13 cold starters to revamp spring menus and wow diners with bold, surprising flavor in every bite
Cups, salads, tartares, rolls, cold creams and bites with vegetables are some of the most appetizing proposals to start the meal when the good weather is already noticeable. It is that moment of transition in which cold, light and easy to prepare recipes, with ingredients and gestures still typical of spring, although the table begins to look towards summer.
After weeks of changing temperatures, spring begins to call for fresher, lighter and easier to serve dishes. As soon as the thermometer rises, the heartier stews are giving way to recipes that are prepared in advance, eaten cold and help to open the menu without overloading the table.
The spring salads are still an infallible option, but they are not the only one. We can also resort to cold creams, tartares, carpaccios, rolls, stuffed vegetables, savory pies or small bites with smoked fish, cheese, vegetables and fruit. Simple, colorful and colorful ideas to welcome spring meals.
That is why this selection brings together recipes that work especially well in this stretch of spring, when less hearty starters are in season and the kitchen begins to look for freshness. Some preparations are more summer-oriented; others take advantage of seasonal products closely linked to these months. All of them have in common that they are served cold, they adapt well to a meal with guests and help to start the menu with something fresh, colorful and full of flavor.
What a good spring cold starter should have
A good cold starter is not just about taking something out of the fridge. It has to whet the appetite without being too filling, be served in a convenient portion and provide a certain freshness from the first bite. In spring, light preparations work especially well, with vegetables, fresh herbs, soft cheeses, fish, preserves or some acid contrast that awakens the palate.
There should also be a play of textures: a smooth cream, a well-dressed salad, an unctuous filling, a vegetable base or a crunchy touch that prevents the dish from being flat. The key is to make it easy to eat, pleasant at cold temperatures and able to start the menu without stealing the limelight from what comes next.
Spring is not only in the ingredients. Some recipes are spring-like because they take advantage of products closely linked to this season.
Some recipes are spring recipes because they take advantage of products closely linked to this season, such as asparagus, peas, broad beans, radishes, zucchini or apricots. But not everything depends on the strict season of the ingredient. The way the dish is prepared and served is also important.
A salad salad, fresh rolls, savory cups, stuffed endives or a snack with preserves can fit very well in a spring menu even if not all ingredients are exclusive to these months. They are fresh recipes, easy to share, light on the table and designed for that moment when less hearty dishes start to be desired.
Very spring-like starters!
We take advantage of the last asparagus of the season to concoct a delicious salad with ultra colorful and gourmet asparagus! :-) Ideal as a healthy vegetarian starter , to bring on a picnic or even to accompany your barbecue, this original salad...
This sardine pâté is not only a super quick recipe to make, but we can also prepare it with ingredients that everyone has at home. It is a perfect appetizer for a snack with friends or any other type of celebration, as we can serve it on crispy bread...
Discover a super refreshing summer recipe: raw marinated zucchini ! They will be absolutely perfect as a starter, as a side dish or even to garnish your toast or your sandwiches for example. To prepare this fresh and delicious dish, use a vegetable...
For an easy and effective recipe, nothing beats good deviled eggs. An appetizer that will please both children and adults, and that you can adapt to everyone's tastes. Here we offer several alternatives: the classic recipe and variations with avocado,...
To enjoy soups even when it's hot, prepare them cold! Today, we offer you our quick and easy pea soup recipe. This no-cook recipe is perfect for serving in small glasses as an appetizer or as a refreshing starter for a meal.
Ceviche is a traditional Peruvian dish in which raw fish, marinated in lime or lemon juice, is the real protagonist. At Petitchef, we have made a quick version, using a can of cockles , with a really surprising result. An explosion of flavor and...
A simple salad that breaks the routine! Thanks to fava beans, you won't feel hungry just 2 hours after lunch. Rich in protein, these legumes are filling and help you stay satisfied until your next meal. Additionally, their iron and vitamin content...
A cold soup to enjoy on hot days! And to change from the traditional Spanish tomato gazpacho, opt for this radish + goat cheese blend :-) Easy to make, this no-cook recipe will also be very quick. Just put all the ingredients in a blender, mix, and...
Our Japanese cucumber salad is the best fresh and tasty summer meal! Easy to prepare, this salad combines crunchy cucumbers with a delicate marinade made from rice vinegar, sugar and soy sauce . Perfect to accompany your barbecues, to eat on a cream...
A no-cook recipe that never gets old, especially when it's easy to make! For your salmon and green apple tartare, all you need to do is chop the ingredients, mix them, and you're done! A fresh and quick recipe, perfect for summer when it's hot.
For a last-minute appetizer, opt for these easy, no-bake, and chic verrines! Inside, combine smoked salmon and avocado, then top it all off with a savory lemon whipped cream :-) A festive and colorful appetizer guaranteed! Here are our steps for...
Want color in your menu? Beet will be your best friend for this! Just mixed with cream cheese and a few herbs to spice it up, you will obtain super fresh beet cream . Try it, we can assure you that you will love it ;-) And what's more, it's super...
These single-serving savory cheesecakes with cherry tomatoes and basil are a tasty and versatile idea, perfect as a cold appetizer , summer finger food or buffet proposal. The crunchy base of crackers and butter supports a velvety cream prepared...
Your ideas count too
Do you usually prepare cold starters when the good weather arrives? Tell us what your favorite recipes are, what ingredients are always on your spring table or that trick that always works for you when you have guests. We will love to read you and add new ideas to keep whetting your appetite with fresh, simple and flavorful dishes.
Patricia González
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