and tender greens that symbolize warmer days ahead. From crisp asparagus to juicy strawberries, March offers a unique blend that allows for creative and satisfying cooking.
While spring’s full bounty of vegetables and fruits typically arrives in the latter half of the month, the early days of March still bring exciting new additions that can infuse your favorite dishes with renewed vibrancy. We might not be crafting triple berry cobblers just yet, but the arrival of fruits like pineapple, kiwi, and kumquats, alongside the exciting return of artichokes, provides ample opportunity to refresh your cooking palette. Eating seasonally ensures you enjoy produce at its peak flavor and nutritional value, often at a better price, and supports more sustainable food systems. Let’s explore the delicious possibilities that March produce has to offer!
Vegetables in Season in March
In our March produce guide for vegetables, you’ll discover a harmonious blend of familiar winter staples and exciting new arrivals. While many heartier options from the past few months remain in season, fresh additions like tender asparagus and the unique flavor of sunchokes can truly elevate your meals. Incorporating these seasonal delights will add both zest and nutrition to your everyday cooking.
artichokes
arugula
asparagus
avocados
beets
bok choy
broccoli
brussel sprouts
cabbage
carrots
cauliflower
celery
collard greens
cucumber
endive
fennel
kale
leeks
mushrooms
parsnips
peas
onions
potatoes
radicchio
radishes
rutabagas
spinach
sunchokes
spring onions
sweet potatoes
turnips
This month, pay special attention to asparagus and artichokes, which herald the true beginning of spring. Asparagus, with its delicate flavor and crisp texture, is fantastic roasted, grilled, or lightly steamed. Artichokes, on the other hand, offer a more substantial and unique culinary experience, perfect for steaming and enjoying with a flavorful dipping sauce. Don’t overlook sunchokes, or Jerusalem artichokes, whose earthy, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor makes them wonderful in roasts or purees. Many leafy greens like arugula, spinach, and kale are also thriving, ready to add a peppery or robust note to salads and cooked dishes. From the last of the winter cabbages to the first tender peas, March vegetables provide a rich tapestry of flavors and textures.
Fruits in Season in March
While the cold grip of winter begins to loosen, citrus fruit continues to reign supreme in March, bringing bright, tangy notes to our tables. We’re thrilled that vibrant blood oranges are still in season, offering their distinctive color and flavor. What truly excites us, however, is the welcome addition of juicy pineapple, kiwi, and the first delightful appearance of fresh strawberries, making them perfect for refreshing smoothies, vibrant desserts, and light snacks.
apples
banana
blood oranges
clementine
grapefruit
kiwi
kumquats
lemon
lime
mandarins
oranges
pear
persimmon
pineapple
strawberries
tangelos
tangerines
This month, continue to savor the diversity of citrus – from the classic lemon and lime to the less common kumquats, which can be eaten whole, rind and all, for a sweet-tart burst. The appearance of strawberries is always a cause for celebration; their delicate sweetness and vibrant color are a true taste of spring. Pineapples and kiwis add a tropical touch, perfect for brightening up any fruit salad or breakfast bowl. While apples and pears might be heading out of their prime season, many varieties are still excellent for baking or snacking. Embrace the refreshing and invigorating flavors of March’s seasonal fruits to invigorate your palate and elevate your culinary creations.
March Seasonal Recipes: Fresh Inspiration for Your Kitchen
With March ushering in an exciting array of transitional produce, there’s no shortage of fantastic recipes to explore. We’ve curated a collection of our reader favorites, perfect for celebrating the unique flavors of the month. Whether you’re craving comforting dinners, delightful sweet treats, or refreshing cocktails, these recipes will help you make the most of the seasonal bounty.
Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Filling
This incredibly moist and fluffy strawberry cake is a true celebration of fresh berry flavor, making it ideal for March as strawberries begin to appear. Every bite, from the tender cake layers infused with real fruit to the creamy strawberry buttercream, bursts with a delightful sweetness. It’s an easy-to-make yet impressively beautiful dessert, perfect for welcoming spring, brightening any gathering, or simply indulging your love for berries. Use the season’s first fresh strawberries to achieve the most vibrant taste and aroma.
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe is a perfect testament to the bright, fresh flavors of March’s abundant lemons. It masterfully balances rich, creamy textures with a vibrant, tangy lemon sauce that will have you savoring every last morsel. Quick to prepare, this dish is an ideal weeknight dinner solution that feels both comforting and invigorating, perfectly bridging the gap between winter and spring. The fresh lemon zest and juice are key to its irresistible brightness.
Blueberry Mojito
Bright, flavorful, and incredibly refreshing, this Blueberry Mojito is the quintessential cocktail for welcoming spring and heading into summer gatherings. While blueberries might fully hit their peak later, early varieties are perfect for this vibrant drink. With its stunning purple-blue hue and an irresistible sweet-tart flavor profile, this twist on the classic mojito is truly impossible to resist. The fresh mint and lime, combined with juicy blueberries, create a harmonious and invigorating sip that’s ideal for any festive occasion.
Creamy Lemon Salmon Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Lemon Salmon Pasta is an exquisite choice for a March meal, seamlessly blending delicate, flaky seasoned salmon with tender, wilted greens, all enveloped in a rich, velvety lemon-infused sauce. It’s a quick and easy recipe, bursting with fresh flavors that are ready to be enjoyed any night of the week. The bright citrus notes from seasonal lemons perfectly complement the richness of the salmon, creating a balanced and utterly satisfying dish that feels gourmet yet is incredibly simple to prepare.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe with Broccoli
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe with Broccoli takes the timeless, minimalist Roman pasta dish and elevates it with the welcome addition of fresh broccoli, which is in season during March. The creamy, rich sauce is crafted from just a few simple ingredients—pecorino cheese and plenty of black pepper—resulting in an unbelievably flavorful experience. The roasted broccoli adds a touch of earthy sweetness and texture, making this quick and easy dinner a satisfying and surprisingly complete meal that everyone will adore. It’s comfort food with a fresh spring twist.
Chili Salty Dog
Elevate your classic Salty Dog cocktail by infusing it with a touch of heat from fresh chili peppers—a fantastic way to utilize a winter-into-spring staple. This delicious and incredibly easy upgrade features chili-infused vodka (or gin!), which deepens the tart and juicy flavors of the grapefruit. Ideal for those who enjoy a subtle kick in their drink, this cocktail is both invigorating and intriguing. The bright, tangy grapefruit, which is still abundant in March, provides the perfect refreshing base for this spicy concoction, making it a unique and memorable sip.
Easy Lemon Curd
This creamy homemade lemon curd recipe is a burst of tangy, bright flavor, making it a perfect treat to highlight the abundant lemons available in March. With just a few simple ingredients—fresh lemon juice and zest, eggs, sugar, and butter—you can effortlessly create a perfectly smooth and rich lemon curd every single time. It’s ideal for enhancing your desserts, spreading on breakfast pastries, or simply enjoying by the spoonful. Embrace the zesty essence of the season with this versatile and delightful recipe.
Charred Caesar Salad Avocado Chicken Tacos
Charred Caesar Salad Avocado Chicken Tacos offer a delightful twist on classic flavors, transforming salad into a truly crave-worthy meal. The chicken is marinated in a simple yet potent Caesar dressing, bringing out all the beloved notes of the salad, while a quick char from the grill imparts a wonderful smoky depth to the tacos. Topped with creamy, fresh avocado, which is readily available in March, these tacos are an exciting upgrade to your regular taco night. They are both fresh and satisfying, making them perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Banana Bread Muffins
Moist and wonderfully fluffy, these Banana Bread Muffins are arguably the best way to kickstart your day, especially as you transition into spring mornings. This tried-and-true recipe consistently delivers perfect texture and incredibly delicious flavor, with a subtle hint of cinnamon. Not only are these muffins quick and easy to whip up, but they also make excellent use of ripe bananas, a readily available fruit. Enjoy them as a satisfying breakfast, a delightful snack, or even a light dessert with your coffee or tea.
Roasted Asparagus Herb Ricotta Crostini
Roasted Asparagus Herb Ricotta Crostini is an exquisite and easy appetizer that truly celebrates the arrival of spring, with asparagus becoming readily available in March. Golden, perfectly toasted baguette slices provide a crisp base for a luxurious, creamy lemon and herb ricotta, whipped to airy perfection. Crowned with tender, flavorful roasted asparagus, this dish is simple, incredibly fresh, and ideal for large gatherings, brunch, or a light spring lunch. It perfectly showcases the delicate flavors of early spring produce.
Spiced Rum Punch
As March still carries a chill in the air, this Spiced Rum Punch offers a comforting warmth with every sip. Crafted with a blend of fresh citrus juices—perfect for the tail end of citrus season—a homemade cinnamon simple syrup, and aromatic spiced rum, this big-batch cocktail is both bold and remarkably smooth. It delivers a delightful kick, balancing the winter spices with the bright tang of seasonal lemons and oranges. This punch is an ideal choice for entertaining, providing a flavorful and festive beverage that everyone will enjoy right through the early spring.
Meringue Lemon Curd Cookies
Searching for a sweet and tangy delight that utilizes the vibrant lemons abundant in March? These Meringue Lemon Curd Cookies are the perfect answer. They offer a delectable combination of buttery, crumbly shortbread cookies filled with a bright, tart lemon curd and crowned with delicate whipped meringue. This ingenious dessert is the ultimate pie-cookie mashup, presenting all the beloved flavors of lemon meringue pie in a convenient, bite-sized form. They are sure to be a hit for any spring celebration or simply as a refreshing treat.
Tuscan White Bean Soup
This simple, yet incredibly hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup is the ideal transitional meal for March, offering warmth and comfort as winter recedes. Packed with creamy white beans, an assortment of fresh vegetables (many of which are still in season), and vibrant wilted greens like kale or spinach, it’s a satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out. This easy-to-follow recipe is a family favorite, perfect for meal prepping ahead of time or freezing for later. Enjoy its wholesome goodness and robust flavors as you embrace the shifting seasons.
Strawberry Coulis
Strawberry coulis is a wonderfully simple, four-ingredient sauce that perfectly captures the essence of early spring strawberries. As fresh strawberries begin to appear in March, this coulis is the ultimate way to highlight their sweet and juicy flavor. It’s incredibly versatile and ideal for drizzling over a variety of treats, from creamy ice cream and fluffy pancakes to decadent cheesecake and crisp waffles. This recipe allows you to make the absolute most of fresh strawberries when they are at their peak, adding a burst of vibrant flavor and color to any dish.
Easter Charcuterie Board
An Easter Charcuterie Board is the perfect spring-inspired spread to serve at your upcoming holiday gatherings in March or early April. This beautifully arranged board is generously filled with a delightful variety of savory meats and cheeses, alongside fresh seasonal berries and crisp vegetables like radishes and carrots. Sweet additions such as jelly beans, chocolates, and even classic deviled eggs complete the festive presentation. Simple, straightforward, and visually appealing, this board is ideal for any celebration, offering something delicious for every palate while highlighting the bounty of the season.
Avocado Bruschetta
Easy Avocado Bruschetta is a truly flavorful and satisfying snack that works perfectly for a party appetizer or a quick midday treat. This recipe takes the beloved Italian classic and introduces a delightful twist with the creamy addition of fresh avocado, which is readily available and in excellent condition during March. The bright, zesty flavors from tomatoes, garlic, and herbs are incredibly satisfying, complemented by the rich, smooth texture of avocado. It’s a simple, elegant, and fresh bite that perfectly bridges winter’s heartiness with spring’s vibrancy.
Easy Risotto with Asparagus and Peas
This Easy Risotto with Asparagus and Peas is a simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe, perfectly designed to elevate any springtime meal. As both asparagus and peas come into season in March, this dish is a fantastic way to enjoy their fresh, delicate flavors. The tender, creamy risotto provides a luxurious base, generously packed with crisp asparagus spears and plump, sweet peas. This delightful combination makes it an excellent accompaniment to your favorite protein, or it can stand alone as a sophisticated vegetarian main course. It’s truly a taste of spring in every comforting bite.
Lemon Agave Margarita
A Lemon Agave Margarita offers a brilliantly bright and citrusy take on the classic cocktail, notably eschewing overly sweetened margarita mixes. Made with the abundance of fresh lemons available in March, combined with natural agave nectar, this margarita is wonderfully vibrant and zesty. It’s a refreshing alternative that can be customized with either a salt or sugar rim, depending on your preference. Perfect for signaling the arrival of warmer days, this crisp and clean margarita is a delightful choice for any casual gathering or simply unwinding.
Easy One Bowl Banana Nutella Muffins
These One Bowl Banana Nutella Muffins offer an indulgent and utterly delightful combination of sweet bananas and rich Nutella, all in one convenient mixing bowl. Soft, incredibly fluffy, and generously stuffed with creamy hazelnut spread, these muffins are the ultimate sweet breakfast treat or afternoon snack. They’re a fantastic way to use up ripe bananas, a fruit available year-round, ensuring perfect sweetness and moisture. Bake up a batch of these delicious and easy muffins today to brighten any March morning!
Chocolate Strawberry Cake
Prepare to fall in love with this Chocolate Strawberry Cake, consistently my most popular cake recipe! It features incredibly moist, fluffy chocolate cake layers beautifully paired with a vibrant, fruity fresh strawberry buttercream frosting. As strawberries begin to make their appearance in March, this cake is the perfect way to welcome spring with a dessert that’s both rich and refreshing. The intense chocolate complements the sweet and slightly tart strawberry notes, creating a harmonious flavor profile that is utterly irresistible. It’s an ideal showstopper for any gathering.
Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a wonderfully easy and bright meal that comes together in a mere 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy March weeknights. This dish features a creamy, light ricotta sauce infused with the zesty freshness of seasonal lemons, beautifully tossed with pasta. The addition of fresh arugula provides a peppery counterpoint, elevating the flavors and adding a touch of verdant green. It’s a beloved family favorite, offering a simple yet satisfying culinary experience that epitomizes spring’s refreshing essence.
Need more inspiration for spring cooking and baking? Explore our dedicated spring recipes page for even more delicious ideas!
More Seasonal Produce Guides: Explore Year-Round Freshness
To continue your journey of seasonal eating and discover fresh ingredients throughout the year, be sure to check out our other comprehensive produce guides. These resources are designed to help you cook and eat with the seasons, ensuring maximum flavor and nutritional benefits.
February Produce Guide
January Produce Guide
What’s in Season in March? Pin This March Produce Guide for Later!
Don’t let these seasonal insights slip away! Save this essential March Produce Guide for quick reference whenever you’re planning your meals or grocery shopping. Pin it now so you can easily access the best seasonal fruits, vegetables, and recipe inspiration throughout the month of March. Happy cooking!
