Your weekly grocery store visit is a non-negotiable event, but as we all know too well, the receipt total can easily creep up higher than we would like. Meal planning is a great way to help, but this can easily backfire if you find great recipes only to discover that the produce you need is out of season (and thus crazy expensive). To make the most of your hard earned dollar, try incorporating these recipes featuring produce that is fresh (and cheap) this spring.
Asparagus
You can easily roast or steam up some asparagus as a side, but why not feature it in a main dish? With only six ingredients, this easy and delicious Ravioli + Asparagus In A Lemon – Brown Butter Sauce is a great way to feature this heathy veggie, and bonus if you're looking for a meatless Monday dish.
Artichokes
You might only be used to eating the canned or bottled variety of artichokes in salads or dips (which is still good), but there is nothing like cooking with them fresh! For a decadent side or appetizer, try whipping up these Stuffed Artichokes. Want to turn it into a main dish? Try adding some crumbled sausage to the mix.
Honeydew Melon
Honeydew melon is a delicious snack all on its own, but you can take advantage of its refreshingly sweet flavor by featuring it in this Tropical Shrimp Salad. Use frozen shrimp to save even more money, and bonus, the pineapple in the recipe is also in season.
Limes
Obviously you want to use all those fresh, cheap limes to make margaritas! But if you're looking for something yummy to go with your tasty beverage, try this Tri-Color Slaw With Lime Dressing, which will make a great side or topping for tacos, fresh fish or even chicken.
Pea Pods
You can skip the takeout and make a just as flavorful (if not more) dish at home with this fun twist on a Chinese staple. Beef With Snow Peas will not only use up this affordable, fresh produce, but features budget-friendly flank steak as well. Serve with rice (or grain of choice) for a satisfying meal.
Swiss Chard
Kin to spinach, swiss chard is a great substitute in any kind of stir-fry or sautéed dish as it holds up its structure well and has a slightly sweeter flavor. But if you want a creative twist for this seasonal produce, try these yummy (and meatless) Swiss Chard Rolls.
Rhubarb
You might automatically think of pie at the mention of rhubarb, but this diverse produce (which is actually a vegetable) is just as delicious in savory dishes. It's unique flavor is perfect for this Smoky Rhubarb BBQ Ribs. Want to save even more money? This sauce is just as great on more economical chicken.
Chayote Squash
Resembling a green pear, chayote squash has a very mild flavor, which means it's also very versatile. Sub it for a new twist on stuffed peppers, make a lower carb version of apple pie (it may sound crazy, but it's true), or whip us this tasty, refreshing and super healthy Mexican Chopped Salad.
Mangos
The sweet and tasty mango is great in salads, slaws and tropical desserts, but you can incorporate into a refreshing main dish with this Mango Quinoa Salad. This versatile dish is great warm or cold, and you can sub in and out ingredients to your liking.
Pineapple
We all know a few delicious and varied uses for pineapple, so to make the most of your seasonal find, use the rind as a fun and festive serving dish in this Thai Baked Pineapple Fried Rice. It's tasty, unique and customizable for carnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike.
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens is another great leafy vegetable to add to a number of dishes. A bit more similar to kale, you can also eat it raw in a salad as it won't be as tough (and will have a less bitter taste). Or you can throw together this amazing Spicy Pork And Mustard Green Soup, and if you want to go all out throw in a mustard green salad on the side as well.
Strawberries
We're sure you have your own favorite ways to eat strawberries (alone, in salads, covered in chocolate…), yet if you want a fresh spin on the fruit (and a way to use up all those cheap limes you have), check out this Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken With Strawberry Salsa.
Fava Beans
Also sometimes called broad beans, fava beans have a stronger flavor than most beans, so their great to make for a standout in a dish. Don't let the name of Baghali Ghatogh scare you, as this fava bean dish with dill and eggs is an ethnic treat that is sure to please.
Corn
As America's staple crop, its no surprise there are a number of tasty ways to serve up corn. If you're tried of always featuring it as a side, give this Summer Corn Chowder a whirl. It's a hearty and tasty dish, because sometimes, you just need that even in warmer months.
Apricots
While many of us are more inclined to grab a peach, apricots are a just as delicious with a sweet taste similar to a plum. Make great use of this seasonal produce by incorporating fresh apricots along with preserves to make one tasty dinner with this simple Apricot Chicken.
