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Opinion 12 fresh spring recipes to make your seasonal fruit & veg shine
Spring is officially in the air — and on our plates! After a cosy winter filled with soups, stews, and all things slow-cooked, spring has finally arrived, bringing with it a burst of colour, crunch, and freshness.
This bright, bloom-filled season is also brimming with vibrant greens, juicy fruits, and crisp seasonal vegetables begging to be turned into something delicious.
What seasonal vegetables are available right now in Australia?
Seasonal eating is all about celebrating what’s naturally growing right now — produce that’s fresher, tastier, and easier on your wallet (and the planet!). Plus, it gives you a chance to get creative in the kitchen with the fruit and veg that really shine this time of year.
So, what’s in season this spring in Australia? Think tender asparagus, buttery avocados, crunchy cucumbers, sweet corn, leafy greens like kale and spinach, and juicy bursts of pineapple and passionfruit. Mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, and tomatoes are also at their prime, not to mention plenty of bananas, melons, and citrus to keep things zingy and bright.
Ready to put a little spring in your cooking? Here are some recipes that make the most of spring’s best seasonal vegetables and fruits.
1. Beetroot Arepas with Chickpea ‘Tuna’ & Avocado
These vibrant beetroot arepas bring plenty of colour to the table, with crisp-edged cornmeal pockets stuffed with a creamy chickpea ‘tuna’, avocado, and fresh greens. They’re a little different from your usual sandwich situation and make a seriously satisfying lunch or light dinner.
2. Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
Nothing says tropical spring vibes quite like pineapple. This fried rice dish will take your taste buds on holiday, combining juicy pineapple chunks with veggies, rice, and a hint of spice. It’s fresh, fragrant, and makes weeknight dinners a total breeze. Serve it in a hollowed-out pineapple if you’re feeling extra fancy!
3. Creamy Pesto Pizza with Garlic Mushrooms
When spring mushrooms are looking their best, why not put them on pizza? This one starts with a creamy basil pesto base, then piles on garlicky mushrooms, broccolini, cashew ricotta, and a generous sprinkle of plant-based parmesan. Fair warning: sharing is optional.
4. Caramelised Onion, Pumpkin & Rosemary Tart
Springtime is prime for butternut pumpkin — a sweet, hearty vegetable perfect for light yet satisfying dishes. This tart layers golden pumpkin slices with caramelised onion and a hint of rosemary, all nestled in a flaky pastry crust. It’s elegant enough for a weekend lunch but easy enough to whip up midweek. Pair it with a crisp green salad for the ultimate spring meal.
5. Baked Zucchini & Carrot Fritters
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these baked zucchini fritters are a springtime win. Light and juicy with a touch of natural sweetness, they’re perfect for brunch, lunchboxes, or a snack straight from the tray. Serve with your favourite dip or a squeeze of lemon for extra zing.
6. Mushroom & Pumpkin Risotto
Not quite ready to say goodbye to comforting winter food? This creamy risotto lets you have the best of both seasons, pairing earthy mushrooms and sweet pumpkin with charred spring asparagus. Finish with a little vegan parmesan, and dig into a bowl that’s cosy enough for cooler nights without feeling too heavy.
7. Grilled ‘Fish’ Tacos with Chipotle Chimichurri
Mexican night gets a fresh plant-based twist with these grilled ‘fish’ tacos. Hearts of palm are marinated and charred before being tucked into warm tortillas with creamy avocado, red cabbage, and a punchy chipotle chimichurri. A squeeze of lime over the top and you’re good to go.
8. Balinese-style Banana Pancakes
Bananas are one of those magical fruits that are in season nearly year-round, but they really shine in spring. These Balinese-style banana pancakes are fluffy and golden, drizzled with a little maple syrup or coconut sugar for extra sweetness. They’re perfect for warm, lazy spring mornings when you want something fruity, sweet, and indulgent.
9. Miso Marinated Mushroom Subs
Juicy mushrooms take centre stage in these loaded subs, marinated in a savoury miso glaze and cooked until caramelised. Add a tangy cabbage slaw, crunchy cucumber, and a swipe of spicy sriracha mayo, and you’ve got yourself one seriously stacked sandwich.
10. Creamy Asparagus & Pea Risotto
Few veggies scream “spring” louder than asparagus! This creamy risotto heroes those tender green spears, with peas adding pops of sweetness throughout. It’s comfort food with a spring twist — creamy enough to feel indulgent, but light and fresh enough to keep you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds).
11. Umami Mushroom Souvlaki
One of our fave seasonal vegetables, mushrooms really come into their own in spring, and this recipe takes full advantage of their juicy, umami goodness. Skewered, marinated, and grilled to perfection, these mushroom souvlakis are a plant-based spin on a Greek classic. Wrap them in warm pita with fresh salad and a dollop of vegan tzatziki, and you’ll be on your way to flavour town.
12. Grilled Fennel Salad with Black Garlic Dressing
A gorgeous pop of colour for any spread, this dish packs a punch! Featuring grilled fennel (which, while typically a cool-weather vegetable, extends well into early spring) and bright fresh veg, this salad really shines due to the flavour-packed sauce drizzled on top. The key ingredient? Umeboshi — a ‘pickled plum’ from Japan with a powerful salty-sour taste.
Sneaky bonus round!
13. Passionfruit Loaf Cake
We couldn’t let you leave without dessert! Tart, juicy little passionfruits are in season right now, and this loaf cake is the perfect way to showcase them. Light, fluffy, and zesty, it’s the kind of treat that pairs beautifully with a cuppa on a sunny spring afternoon.
Ready to spring into action? 🌸
Now that spring has officially sprung, what better way to embrace it than by loading your plate with the best seasonal vegetables and fresh produce this gorgeous season has to offer? Whether you fancy pumpkin, mushrooms, pineapple, or any other fruit and veg ripe in Australia right now, eating seasonally not only means fresher, tastier meals, but a more sustainable way of eating.
So, head to your veggie garden or local market, fill your basket with spring’s finest, and start cooking up a storm — the seasonal way! 
Want to dive deeper into how to eat seasonally in Australia? Check out our comprehensive guide to seasonal eating here!
Meet Kelsie!
Kelsie is a writer, editor, and storyteller with a passion for plants, puns and making a difference. A longtime vegan, animal advocate, and dedicated plant-based foodie, she loves wordplay almost as much as she loves tofu. When she’s not writing about (or eating) delicious vegan food, you’ll find her making music with her band, Damaged Goods Club, or playing with her two loveable rescue cats, Smol Cat and Pikachu.
