Delicious Recipes to Cook This March

Spring is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your menu with delicious recipes to cook this March. With seasonal produce like citrus fruits, asparagus, and leafy greens making their way into stores, March offers a wonderful opportunity to bring fresh, vibrant flavors into your kitchen. 

Whether you’re craving hearty comfort food to warm up those chilly nights or lighter, spring-inspired dishes to celebrate the season, there’s no shortage of delicious recipes to try. 

Let’s get into some simple, flavorful ideas that highlight the best of March’s ingredients and make mealtime exciting for the whole family.

Why March Is a Great Time to Try Seasonal Recipes

March is a transitional month, bringing with it the best of two worlds. You can still enjoy some hearty winter ingredients like root vegetables and squash, but you’ll also start seeing the first signs of spring in the form of fresh greens, asparagus, peas, and citrus fruits.

Cooking with seasonal ingredients not only brings out the best flavors but can also save you money. Seasonal produce tends to be fresher, more abundant, and often more affordable than out-of-season items. Plus, it’s a great way to celebrate the changing seasons and add variety to your meals.

What Foods Are on Sale in March?

As winter gives way to spring, you'll find a variety of fruits, vegetables, and pantry staples at lower prices. Knowing what’s on sale can help you plan meals that are not only delicious but also budget-friendly.

Here’s a breakdown of the foods that are typically on sale in March:

Seasonal Produce

• Citrus Fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are still plentiful and often on sale during March. Use them in salads, desserts, or refreshing drinks.
• Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes are still in season and often discounted as stores clear out winter stock. These are perfect for soups, stews, or roasted dishes.
• Cabbage: With St. Patrick’s Day in March, cabbage is often featured in grocery store sales. It’s great for slaws, stir-fries, or paired with corned beef.
• Asparagus: One of the first spring vegetables to hit the shelves, asparagus is usually on sale and a great addition to risottos, pasta dishes, or as a roasted side.
• Greens: Spinach, kale, and arugula are coming into season and tend to be more affordable in March. Use them in salads, soups, or sautéed as a side dish.

Meat and Poultry

• Corned Beef: In preparation for St. Patrick’s Day, corned beef is heavily promoted in March. It’s a great time to try a classic corned beef and cabbage dinner.
• Chicken Breasts and Thighs: These cuts of chicken are often discounted during March sales, making it a great time to stock your freezer.
• Pork: Cuts like pork loin or tenderloin often go on sale in March, providing budget-friendly options for hearty dinners.

Pantry Staples

• Canned Goods: Look for deals on canned vegetables, beans, and soups, especially as stores prepare for spring inventory.
• Baking Supplies: March is a good time to find sales on flour, sugar, and baking mixes as stores clear out winter baking stock.
• Pasta and Rice: These pantry staples are often discounted in March, making it a great time to plan for budget-friendly meals.

Fruits Starting to Come into Season

• Strawberries: Early spring strawberries may start appearing in stores, and while prices might not hit their lowest yet, you’ll find some good deals compared to winter prices.
• Rhubarb: Rhubarb begins to make its appearance in March, and it pairs perfectly with strawberries or apples for crumbles and pies.

Delicious Recipes to Cook This March

Roasted Root Vegetable Soup

This Roasted Root Vegetable Soup combines hearty carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, roasted to perfection and blended into a creamy, flavorful soup. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and ideal for chilly March evenings.

The Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie

Nothing says comfort like classic Shepherd’s Pie. This traditional dish features a rich ground beef filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, making it a must-try for March dinners.

Smoked Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Elevate your dinner game with Smoked Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs. These juicy chicken thighs are stuffed, wrapped in bacon, and smoked for a rich and smoky flavor that will impress everyone at the table.

Sausage Puerto Rican Stewed Beans

Add some Caribbean flavor to your menu with Sausage Puerto Rican Stewed Beans. This hearty dish features savory sausage and tender beans simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, perfect with rice or crusty bread.

Spring Risotto

Celebrate the season with this Spring Risotto recipe, featuring creamy Arborio rice mixed with fresh spring vegetables like asparagus and peas. A touch of lemon zest brings brightness to this perfect springtime dish.

Instant Pot Butternut Squash

For a quick and easy side dish, try Instant Pot Butternut Squash. This recipe uses the Instant Pot to create perfectly tender and flavorful squash in no time, making it a great addition to any meal.

Fennel and Citrus Salad

This refreshing Fennel and Citrus Salad combine crisp fennel and juicy citrus slices, dressed in a light vinaigrette. It’s a vibrant and healthy option for a light lunch or side dish.

One-Pan Honey Lemon Chicken and Asparagus

For an easy and fresh dinner, One-Pan Honey Lemon Chicken and Asparagus is a perfect choice. This dish combines tender chicken and crispy asparagus with a sweet and tangy honey-lemon glaze, all cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup.

Spring Pea and Mint Soup

Fresh peas and mint shine in Spring Pea and Mint Soup. This light and vibrant soup is perfect for March, offering a taste of spring with its refreshing flavors and creamy texture.

20-Minute Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies

For a quick weeknight dinner, 20-Minute Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies is the perfect solution. Toss your favorite sausages and seasonal veggies on a sheet pan for an easy, healthy, and delicious meal.

Camarones al Ajillo

Bring a taste of Spain to your table with Camarones al Ajillo. These succulent shrimp are sautéed in garlic and olive oil, making them a quick and flavorful dish for any night of the week.

Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart with Whipped Goat Cheese

This Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart with Whipped Goat Cheese is perfect for brunch or a light dinner. The crispy puff pastry pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus and creamy whipped goat cheese.

Spring Vegetable Stir-Fry

For a quick and healthy option, try this Spring Vegetable Stir-Fry. Packed with colorful vegetables and tossed in a simple stir-fry sauce, it’s a great way to highlight seasonal produce.

The Best Carrot Cake Recipe

The Best Carrot Cake Recipe features a moist, spiced cake topped with rich cream cheese frosting. This classic dessert is perfect for celebrating the transition from winter to spring.

Apple and Rhubarb Crumble

Take advantage of seasonal rhubarb with this Apple and Rhubarb Crumble. The sweet-tart fruit filling is topped with a buttery oat crumble, making it a comforting dessert for March.

Vegetable Pad Thai

Vegetable Pad Thai is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s both healthy and easy to make. Loaded with fresh veggies and tossed in a tangy peanut sauce, it’s perfect for a quick dinner or lunch.

Bourbon Honey Air Fryer Chicken Wings

For a fun and flavorful twist on chicken wings, try Bourbon Honey Air Fryer Chicken Wings. These wings are sweet, sticky, and perfectly crispy thanks to the air fryer.

Keto Lemon Cookies

Indulge in a guilt-free treat with these Keto Lemon Cookies. These zesty cookies are soft, tangy, and sugar-free, making them a great low-carb option for dessert lovers.

Flan de Queso Recipe

End your meal on a sweet note with Flan de Queso. This rich and creamy cheesecake flan is a decadent dessert with a caramel topping, perfect for any special occasion or family gathering.

Corned Beef Hash

This Corned Beef Hash recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for using up leftover corned beef from your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. With crispy potatoes, tender corned beef, and savory seasonings, this one-pan meal makes an easy and delicious breakfast or brunch option.

March is the perfect time to experiment with seasonal recipes that bridge the gap between winter and spring. Whether you’re craving a hearty Shepherd’s Pie or a light and fresh Citrus Salad, there are so many ways to bring the best of the season into your kitchen.

With these March dinner recipes, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Embrace the fresh ingredients of the season and enjoy cooking meals that are as delicious as they are simple.