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’re making the most of the last asparagus of the season with a delicious, colorful, and satisfying asparagus salad! :-) It’s ideal as a healthy vegetarian starter, to take on a picnic , or even to serve alongside your barbecue. This original salad...
This sardine salad is not only super quick to make, but can also be prepared with ingredients that everyone has at home. It is a perfect appetizer for a snack with friends or any other type of celebration, as it can be served on crispy toast. An...
A wonderfully fresh summer recipe: raw marinated zucchini can be served as a starter or as a side dish, but we also recommend using them to fill sandwiches or beach-ready sandwiches . The first thing to do when preparing marinated zucchini is to...
Deviled eggs, a beloved classic of French cuisine, are always a hit at the table! Quick and easy to prepare, they make a delicious alternative to plain hard-boiled eggs for your guests. This traditional recipe consists of hard-boiled eggs whose yolks...
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, takes center stage. At Petitchef, we’ve made a quick version using a can of cockles , with a truly surprising result. It’s an explosion of flavor and color,...
A simple salad that's a welcome change from the usual! Thanks to the fava beans, no more hunger pangs just two hours after lunch. Rich in protein, these little legumes are filling and help keep us going comfortably until the next meal. More broadly,...
A cold soup to enjoy on hot days! And for a change from traditional Spanish tomato gazpacho, try this radish and goat cheese combination :-) Easy to make, this no-cook recipe is also very quick. Just put all the ingredients in a blender, blend, and...
Discover our recipe for Japanese-style marinated cucumber salad , a fresh and tasty option for your summer meals! Easy to prepare, this salad combines crunchy cucumbers with a delicate marinade made with rice vinegar, sugar and soy sauce. Perfect...
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, try these easy, no-bake, chic verrines! Combine smoked salmon and avocado, then top with savory lemon whipped cream :-) A festive, colorful appetizer is guaranteed! Follow the steps below, with photos and a video ↓↓
Want to add some color to your menu? Beet will be your best friend! Simply blend it with cream cheese and a few herbs to add flavor, and you'll have a super-fresh beet purée. Give it a try—we can assure you that you'll love it ;-) What's more, it's...
These single-serving savory cheesecakes with cherry tomatoes and basil are a tasty, versatile idea, perfect as a cold appetizer , summer finger food, or an option for a buffet . The crunchy cracker-and-butter base supports a velvety cream made...
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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