Spring is fast heading toward summer, but there’s still time to enjoy recipes featuring ingredients synonymous with the season where I live: asparagus, rhubarb, and strawberries. Fortunately, these ingredients are available year-round, but there’s something special about savouring them from local producers in season.

Asparagus, Rhubarb & Strawberries Off the Beaten Track

There are recipes that quickly come to mind for each of the featured ingredients in this post, such as roasted or steamed asparagus, rhubarb crisp, and strawberry cream cake. You can find recipes for all of these here at Urban Cottage Life. But let’s take a walk on the wilder side and explore some ways to showcase these stars of spring fling produce in ways that you may not see too often.

Asparagus & Prosciutto Pizza

Asparagus is an early harbinger of spring, when I like to get mine from local producers. But it’s readily available the rest of the year. Sure, roasted or steamed it makes a welcome side dish for dinner, but have you ever thought about using it on pizza? Check out this Asparagus & Prosciutto Pizza!

Asparagus & White Bean Soup

Growing up, asparagus soup was never on the menu. That’s changed in my home, where I enjoy Asparagus & White Bean Soup. The quantities in the recipe are quite forgiving, so you can use whatever asparagus you might have on hand and the beans add both silky texture and protein.

Rhubarb Syrup

Rhubarb syrup is the stepping stone to refreshing libations, whether alcoholic or not. Think sparkling water enlivened with rhubarb syrup, or cocktails like a rhubarb gin and tonic. On reflection, rhubarb popsicles sound pretty refreshing too!

Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce

This time of year barbecue season’s getting into full swing. Instead of reaching for the usual jar of sauce for your ribs, why not jazz things up and see if your guests can guess the special ingredient? I wonder how many could identify the special tang in this (delicious!) rhubarb barbecue sauce.

Strawberry Panna Cotta

Strawberry jam, strawberry ice cream, strawberry crisp … but have you thought of making Strawberry Panna Cotta? Luscious and elegant, your guests won’t guess how it easy it is to make!

Strawberry Basil Salad

Why not make that luncheon or dinner salad prettier and tastier with a Strawberry Basil Salad? And the Orange Poppyseed Dressing also delivers on the pizzazz factor. Eating your greens just got a lot more fun!

I Need to Try …

… this Rhubarb Cake recipe from a superstar of Canadian cuisine, Ricardo.

Looking for More Asparagus, Rhubarb & Strawberry Recipes?

Use the following links to find more Urban Cottage Life recipes featuring each of our spring fling featured ingredients: asparagus, rhubarb, and strawberries.

^{First published 2025 06 08}