Here’s a list of what you should cook this May based on what produce is in season in May for fresh, delicious and healthy recipes!

May produce guide title over a bowl of vegetables.

Happy May friends! I’m back again with another “What to Cook This May: Produce in Season”. Some amazing veggies and fruits (strawberries!) have just come into season!

Curious as to what produce is in season in May? Here are my favourites:

Strawberries

Overhead shot of strawberry salsa in a glass bowl on a blue table.

Pictured: Strawberry Salsa

I usually put this guide in order, but it’s National Strawberry Month! It’s the month to go wild with your strawberries. I adore them in this salsa, roasted, pureed, or eaten by themselves. Strawberries are my absolute favourite fruit.

More Strawberry Recipes >>

Asparagus

A row of garlic roasted asparagus on a baking sheet.

Pictured: Garlic Roasted Asparagus (Step-by-Step)

I have completely fallen in love with Asparagus! I’ve been roasting them, pureeing them and even eating them raw. They are such a delicious veg and one I plan to incorporate this spring!

More Asparagus Recipes >>

Avocados

Top down shot of nourish buddha bowl on a white table.

Pictured: Nourish Buddha Bowl with Harissa Tahini Dressing

Avocados have JUST come back into season for me! I will admit…I’ve gone through about 8 of them in the last three weeks. I’m completely obsessed. They are the perfect replacement in baking recipes and add such a great creaminess to bowl foods! Avocado toast is my favourite way to enjoy them.

More Avocado Recipes >>

Beets

Overhead shot of beet hummus in a white bowl surrounded by crackers and raw vegetables.

Pictured: Roasted Beet Hummus

I’m pretty sure I have an obsession with beets, since it’s one of my most used ingredients on this entire blog. I made a joke about owning a beet farm, but I’m pretty sure I need to look into that. Their versatility from crunchy to smooth, velvet-y and sweet once roasted make them such a great root vegetable. That colour is also divine!

More Beet Recipes >>

Cabbage

A row of four fresh spring rolls on a wood board.

Pictured: Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Ginger Sauce

I love how bright and beautiful cabbage is. I’ve used it raw for a crunch factor, and I’ve also sautéed it down in coconut milk.

More Cabbage Recipes >>

Carrots

Top down shot of maple garlic roasted carrots on a baking sheet.

Pictured: Maple Garlic Roasted Carrots 

Carrots are also in season in many places. I love how carrots taste once roasted – so tender! They are perfect for carrot noodles with a spiralizer also, or as carrot fries.

More Carrot Recipes >>

Cauliflower

Top down shot of za'atar roasted cauliflower steaks on a baking tray with lemon wedges.

Pictured: Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower Steaks

Out of all the ingredients listed here, cauliflower is definitely my favourite. If you’re following me on Snapchat (jessinkitchen) you’ll see that I’m using it once again because I can’t get enough! This is one of those recipes to try if you’re new to a vegetarian lifestyle or want to eat healthier without losing any of the taste. These Cauliflower Steaks are OUT of this world!

More Cauliflower Recipes >>

Citrus (Oranges, Lemons, Limes and more)

Quinoa and corn salad on a long white plate.

Pictured: Quinoa and Corn Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

I’m a big citrus fan. We constantly stock up on limes, lemons and oranges because they work well with everything. I’ve included recipes where they are the main feature ingredient in the dish or the sauce/dressing.

More Citrus Recipes >>

Greens (Herbs, Spinach, Kale, and more)

Apple, candied walnuts and blue cheese salad in a green bowl.

Pictured: Apple Candied Walnuts and Blue Cheese Salad with Honey Apple Dressing

Greens start to show up everywhere this time of the year. I try to keep a bag of fresh greens in my fridge at all times for spur of the moment saladspestos, and anything else. I always use fresh herbs and you will absolutely taste the difference from dried herbs. I’m thinking of growing my own herb garden next. My new favourite herb is definitely rosemary! I’ve been using it in EVERYTHING.

Mango

Side shot of two strawberry mango smoothies on a blue table.

Pictured: Strawberry Mango Smoothie

I love Mangoes! This deliciously sweet fruit goes well with basically everything and this pairing above is the perfect example of a May ready smoothie. You can’t go wrong with mangoes.

More Mango Recipes >>

Mushrooms

Creamy coconut spinach and mushroom quinoa with a wooden spoon in a black skillet.

Pictured: Creamy Coconut Spinach and Mushroom Quinoa

Mushrooms are the kind of ingredients that everyone should try. They become soft, delectable and take on so many different notes of savoury flavours that I try to use them in everything. This Creamy Coconut Spinach and Mushroom Quinoa is easily one of my favourite mushroom dishes since they are so garlicky and tender.

More Mushroom Recipes >>

Peas

Cashew pea pesto in a white ramekin with a poon on the side.

Pictured:  Creamy Cashew Pea Pesto

It’s pea season! Put these in everything. They are tiny bursts of spring that go with everything – this pesto is proof. It goes great on appetisers, pasta, in veggie bowls…anything!

More Pea Recipes >>

Radishes

Raw radishes on a wood chopping board.

Pictured: Quick Pickled Radishes

HOW am I just getting into Radishes? Not only are they so undeniably pretty, their crunch and spice factor reminds me a lot of kohlrabi which I fell in love with two years ago. Be sure to try out all different varieties of radishes including easter egg radishes (pictured above), daikon radishes and any other kinds that you can find!

More Radishes Recipes >>

Zucchini

Overhead shot of pesto zucchini noodles in a white bowl.

Pictured: Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Burst Cherry Tomatoes

Zucchinis are finally coming into season! They are such a delicious veg and one I plan to incorporate this spring!

More Zucchini Recipes >>

If you try any of these recipes, please let me know in the comment section below, or tag me on instagram with the hashtag #jessicainthekitchen. What do you plan to make this month?

P.S. I’ve completely redone my Pinterest boards to be ingredient specific so you can find more great seasonal May produce. Head over to check it out!