Spring in California is a season of abundance. As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, local farmers markets overflow with vibrant produce, fresh herbs, and seasonal delights that are perfect for entertaining. At Taste and Company, we love to celebrate the season’s best ingredients with menus that highlight local freshness, flavor, and California’s incredible culinary diversity.

Here are some of our favorite ways to serve and savor these fresh ingredients during spring and the wonderful holidays around the corner!

1. Sweet Peas & Snap Peas

Crisp, bright, and slightly sweet, peas are one of spring’s first gifts. Toss them into a salad, purée into a chilled soup, or add as a garnish to risotto. Peas bring a pop of color and freshness to the plate.

Our appetizer suggestion for your next event:
SPRING PEA & WHIPPED LEMON REGGIANNO, RICOTTA TOAST
baby spring peas & pea shoots

2. Strawberries

California strawberries are the best April - June. Juicy and sweet, they’re a natural choice for desserts like shortcake and tarts, but we also love adding them to spring salads with goat cheese, baby greens or arugula, and a balsamic reduction for a sweet-savory twist.

Try this at your spring party:
STRAWBERRY & GREENS SALAD (v/gf)
local greens with sliced strawberries, candied pecans & goat cheese, balsamic vinaigrette

3. Asparagus

This elegant green spear is a springtime star. Roasted, grilled, or shaved raw into salads, asparagus is a versatile ingredient that works well on both casual and upscale menus. We love pairing with smoked salmon or prosciutto, in a chilled soup, or simply blanched by itself in our crudité crown.

A light appetizer for the season:
A.L.A. CHILLED SOUP SIP
Asparagus, leek and artichoke creamy chilled soup sip, delicious and refreshing.

4. Baby Greens & Microgreens

Spring brings tender lettuces, peppery arugula, and vibrant microgreens that are a favorite for salads and garnishes. These greens add both nutrition and a beautiful finishing touch to springtime plates.

Crunchy, fresh, scrumptious and healthy… your guests will thank you.
THAI SPRING ROLLS
greens, tofu, daikon, cucumber, in rice paper with Thai peanut dipping sauce

5. Artichokes

California-grown artichokes are at their best in spring. These earthy, tender vegetables can be served grilled with aioli, mixed in pasta, braised in white wine and herbs, or featured in savory tarts and dips - perfect addition to a spring grazing table.

This dish works warm for dinner or as a cold pasta salad for lunch:
MEDITERRANEAN PENNE PASTA & VINE TOMATO
basil & EVO, artichoke, feta, kalamata olive

6. Fresh Herbs

Basil, mint, chives, and dill start to flourish in spring, adding aroma and complexity to any dish. Herbs make everything feel brighter. Sprinkle over roasted vegetables or muddle into a seasonal cocktail.

We can’t get enough of this mouth-watering entrée:
HERB ENCRUSTED BISTRO STEAK
mixed herbs with truffle aioli & chimichurri sauces

Oh and don’t forget this twist on a classic mocktail:
THE FRESH GARDEN MOJITO
with fresh mint, basil, cucumber, and lime.

7. Citrus

While winter is peak citrus season, many varieties such as Meyer lemons, blood oranges, and tangerines linger into spring. Their bright flavor is perfect for a vinaigrette, marinade, and desserts.

We especially love a Meyer lemon with Branzino.

T&C BRANZINO
simply prepared with meyer lemons, fresh thyme,
fleur de sel, olive oil, in a lemon butter caper sauce

and for dessert:
COCONUT & BLOOD ORANGE PANNA COTTA
An Italian sweet coconut custard topped with blood orange curd

Spring Catering Inspiration

At Taste and Company, spring is one of our favorite times to craft seasonal menus for weddings, garden parties, corporate gatherings, and more. If you want a fresh and light brunch, a floral-forward dinner party, or anything in between, we’ll work with you to showcase California’s best ingredients at their peak.

Let us help you create a delicious, memorable spring celebration. Contact us today to plan your next event.

Taste and Company Catering
We are a full service catering company Serving Greater Los Angeles and the surrounding areas with custom fresh, inspired menus for every season.

Favorite Fresh Spring Foods in California