12 Recipes for the Ultimate Spring Dinner Party

By Maria Yagoda
Updated April 23, 2018
Credit: Paul Costello
We thought it might never happen, but it’s finally starting to feel like spring. To celebrate the season, we're cooking bright, lively meals that we can share with friends over a bottle (or three) of rosé. We’ve rounded up the essential spring dinner party recipes that you should add to your repertoire, too.
Start Slideshow

1 of 12

Bruschetta with Mozzarella and Smashed Fresh Favas

Credit: John Kernick
Go to recipe

Fresh lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil add a bright creaminess to puréed favas, best enjoyed on crispy baguette slices (with buffalo mozzarella, of course.)

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 12

Spinach-and-Green-Pea Empanadas

Credit: Fredrika Stjärne
Go to recipe

Another excellent use of favas? Mauricio Couly’s mint-flecked empanadas, which are easy to make with store-bought wrappers. (You can use frozen lima beans here, too.)

3 of 12

Ginger Shandies

Credit: Tina Rupp
Go to recipe

There’s no better way to start an evening than with a few refreshing pitcher cocktails. This ginger shandy has just four ingredients—lemon, ginger beer, beer, and mint for garnish.

Advertisement

4 of 12

Buttermilk-Dressed Spring Greens

Credit: Abby Hocking
Go to recipe

Chef Eli Dahlin of Dame in Portland, Oregon, blends cottage cheese into this fantastic buttermilk dressing.

5 of 12

Chilled Spring Pea Soup

Credit: Quentin Bacon
Go to recipe

Daniel Boulud’s velvety pea soup goes perfectly with a brisk Austrian Grüner Veltliner.

6 of 12

Farro Salad with Spring Peas, Onions and Feta

Credit: Christina Holmes
Go to recipe

This light, nutty grain salad is delicious at any temperature.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 12

Penne with Asparagus Sage and Peas

Credit: Tina Rupp
Go to recipe

This simple and creamy pasta dish celebrates the long-awaited arrival asparagus, with sage adding a welcome earthiness.

8 of 12

Farfalle with Spring Vegetables

Credit: Stephanie Foley
Go to recipe

For something lighter, try this bright, lemony pasta salad that’s packed with spring vegetables and fresh herbs. Make extra to have for lunch the next day.

9 of 12

Pizza with Garlic Cream and Nettles

Credit: Fredrika Stjärne
Go to recipe

Once cooked, the nettles lose their sting and offer a deep, earthy flavor that’s delicious with the green garlic cream.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 12

Garlic-Rubbed Pork Shoulder with Spring Vegetables

Credit: Tina Rupp
Go to recipe

Garlic and herbs make a super-flavorful rub for this pork shoulder, which comes out juicy and crusty after a long slow-roasting.

11 of 12

Spiced Rhubarb Soup with Vanilla Ice Cream

Credit: Lucy Schaeffer
Go to recipe

Make sure to only barely cook the rhubarb, so that it retains its crispness and tangy flavor in this silky fruit dessert.

12 of 12

Cornmeal-Almond Cake with Strawberries and Mascarpone

Credit: Paul Costello
Go to recipe

This buttery, nutty cornmeal cake becomes extra decadent with a mascarpone-cream topping.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Maria Yagoda