Guide: Healthy and Hearty Springtime Recipes for Outdoor Grilling and Potluck Gatherings

Spring in the Bay Area is prime time for outdoor cooking and indulgent potluck gatherings. So, break out the grill, visit the farmers' market, and enjoy all the seasonal foods that are so plentiful in California. Here are some of Bay Area Bites favorite recipes for warm-weather eating!

Springtime Vegetable Ragout with Asparagus, New Potatoes, Baby Carrots, Fennel, Fresh Peas, and Herbs (Wendy Goodfriend)

Springtime Vegetable Ragout!
This springtime ragout makes full use of the season’s bounty. Light and elegant, it’s full of fresh flavor.

Five-spice lamb chops (Wendy Goodfriend)

Springtime Grilling: Grilled, Marinated Five-Spice Spring Lamb Chops
These succulent lamb chops are marinated in a spiced, darkly sweet sauce with plenty of garlic. Grilling them adds a smoky note to the tender meat.

Fried Baby Artichokes with Homemade Meyer Lemon Mayo (Wendy Goodfriend)

It’s a Decadent Springtime Feast: Fried Baby Artichokes With DIY Meyer Lemon Mayonnaise
Crispy, crunchy, earthy, tender baby artichokes are taken to a whole new level when shallow fried and served with cool, creamy Meyer lemon mayo alongside.

Springtime Avocado Toast with Green Olive Relish and Lemon
Not all avocado toast is created alike. This version tops off layers of silky avocado with piquant olive and caper relish with a healthy dose of lemon.

Fresh Spring Salad: Shaved Asparagus and Baby Carrot Salad with Lemon, Ricotta Salata, Almonds, and Parsley
Quick, easy, and elegant, this raw shaved springtime salad is the epitome of freshness.

Fall-Off-The-Bone BBQ Baby Back Ribs with Homemade Barbecue Sauce
You don’t need 15 hours and a smoker to make fabulous baby back ribs – just follow this shortcut method and wow your guests at your next backyard get together.

Fingerling Potato Salad with Black Olives, Orange-Mustard Vinaigrette and Chopped Fennel
Briny, sweet, and piquant Provencal flavors turn this potato salad into something extra special.

Get Your Grill On: Herbed Lamb Burgers Topped with Chopped Greek Salad
This is our go-to lamb burger when the sun comes out and we can finally fire up the grill.

Springtime Delight: Rhubarb Puff-Tart Pockets
Like a pop-tart, only way better, these light-as-air puff pastry tartlets are stuffed with vanilla-scented rhubarb compote.

Feed Your Chocolate Obsession with Double Chocolate Brownies
These perfectly rich, uber-chocolatey treats can be served simply or embellished with toasted nuts, swirls of jam, or chopped chocolate.