What to cook in March: 7 easy and surprising seasonal recipes for the weekly menu

Tuesday 3 March 2026 23:00 - Daniele Mainieri
What to cook in March: 7 easy and surprising seasonal recipes for the weekly menu

March is that month when you open the refrigerator and feel it's time for a change. You don't want just rich, heavy winter dishes anymore, but you're not quite ready for summer salads and cold recipes. It is a transitional phase, and that is precisely why it can become the most interesting time in the kitchen.

If you're wondering what to cook in March, the key is all in the seasonality. Tender artichokes, crisp asparagus, sweet peas and fresh spinach are starting to take center stage, allowing you to create more balanced, colorful, and naturally tastier dishes.

March is the perfect time to:

revamp your weekly menu with more versatile and flavorful seasonal ingredients.

Here you'll find 7 ideas designed just for this time of year: easy but not mundane recipes, perfect for quick but curated lunches and dinners that break up the routine without complicating your life.


1. Baked artichokes crispy outside and soft inside

Artichokes are among the absolute stars of March. Preparing them in the oven means getting a flavorful side dish, slightly crispy on the surface and tender at the core. They are perfect both as an appetizer and as an accompaniment to light meals. A simple recipe that enhances seasonality and turns a traditional ingredient into something irresistible.

Baked artichokesRecipe Baked artichokes

For a delicious appetizer to share or a simple, satisfying dinner, try our baked artichokes! This extra-delicious vegetarian recipe combines tender artichoke leaves with grated Parmesan and herbes de Provence. All that's left is to make a homemade...

2. Puff pastry rolls with asparagus and ham

When asparagus arrives, it is impossible not to take advantage of it in a tasty way. Puff pastry rolls with asparagus and ham are perfect for a spring aperitif or a different kind of appetizer. Crispy, flavorful and super easy to prepare, they are the perfect example of a quick but impressive March recipe.

Puff pastries with asparagus, ham and melted cheeseRecipe Puff pastries with asparagus, ham and melted cheese

Yes, it's peak season for green asparagus , and we're making the most of it because the season doesn't last very long! We're familiar with the classic method of boiling asparagus and serving it with a delicious mousseline sauce. But have you ever...

3. Eggs and spinach for a quick and nutritious dinner

Eggs with spinach represent one of the smartest dishes to cook in March. Fresh spinach is rich in flavor and pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the egg. It is an ideal solution for a light, nutritious dinner ready in minutes without sacrificing balance.

Creamed spinach with eggsRecipe Creamed spinach with eggs

Cook your creamed spinach and add eggs for an extra creamy and flavorful result! Thanks to cooking in a covered skillet, you'll achieve soft egg whites and runny yolks. A true delight and an excellent way to introduce spinach to children! Easy to make,...

4. Pea and feta balls in air fryer

Pea and feta balls are the smart idea for those looking for something different from the usual main course. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are quickly prepared and are also perfect as finger food. Seasonal peas add natural sweetness and color to the dish.

Pea and feta meatballs in the air fryer: tasty and super quick to prepare!Recipe Pea and feta meatballs in the air fryer: tasty and super quick to prepare!

Simple ingredients, just a few minutes of preparation, and you’ll have a delicious dish to serve: pea, feta and mint meatballs cooked in an air fryer are a great vegetarian alternative to traditional meatballs . They are very versatile and can be...

5. Easy and tasty creamy asparagus and bacon pasta

When you're looking for what to cook in March and want to play it safe, creamy pasta with asparagus and bacon is a winning choice. The creaminess envelops the pasta without weighing it down, while the asparagus provides freshness and character. A simple but extremely satisfying meal.

Creamy asparagus and bacon pasta: easy and tasty recipeRecipe Creamy asparagus and bacon pasta: easy and tasty recipe

Looking for a simple, flavorful springtime pasta dish ? Asparagus and bacon pasta is the perfect recipe: an irresistible combination of the sweetness of fresh asparagus and the savory taste of crispy bacon. Ideal for a quick lunch or a special...

6. Velvet of cauliflower and pistachios elegant and delicate

Cauliflower is still in season, and in a velvety version it becomes a refined comfort food. The addition of pistachios creates contrast and makes the dish more interesting to both the palate and the eye. It is perfect for a light but thoughtful dinner.

Cauliflower and pistachio soupRecipe Cauliflower and pistachio soup

We love cauliflower for all the nutrients and benefits it provides. Since it's in season, we made this soup. It's an incredibly easy, nutritious, and tasty recipe that we'll explain step by step.

7. Fresh and crispy asparagus feta and walnut salad

If you start craving something lighter, this salad is the perfect solution. Asparagus is paired with the tanginess of feta and the crunchiness of walnuts, creating a balanced, springtime mix. Ideal as an appetizer or as a light one-pot meal.

Super tasty asparagus saladRecipe Super tasty asparagus salad

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...

Easy menu ideas for March

Now you have 7 perfect recipes for figuring out what to cook in March using seasonal ingredients such as artichokes, asparagus, peas and spinach. Alternating between flavorful, light and tasty dishes allows you to revamp your weekly menu without complicating your life. Which one will you bring to the table first?

Daniele MainieriDaniele Mainieri
Every day, I dive into the world of food and wine with curiosity, always looking for new flavours, recipes and inspiring discoveries to share. From traditional family dishes to the latest food trends, including pairings that make all the difference. I’ve been working in food & wine communication for over 10 years and I’m currently the Editorial Manager for the Italian edition of Petitchef.

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