Spring is around the corner — and this March meal plan will have you salivating over the cooking possibilities for the new season!
With winter almost in the rearview mirror, I’ve been craving some lighter, fresher meals. Thankfully, March is a great month to shop fresh Florida produce, with everything from bell peppers to tomatoes in season. The best part? These items will likely pop up on sale at Publix and be fully-stocked at local farmer’s markets as spring draws closer.
This month’s To Cook list features plenty of recipes that highlight fresh produce and seasonal ingredients, just in time for warmer weather.
What Produce is in Season in Florida in March?
- Bell Pepper
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Carambola
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Eggplant
- Grapefruit
- Guava
- Lettuce
- Mushroom
- Orange
- Papaya
- Peanut
- Potato
- Radish
- Snap Bean
- Spinach
- Squash
- Strawberry
- Sweet Corn
- Tangerine
- Tomato
Are Oranges in Season in Florida
Yes, oranges are in season in Florida. Orange season ramps up in September and runs through June, so you have plenty of opportunities to indulge in this Florida fave!
Are Peaches In Season in Florida?
Not yet! Peach season starts in April, meaning you still have some time to stockpile some new peach recipes to try.
When Is Avocado Season in Florida?
Avocado season ends in January and starts up again in June, so you still have a few more months before avocado prices drop. Don’t worry – summer (and avocado season) will be here soon enough!
March Meal Plan
From crisp cucumbers to versatile zucchini, my grocery cart will be full of fresh Florida produce this month. The recipes incorporate a variety of different seasonal fruits and veggies, and most of them utilize tried-and-true staples that you’ll find in a well-stocked pantry. Here’s what I can’t wait to add to my March meal plan this month.
Cucumber Salad
Sometimes, you just need to eat an entire cucumber…at least according to Logan Moffit, whose cucumber salad recipes have gone viral on TikTok. I’m hoping to work my way through every variation, starting with this Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Cucumber Salad.
Need More Cucumber Recipes? Check out the December Meal Plan.
Papaya Bruschetta
When temperatures are starting to heat up, bruschetta is the ultimate appetizer. The toasty bread, the fresh toppings…it all blends together into a dish that’s equal parts refreshing and cozy. This Papaya Bruschetta from Allrecipes looks like a fun twist on the original — and like a great way to use an in-season ingredient.
Strawberry Salad
Berries are the perfect addition to any spring or summer salad, and this version from Love and Lemons takes it to another level. It’s a Caprese salad with a twist, including toasted pecans and some filling avocado.
Quinoa Salad with Spinach, Grapefruit & Avocado
Spinach and grapefruit are in season, which makes this quinoa salad from Skinnytaste a no-brainer for a March meal plan. In fact, it’s a great option for weekly meal prep. Just prep the quinoa and vinaigrette ahead of time, then throw it all together for a quick and refreshing lunch or dinner.
Need Another Grapefruit Recipe? Try the Black and Pink Grapefruit Cookies in the September Meal Plan.
Sheet Pan Ranch Pork & Veggies
Pork has been on sale recently at Publix, and this hearty pork and veggies recipe from The Pioneer Woman looks like a tasty way to take advantage of the savings. With zucchini and yellow squash in the veggie medley, it’s packed with spring flavors.
Mexican Street Corn Flatbread
Elote is my favorite way to eat sweet corn, and this flatbread version from Delish looks like it could become a new spring and summer favorite! With a creamy sauce and plenty of cheese, this looks like the perfect late-March meal!
Need More Corn Recipes? Try the Corn Chowder from the November Meal Plan.
Tropical Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
This vibrant fruit salad from Mom on Timeout is packed with in-season fruit, from carambola (aka star fruit), papaya and strawberries. The honey-lime dressing looks the ultimate finishing touch.
Cheesy Corn and Potato Croquettes
Corn and potatoes? Sign me up! This appetizer from The Kitchn features several in-season ingredients, plus tons of cheese. It might just be the perfect take-along appetizer for spring events.
Herby Sheet Pan Meatballs with Green Beans
I’ve never met a meatball I didn’t like, and this version from Bon Appetite looks herby, spicy and all-around delicious. Cooked on a bed of green beans, it might be the easy weeknight dinner I’ve been dreaming of.
Tangerine Garlic Chicken
This tangy and sweet marinated chicken from Savoring Italy looks like a no-fuss dinner option. I love that all you need to do is throw together a marinade, then let the oven do the rest of the work.
Which of these recipes will you add to your March meal plan? Happy cooking!
