Asparagus, peppers, green beans, and peas are bursting onto the scene, ready to add color, crunch, and flavor to any menu. Spring is here, and that means it’s time to take full advantage of the season’s best green vegetables.

Elevating these vibrant ingredients beyond the salad section and “vegetable medley” side is the key to keeping menus fresh and exciting. Let’s dive into some creative ways to showcase spring’s green goodies with side dishes that steal the show.

Asparagus, Elevated

Forget plain roasted asparagus — this crisp, earthy vegetable is a powerhouse that pairs beautifully with a variety of flavors. Try blistering asparagus on a hot grill, then drizzling it with a bright lemon-herb vinaigrette and topping it with crumbled feta and toasted pistachios for a bold, Mediterranean-inspired side. This is a terrific accompaniment to Zebec® Fire Grilled Chicken for a fresh, vibrant dish that balances smoky char with zesty citrus and a creamy, nutty crunch. Excellent for spring menus or a light, flavorful addition to any plate.

For a unique spin, shave raw asparagus into thin ribbons and toss it with a light citrus dressing and shaved Parmesan, resulting in a fresh and unexpected slaw served alongside BBQ chicken or piled onto a smoked pork sandwich. You can also create a twist on tempura by lightly battering asparagus spears, frying until golden, and serving with a zingy garlic aioli that stars as a starter.

Zucchini, Transformed

Zucchini is a true chameleon in the kitchen, effortlessly transformed into a variety of creative aliases. For a fresh, no-cook option, try zucchini carpaccio — thinly sliced and drizzled with olive oil, lemon juice, shaved Parmesan, and toasted pinenuts for crunch.

Zoodles, or spiralized zucchini noodles, offer a light, gluten-free alternative to pasta and are equally at home under tomato basil meatballs, as they are tossed into a fragrant bowl of piping hot pho. For a crispy starter or side dish for burgers, try zucchini fries coated in panko and Parmesan, then fry until golden brown.

Peppers, Centered

Spring’s green peppers offer a perfect balance of sweet and smoky, making them a fantastic focus of the appetizer menu. Blistered shishito peppers are popping up as standalone starters all over the country — making them an easy and profitable menu addition that shows no sign of leaving anytime soon.

Or put your twist on jalapeno poppers by stuffing mild peppers with herbed goat cheese and roasted garlic before wrapping them in prosciutto and baking to creamy perfection.

Green Beans, Reimagined

Green beans deserve more than just a simple steam. Charred green beans with miso butter and sesame seeds offer an umami-rich upgrade that’s hard to resist. You can also take inspiration from classic French flavors with a warm green bean salad featuring crispy pancetta, caramelized shallots, and a Dijon-mustard vinaigrette.

For a spicy play on a classic, try a green bean almondine with a twist — add harissa for a smoky heat that balances the buttery crunch of toasted almonds or cashews.

Peas, Revisited

Sweet, tender peas are one of spring’s most delightful treats, and they shine in so many ways beyond soup. A fresh pea and mint purée makes for a vibrant and flavorful spread, perfect for accompanying grilled lamb or toasted sourdough.

Next, create a warm, buttery pea and pearl couscous pasta with a hint of lemon zest and crumbled ricotta — exquisite served under seared fish. Looking for something crispy? Lightly mash peas, mix them with ricotta and fresh herbs, then form into small fritters and pan-fry for a crispy, spring-forward delight. With 8 grams of protein per cup, these green powerhouses are a great way to appeal to the high-protein health crowd.

For verdant produce that steals the spotlight, Peak Fresh Produce® delivers the freshest, highest-quality options, ensuring every plate pops with flavor and vibrancy. Whether it's asparagus, peppers, green beans, or peas, these ingredients are at their best right now and are ready to take center stage.

By thinking beyond the classics, these green veggies can become the stars of any menu, adding both color and creativity to the plate. So go ahead — get playful with spring’s bounty and give the green light to fresh flavor.