Sample Springtime Meal Plan for North Iowans
Spring has finally sprung and fresh foods are re-appearing. We’re all looking to get our hands on something green, crispy, and crunchy after a long winter of heavy, dark foods. The birds are chirping, the sun is trying to shine, and farmers markets are opening! Are you ready? Here is a sample meal plan to inspire your first trips to market this year. Don’t forget to print your farmers market shopping list, which you can customize and generate using our Recipe Database, tailored to the North Iowa growing season.
Monday
Make it Meatless with an herby Pesto Caprese Grilled Cheese or fresh greens and homemade vinaigrette. Have some leftover bread? Try a Springtime Panzanella featuring asparagus!
Spring Panzanella
Panzanella is usually made with leftover or stale bread and tomatoes. This version highlights all the best flavors of North Iowa in the springtime. Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer’s market.
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Tuesday
Tacos fit the bill for ANY type of diet. Top them with a springy Radish Salsa for a special treat. Find a collection of local taco night ideas here.
Wednesday
In Italian, “Primavera” means Spring. Choose a night to clean out your veggie drawer (ideally before you head to your farmers market or pick up your CSA the following day) and get creative with your own take on Pasta Primavera! Make it gluten-free with a Zoodles Primavera.
Pasta Primavera
While 'Primavera' signifies Spring in Italian, the joy of seasonal produce is a year-round delight! Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer's market.
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Duck Egg Pasta
Duck eggs have a larger yolk than chicken eggs and lend a richer flavor to fresh pasta. Use these noodles as you would in any other pasta dish, just cut them to your need! Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer's market.
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Thursday
Why not fire up the grill? How about some burgers or pulled pork slathered in Smoky Rhubarb BBQ Sauce?
Smoky Rhubarb BBQ Sauce
Perfect for your next grill out! Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer's market.
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Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
Grilling season is upon us! Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer's market.
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Grilled Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes are the edible stalks that grow from the bulbs of certain varieties of garlic. They can be used just the same as garlic; minced, stir-fried, roasted, or sautéed. However, they might be best in their simplest form. Whole garlic scapes grilled or baked bring out the subtle garlic flavor and are a great side dish for any summer meal! Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer’s market.
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Friday
Pizza Night! Check your local market for naan bread for an easy crust. Top with local meat, green onions, garlic scapes, shaved asparagus, sliced radishes sautéed with bacon, or whatever you like!
Spring Harvest Pizza
A delicious pizza made with spring produce. Endlessly customizable. Throw some cheese on top, and you've got your spring harvest pizza. Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer’s market.
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Saturday
Stir-Fry is another great way to ensure your bounty is enjoyed. Or maybe you’re looking for a night out? Choose a restaurant in North Iowa that sources locally!
Pork and Asparagus Stir-Fry
Iowa-raised pork and asparagus stir-fry is a great early-season recipe. Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer's market.
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Sunday
Make a big pot of soup or keep it simple with breakfast-for-dinner so that you can reflect on your week, plan for the next, and enjoy your day of rest.
Springtime Frittata
A quick, easy, and delicious early season staple, frittatas are endlessly adaptable. Make it your own by adding whatever you have in the fridge! Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer's market.
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Lunches, Snacks, and More
Eat leftovers for lunch the next day (if there are any!) or keep it light and simple with a hummus spread for a quick sandwich or for dipping your vegetables into. Turn fresh berries into a delicious smoothie for a quick boost. Don’t forget dessert. This recipe for Mini Dutch Babies with Berry Sauce will have you raving! How about a Strawberry Rhubarb Muffin? For all of our Spring Recipes, head over to our Database.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie Bowl
This smoothie bowl is filling enough to be breakfast, and delicious enough to be dessert! Make it your own by topping it with whatever your heart desires! Local berries, chocolate, honey, bananas...the options are limitless. Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer's market.
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