Serious Eats Editors’ May 2025 Recipe Picks: Fresh Flavors and New Finds
Fresh spring ingredients inspire creative dinners, light bites and sweet seasonal treats.
Serious Eats Editors’ May 2025 Recipe Picks
Welcome to the Serious Eats monthly Editors’ Picks, your ultimate guide to what’s in season, what’s new, and what’s inspiring our staff kitchens this May. As spring deepens and hints of summer beckon, our editors have scouted, tested, and handpicked a crave-worthy selection of recipes and food discoveries guaranteed to brighten your May meals.
Why May is Special in the Kitchen
May represents a turning point—markets overflow with fresh herbs, tender greens, and the first bursts of spring and summer produce, such as asparagus, strawberries, peas, and early zucchini. Backyard grills are cleaned, picnic baskets unpacked, and home cooks everywhere look for tasty ways to celebrate longer, warmer evenings. Our editors share what they’re making, savoring, and can’t wait to share with you.
Editor Picks: Recipes We Love This Month
Each Serious Eats editor has a different inspiration for May. Here’s what’s cooking in our kitchens, along with tips and tweaks to make them your own.
Classic Spring Salads With a Twist
- Pea Shoot, Radish, and Herb Salad: Crisp pea shoots tossed with thinly sliced radishes and a fragrant mix of soft herbs. Perfectly brightened with a lemon-Dijon vinaigrette.
- Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad: Raw asparagus ribbons, nutty Parmesan, toasted almonds, and just a hint of olive oil make for a no-cook side that screams spring.
- Strawberry-Basil Spinach Salad: Sweet strawberries and spinach, tossed with torn basil, crumbled feta, and a splash of balsamic vinaigrette. A sweet-savory hit.
Editor’s Tip
“Don’t feel limited by the traditional definition of salad. Add blanched peas, grilled halloumi, or even preserved lemons to brighten any bowl.”
Vibrant Main Courses
- Grilled Miso-Glazed Salmon: Brushed with a savory-sweet miso and honey sauce, then charred on the grill. Serve with crunchy cucumber salad for a complete meal.
- Creamy Lemon-Ricotta Pasta: Silky ricotta, lemon zest, and fresh peas meld into a sauce that’s lively and lush, perfect for weeknights or dinner parties alike.
- Spring Vegetable Risotto: Arborio rice gently stirred with asparagus, baby carrots, and English peas, finished with a crowning sprinkle of mint and Parmesan.
Did You Know?
“Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end of vegetable dishes can make the flavors pop.”
Snacks, Sides & Small Bites
- Charred Sugar Snap Peas with Chili-Lime Salt: Blistered in a hot pan, then dusted with lime zest and a pinch of hot pepper. Addictive and perfect with icy drinks.
- Herbed Labneh with Crispbread: Thick strained yogurt brightened with chives, dill, and parsley, ideal as a dip or light appetizer.
- Crispy Fava Bean Fritters: Bursting with fresh herbs, these little bites are a hit at gatherings, with a tangy yogurt sauce for dipping.
Editor’s Favorite Sweet Treats
- Rhubarb-Almond Loaf Cake: Tender crumb, streaks of tart rhubarb, and a hint of nuttiness, crowned with a crackly sugar crust.
- Lemon Posset: Lemony, creamy, and effortless—just cream, sugar, and lemon—served chilled for sunny afternoons.
- Strawberry Shortcakes (The Ultimate): Flaky biscuits, juicy macerated berries, and a billow of whipped cream—classic and irresistible.
What’s Trending in Our Kitchens
Alongside new recipes, our editors are loving seasonal ingredient swaps and international flavors to keep things fresh and unexpected. Here’s what we’re excited about for May 2025:
- Herb-forward sauces: From salsa verde to green goddess and zhoug, bright green sauces are on frequent rotation.
- Smoked & Charcoal Flavors: Grilling isn’t just for meat—try grilled tofu, eggplant, or even desserts like grilled peaches.
- Cold Noodle Salads: Spicy sesame, Vietnamese bun, and even crunchy soba salads are quick, satisfying, and bursting with produce.
- Pickled Everything: Pickled onions, asparagus, and strawberries top grilled meats, sandwiches, and tacos alike.
What others are reading
Pro Tips for Seasonal Success
- Make use of farmer’s market hauls by prepping extra herbs and greens; freeze or pickle what you can’t use immediately.
- Try simple meal prep: Batch-cook grains and proteins, then swap in whatever fresh produce suits your mood each day.
- Double up on rubs and dressings: Homemade vinaigrettes, herb butter, and chili oil will make every meal more exciting.
Editors’ Must-Have Ingredients for May
Behind every standout dish, there are ingredient heroes. Our editors reach for these favorites when cooking through May:
| Ingredient | Why We Love It | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Green Garlic | Milder, fresher than mature garlic | Chop into salads, blitz into dips, or saute with spring veggies |
| Fresh Dill | Fragrant, herbal, and underused outside of pickles | Mix into yogurt, pair with fish, top salads |
| Peas (English & Snap) | Sweet and snappy, a true taste of spring | Eat raw, add to pasta, toss into risotto |
| Lemons | Brings brightness to any dish | Zest for depth, juice for zip—especially in salads and desserts |
| Rhubarb | Intensely tart and beautiful in desserts | Try in cakes, compotes, or even chutneys for savory fare |
Cooking Smarter: Editor Strategies for Busy Days
Our editors understand that May is hectic—end-of-school schedules, outdoor celebrations, and the urge to be outside can upend even the best meal plans. Here are some strategies they use to keep meals fresh and stress-free:
- Embrace batch-cooking. Make extra and save for lunches, picnics, or next-day dinners.
- Rely on versatile sauces and spreads—from chimichurri to tahini yogurt—to turn even simple proteins into something special.
- Lean into salads as main courses: Add a grain base and hearty protein for a meal-worthy bowl.
- Opt for sheet pan cooking: Roast chicken, fish, or veggies all at once for easy cleanup and big flavor.
Fun May Kitchen Projects
If you’re craving a little hands-on fun, consider these seasonal kitchen projects:
- Quick-Pickling Fresh Produce: A jar of pickled asparagus or strawberries livens up cheese boards and sandwiches.
- Homemade Preserves: Capture the fleeting flavors of strawberries or rhubarb in a simple jam or compote.
- Bread Baking: Try baking fougasse, whole wheat sandwich loaves, or classic buttermilk biscuits—ideal for picnics or brunch.
What Our Editors Are Snacking On
Outside of structured meals, May means snack season. Here’s what our team is reaching for between recipes:
- Fresh fruit plus something creamy—like strawberries dipped in mascarpone or Greek yogurt with honey and pistachios.
- Toasted nuts and seeds—tossed with smoked paprika, rosemary, and sea salt.
- Homemade seasoned popcorn—with citrus zest, grated Parmesan, or spicy chili oil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What vegetables are best in May?
May delivers an abundance of tender greens, asparagus, peas, radishes, spring onions, and the season’s first strawberries and rhubarb.
How can I keep salads interesting and satisfying?
Swap in grains like farro or barley, add grilled protein, try bold dressings, or top with crunch like nuts, seeds, or homemade croutons.
What are some make-ahead options for spring entertaining?
Many spring salads, pasta dishes, and desserts (like loaf cakes and puddings) improve with a little rest—plus quick-pickles and spreads can be prepped days ahead.
How do you get the best flavor from fresh herbs?
Add delicate herbs like basil and dill at the end of cooking, or use them raw in salads and dressings for maximum freshness.
Favorite tools for May cooking?
A well-sharpened chef’s knife (for prepping greens and herbs), a microplane for zesting citrus, sturdy sheet pans for roasting, and a grill or grill pan for fast, flavorful mains.
Final Thoughts from Our Editorial Team
May is a month of fresh starts and joyful eating. Whether you’re firing up the grill for the first time or simply tossing together the season’s first strawberry salad, let these recipes and ideas spark new favorites in your kitchen. From savory quick dinners to sweet, springy treats, our editors hope you find something delicious to make for yourself or loved ones this month.
Be sure to follow along with Serious Eats for new recipes, kitchen projects, and all the cooking inspiration you need as the days grow longer and brighter!
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