What's in Season in May: Fresh Produce and Recipes to Cook This Month

May is one of the loveliest months to cook seasonally. The markets begin to fill with tender greens, asparagus, rhubarb, strawberries, peas, herbs, and the first hints of warmer days ahead.

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What's in Season in May?

May produce varies by region, but these are some of the fruits and vegetables you'll often find at farmers markets, grocery stores, and spring gardens this time of year:

• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Leafy greens and lettuces
• Kale
• Mushrooms
• Peas
• Radishes
• Rhubarb
• Spinach
• Strawberries
• Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, chives, mint, and basil

In cooler regions, May may still lean heavily on greens, asparagus, rhubarb, and herbs. In warmer areas, berries, early summer vegetables, and tender lettuces may already be plentiful. Either way, it's a beautiful month to cook fresh, simple meals.

Asparagus

Asparagus is one of the first true signs of spring cooking. It's wonderful roasted with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon, tucked into casseroles, added to pasta, or served with eggs for brunch.

Broccoli, Cabbage, and Cauliflower

These hearty vegetables are useful all year, but they still feel especially welcome in May when lighter, fresher meals begin to sound good. Roast cauliflower until golden, stir broccoli into quick dinners, or use cabbage in soups, slaws, and easy skillet meals.

Leafy Greens and Spinach

Fresh greens are everywhere in May, from baby spinach and tender lettuces to kale, arugula, and garden greens. They're easy to add to salads, soups, quiche, egg bakes, and quick weeknight meals.

Peas and Spring Herbs

Peas bring a sweet, fresh flavor to May recipes and pair beautifully with pasta, salmon, chicken, eggs, and herbs like dill, mint, parsley, and chives. Even frozen peas work beautifully when fresh peas aren't available.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a spring favorite and one of May's most beloved seasonal ingredients. Its tart flavor is wonderful in cakes, pies, crisps, jams, and simple teatime bakes.

Strawberries

Strawberries are the sweet bridge between spring and summer. In May, they're perfect for simple desserts, salads, scones, muffins, jams, and Mother's Day recipes.

Easy May Dinner Ideas

May can be a busy month with graduations, Mother's Day, garden projects, end-of-school schedules, and the first gatherings of the warmer season. These easy dinners keep things fresh and manageable:

May Baking and Dessert Ideas

For something sweet, May is all about strawberries, rhubarb, simple cakes, teatime treats, and desserts that feel fresh without being fussy.

Tips for Cooking Seasonally in May

• Keep meals simple. Seasonal May ingredients do not need a lot of help - a little olive oil, lemon, herbs, salt, and pepper often go a long way.
• Use fresh herbs generously. Parsley, dill, chives, mint, and basil can make even the simplest dinner feel special.
• Plan one seasonal bake. A rhubarb cake, strawberry scone, or quick jam is a simple way to enjoy the month.
• Build dinner around what looks freshest. Asparagus, greens, peas, and strawberries can change from week to week depending on your region.
• Let May meals feel lighter. This is the month when soups begin to give way to salads, sheet pan dinners, skillet meals, and fresh pastas.

More Seasonal Recipes for May

Whether you're planning Mother's Day brunch, easy weeknight dinners, spring desserts, or the first outdoor meals of the season, May is full of fresh inspiration.

Browse more spring recipes, easy dinners, and seasonal favorites from the 31Daily kitchen.