Festive Spring Dinner Party
Umami kale chips, artichoke spaghetti, roasted asparagus, and crumbly rhubarb squares.
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This dinner is fresh, colorful, and gorgeous enough to share with a crowd. The menu can be easily scaled up and much of it can be prepared in advance. The main course features fresh artichokes with a side of kale chips and quick roasted asparagus. For a sweet ending, serve up bright pink rhubarb baked into crumbly bite-sized squares. Beautiful.
APPETIZER
ENTRÉE
If you've only ever had canned or frozen artichokes, you need to try the real thing - fresh artichokes are much more delicate and subtle in flavor. This pasta dish is built around eight baby artichokes and nicely complimented by bright lemon and white wine. Topped with garlicky bread crumbs and nutritional yeast, this it's the perfect vegan dish for Spring's tentative arrival.
SIDE
This sweet-and-savory recipe is big on flavor and light on dishes. On-hand ingredients make the prep easy and highlight the real star of the experience: crunchy and fresh asparagus. Asparagus is in season through early July, but these snappy flavors can be used to bring even winter produce back to life with the memory of sunny springs. If asparagus isn’t for you, these flavors also work excellently with green beans or baked tofu! For an entree pairing, try our Garlic Tomato Tart or Hearty Whole Grain and Lentil Veggie Burgers.
DESSERT
Rhubarb is one of the prettiest vegetables that grows in often dreary spring weather. It has a tart flavor that lends itself well to baking. These rhubarb buckle squares are no exception. Similar to a crumb cake, this recipe is truly a delicious way to enjoy a vibrantly rich vegetable at its peak.
These tart and tangy roasted vegetables start in your oven and end on a Greek island. They’re an effortless plant-based side dish, perfect for any meal and a guaranteed crowd pleaser. The lemon juice and olive oil are fruity and light, while the black pepper and fresh dill round out the flavor palate with full earth tones.