Recaps/ Recipes

spring clean your kitchen

Hey, good news! Spring is coming. I don’t know about you, but I was totally shocked when someone told me that daylight savings time begins this weekend. Crazy, huh?

In the Spring, we put away the heavy pot roasts and beef stews, and instead bring out lighter dishes. In the past, I’ve given up meat for lent and although I won’t be doing that again this year, I always like to just eat lighter in March. Kind of like a spring cleaning, you know? Oh don’t worry, I still save room for butter, chocolate, sugar and cream. Don’t you worry your pretty little heads about that.

Doing a spring cleaning of your own? Try some of this “springy” vegetarian recipes!

Cheesy Zucchini Pizza

Penne with White Beans and Spinach

Whole Wheat Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Vegan Lentil Walnut Loaf

Shanghai Tofu

Kale Salad with Walnuts and Feta

Vegetarian Yellow Curry

Simple Red Lentil Daal

Rooibos Quinoa with Coconut and Dried Blueberries

Blackberry Orange Muffins

Whole Wheat Walnut Ginger Carrot Cake

Lemon Blackberry Cake Sandwiches

Banana Bread Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Whole Grain Strawberry Pop Tart Scones

Virgin Sangria

Blood Orange Tarts

Whole Wheat Fig Newtons

Homemade Granola

You Might Also Like

  • Aileen
    March 9, 2011 at 1:30 pm

    Jenna, I absolutely love your blog. I cannot wait to try these tasty recipes. They look so delicious. Thank you for sharing them!

    • jenna
      March 9, 2011 at 6:27 pm

      Thank YOU for reading! 🙂

  • Natalie @ Will Jog For Food
    March 9, 2011 at 1:45 pm

    Those are some great recipes! I would really love to try the Banana Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting. YUM 🙂

  • Emma (Namaste Everyday)
    March 9, 2011 at 1:49 pm

    thanks for the ideas! I moved from Vermont to Auckland, New Zealand a month ago–literally from the heart of winter to the heart of summer! I sort of forgot was summer cooking was all about 🙂

  • Hannah (Culture Connoisseur)
    March 9, 2011 at 1:52 pm

    I’m excited because my favorite veggie for “light eating” is about to be fully in season- ASPARAGUS! Nothing says spring like a light asparagus pasta. YUM!

  • Baking 'n' Books
    March 9, 2011 at 2:06 pm

    Spring?! We have another snow-storm on the way. Boo.

    BUT your first picture is remarkable!

    I want to try that Lentil Loaf – seen one on OSG’s site too I think.

    Oh and the Zucchini Pizza (duh). 🙂

  • Lesley Lifting Life
    March 9, 2011 at 2:10 pm

    This weekend?? Wow, that snuck up fast! I’m glad I read this.

  • J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog)
    March 9, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    Lentil loaf sounds delish! All of those recipes do!

  • Michelle | gold-hearted girl
    March 9, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    What an awesome collection of recipes! I’m definitely in a Spring mood, considering it’s 70 degrees outside.

  • Kristen @ Change of Pace
    March 9, 2011 at 2:28 pm

    I don’t want to put away my heavy dishes and fat pants… You just reminded me that I have to 🙁

    • jenna
      March 9, 2011 at 2:43 pm

      wait why? I fully support fat pants all year round.

    • jenna k
      March 9, 2011 at 6:32 pm

      the best thing about spring/summer is being able to LIVE in stretchy skirts!! 🙂

  • Amanda
    March 9, 2011 at 2:36 pm

    Jenna!
    I am going meatless for lent and am so thankful that you posted these recipes! 🙂 Thank you! Hope you have a great day!

  • Alexa @ Simple Eats
    March 9, 2011 at 3:11 pm

    Wonderful. light recipes! Those all sound so good, I love spring-y dishes!

  • Amanda (Once Upon a Recipe)
    March 9, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    Jenna. I want to make all of these things. Right now. Where to start?!

  • Kiran
    March 9, 2011 at 3:18 pm

    I love spring and colorful menus and produces that comes with it 🙂

  • Kati @ Living Well
    March 9, 2011 at 3:35 pm

    Love the light veggie meal ideas! I almost did Meatless in March again this year…

  • Natalia - a side of simple
    March 9, 2011 at 3:51 pm

    Have to say, Jenna, the first recipe that caught my attention was sangria… Don’t know what THAT means… 🙂

    • jenna
      March 9, 2011 at 6:25 pm

      well don’t get your hopes too up because it’s virgin! still delicious though 🙂

  • Julie (Food & Other Things)
    March 9, 2011 at 3:52 pm

    The whole wheat walnut ginger carrot cake looks amazing…I can’t wait to try it and the rest of these recipes!

  • Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary)
    March 9, 2011 at 4:03 pm

    I love to photograph citrus ! Lovely shot Jenna. Also, thanks for all the links… I’ve been in need of some serious inspiration this week.

  • M
    March 9, 2011 at 4:14 pm

    Hi Jenna!

    What are you giving up for Lent this year?
    What about Adam?

    Just wanted to let you know that as a faithful reader (yet a stranger!) I still
    from time to time think of your brother John and hope he is soaring high and
    smiling at you and your parents-I believe he is.I will never forget your posts about him and how he was planning on saving that kitty and his love of surfing.

    Love your blog-congrats on all your achievements and wishing you years and
    years of continued success and most of all happiness!

  • Melody Rich
    March 9, 2011 at 4:14 pm

    LOVE LOVE your blog. I’ve cooked several things of yours and they’ve all been delicious!

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
    March 9, 2011 at 4:15 pm

    Thanks for the re-linkage of your veggie & spring themed recipes!

    I linked your oatmeal cream pie cookies in my current post. Drool worthy 🙂

    I love the 1st picture. It looks like Sausalito maybe? Somewhere in Marin county maybe looking south over the water toward the city? We have friends in Marin and I adore it.

    🙂

    • jenna
      March 9, 2011 at 6:24 pm

      Sausalito! Marin is one of my favorite places on earth…darn me and my expensive tastes.

      • French Heart
        March 9, 2011 at 7:03 pm

        Have you guys been to Sam’s on the water in Tiburon. Love that place.

        The recipes sound great–esp kale salad. Totally cut meat & wine for Lent.

  • Courtney
    March 9, 2011 at 4:48 pm

    You may have saved my taste buds, which I have been boring with baked chicken and greek yogurt. Thank you!

  • Heather @ Sugar & Spice
    March 9, 2011 at 4:52 pm

    Jenna- I am so excited for Spring (especially in New England!!) and I cannot wait to spring ahead with time this weekend. It’s harder to get up – but it is so worth it to get the extra daylight at the end of the day. I’m all for being able to exercise after work! Enjoy spring in California!! Thanks (as always) for the great recipes in this post!

  • Sarah @ goingongoals
    March 9, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    Soo glad spring is around the corner!! Can’t wait to try these recipes in a week after I return from my vacation. I will actually be in your neck of the woods. Any suggestions?

    • jenna
      March 9, 2011 at 6:24 pm

      Armstrong redwoods, Botega bay…as for restaurant, check out my wine country page. I’ve got a lot of recommendations and reviews there!

  • kate@ahealthypassion
    March 9, 2011 at 5:04 pm

    The recipes look amazing im excited to to try some out!

  • Katrina
    March 9, 2011 at 5:14 pm

    Thanks for the suggestions! I’ve been dreaming about your poptart scones since you posted them!

  • Val @ Balancing Val
    March 9, 2011 at 5:29 pm

    That kale salad looks delicious!!

    Im going to send that to my kale obsessed friend 😉

  • Natalie
    March 9, 2011 at 5:34 pm

    Im with Katrina, I kinda cant stop thinking about those poptart scones 🙂

    • jenna
      March 9, 2011 at 6:23 pm

      heh heh heh well then get ready for tomorrow 😉

  • Tina
    March 9, 2011 at 6:00 pm

    I am OBSESSED with your penne w/white beans and spinach recipe! I just made it for the second time on Monday. My family loves it!

    • jenna
      March 9, 2011 at 6:23 pm

      awesome! I’m so happy that y’all love it!

  • Hilray
    March 9, 2011 at 6:46 pm

    This is completely unrelated to this post, but more towards the Oatmeal Creme Pie/Fudge Stripe Cookie posts. Since you’ve been doing a bunch of sort of ‘childhood throwback’ treat recipes, I was wondering.. How about homemade Oreos?! I don’t think you’ve done those, have you? If not, pleeease do! 🙂

  • Megan@Dirty Dishes Daily
    March 9, 2011 at 7:29 pm

    Great recipes! I can’t wait to try some of them out. I love veggie dishes in the spring.

  • Baking Serendipity
    March 9, 2011 at 7:47 pm

    Hooray for spring! I’m loving your recipe line up and the warmer weather 🙂

  • Michelle
    March 9, 2011 at 9:02 pm

    SO excited for spring! These look yummy!

  • amy walters, aDESIGNdock
    March 9, 2011 at 9:11 pm

    Love the recipe sections. Simply delish ;D

  • Kristin
    March 9, 2011 at 9:11 pm

    Jenna, that first picture makes me so happy! Love it 🙂

  • Cara Craves...
    March 9, 2011 at 10:32 pm

    I remember when you first posted that Shanghai Tofu recipe and I thought it looked great…so thanks for the reminder…Must make!

  • Lazaro
    March 10, 2011 at 1:58 am

    I agree!!! Usually in the spring, I always make a meal like a salad or other light food. In my opinion, after we ate a lot of meat in the winter, we need healthy food for digestion.

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing
    March 10, 2011 at 5:08 am

    I really like the idea of a spring cleaning for your diet. I could definitely use one of those right about now!

  • Libbie
    March 10, 2011 at 7:39 am

    Thanks for posting Vegetarian dishes! As a vegetarian myself, I’m always looking for new recipes to change it up a bit. If I keep it interesting, my boyfriend doesn’t even notice he’s not eating meat! Muahahahahaha!

  • Cinnamon Owl
    March 12, 2011 at 3:46 pm

    Love your blog – and this one was perfect for me! I am a vegetarian, and I have been having these same feelings, put away the winter food, eat lighter- but I didn’t know what to make! I can’t wait to try some of your recipes!

  • Mary
    March 15, 2011 at 11:40 am

    I love the phrase “don’t worry your pretty little head”. My husband and I say it to each other all the time, but I’ve never heard anyone else say it before. It made me smile to see it 🙂