12 Spring Recipes Your Grandma Would Make All Season
Her secret? Mix seasonal freshness with pantry staples.
It’s just a fact: No matter the season, Grandma had recipes for it. Think of all the comfort food she would dish out in the cold weather to keep the family cozy! You wouldn’t expect her to stop filling bellies once the temperatures warmed up, right? She always had mouths to feed, and Grandma’s favorite spring recipes were there to welcome you at every church potluck and Sunday supper.
Grandmas learned how to cook with what was available, whether that was fresh spring veggies popping up in her garden or whatever was leftover in the pantry. Usually, it was the best combination of both, which is what you’ll find here. Ree’s mom Gee, for instance, would always toss together veggies like snap peas and asparagus with a box of pasta for primavera. It’s frugal, flavorful, and filling—exactly what you’d expect from your grandma’s kitchen.
You’ll find a bit of everything on this list, from easy spring dinners to sides you’ll make for every backyard bash, and of course, easy no-bake desserts. Because honestly, is it even a grandma-approved meal without something sweet? (She knew her way around a box of Jell-O, that’s for sure!) So whether you’ve got your own garden growing or just want to channel your family matriarch with your grocery store haul, rest assured you’ll be well fed for the warm season ahead with these nostalgic spring recipes Grandma would make.
Asparagus Casserole
If you learn anything from your grandma, it’s that you can turn every veggie into a casserole. Seasonal asparagus get the creamy, cheesy treatment with just the right amount of crunch on top to satisfy everyone.
Get the Asparagus Casserole recipe.
Strawberry Delight
With a graham cracker crust, luscious cream cheese filling, and glossy strawberry topping, there’s no wonder this no-bake miracle is so popular even decades later. Do what Grandma did and make it in advance for easy entertaining.
Get the Strawberry Delight recipe.
Creamy Pasta Primavera
Ree’s mom Gee would make this all the time when she was a kid, so she considers it “pure comfort food.” Take advantage of spring produce like snap peas, asparagus, and herbs to add some comfort to your life. “Primavera” means “spring,” after all!
Get Ree’s Creamy Pasta Primavera recipe.
Candied Carrots
Grandma knew that the way to get even picky eaters to eat their veggies was to add a little sweetness. Plus, you can pair them with just about any main course: chicken, beef, pork, or even lamb if you’re feeling fancy.
Get Ree’s Candied Carrots recipe.
Ham Tetrazzini
While this classic casserole became a staple to use up Easter leftovers, it’s good all season long. You can even swap it out for chicken or turkey and make the most out of what you’ve got on hand.
Get Ree’s Ham Tetrazzini recipe.
Pea Salad
Springtime means peas! And for Ree, peas mean this potluck classic featuring cheese, onion, and the “creamiest, dreamiest dressing.” She “loved every single bite” as a kid, and you will, too.
Get Ree’s Pea Salad recipe.
Grill-Fried Chicken
Is there anything better than a piece of juicy fried chicken? Head outside come springtime and make it on the grill instead. Grandma would be proud!
Get the Grill-Fried Chicken recipe.
Watergate Salad
Everything gets so green come spring, even when it’s made with boxed pudding mix! This vibrant green fluff features marshmallows, pecans, pineapple, pistachio pudding, and whipped topping—just like Grandma intended!
Get the Watergate Salad recipe.
Lemon Bars
There’s something about the bright, puckery bite of citrus that feels so fresh and springy! And nothing is better than Grandma’s classic lemon bars for that burst in every bite.
Get Ree’s Lemon Bars recipe.
Classic Three Bean Salad
Throwing cans of beans together in a bowl with some fresh veggies and dressing is the ultimate grandma hack to an easy side. Bring this to your first spring barbeque and it will disappear faster than you can say, “Thanks, Grandma!”
Get the Classic Three Bean Salad recipe.
Deviled Eggs
Face it, deviled eggs are one of those old school appetizers that appear in every grandma’s recipe box. Ree has several different filling ideas, but adding dill feels particularly fresh and springy.
Get Ree’s Whipped Deviled Eggs with Dill recipe.
Layered Salad
Ree’s mother-in-law would make this potluck-friendly salad all the time. All the ingredients are layered into a clear bowl, then sealed with a creamy dressing on top. It makes for easy transport and a pretty presentation!
Get Ree’s Layered Salad recipe.
Try the Best New Pumpkin Spice Products for 2026
Ree Once Made Dolly Parton’s ‘Cuppa Cuppa’ Cake
Cauliflower Soup
Hamburger Casserole
