3 Fresh Spring Recipes Perfect for Florida’s Warm Weather

Celebrate the season with these vibrant, Florida-inspired recipes featuring fresh, local ingredients. Perfect for warm spring days, these dishes are light, refreshing, and easy to prepare!

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🥗 1. Florida Citrus & Avocado Salad

Ingredients:

• 6 cups mixed greens
• 2 Florida oranges, peeled and segmented
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup toasted almonds
• ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)

For the Citrus Vinaigrette:

• ¼ cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
2. Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, add mixed greens, orange segments, avocado slices, and red onion.
3. Dress and toss: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated.
4. Top and serve: Sprinkle toasted almonds and goat cheese on top. Serve immediately for a fresh, crisp taste of spring!

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🍤 2. Grilled Shrimp with Mango Salsa

Ingredients:
For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mango Salsa:

• 1 ripe mango, diced
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• ½ jalapeño, minced (optional for heat)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10-15 minutes.
2. Make the salsa: In a separate bowl, combine diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño. Mix well and set aside.
3. Grill the shrimp: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
4. Assemble and serve: Plate the grilled shrimp and spoon mango salsa over the top. Serve with rice or mixed greens for a light, flavorful meal.

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🍓 3. Strawberry Shortcake with Fresh Florida Berries

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh Florida strawberries, sliced
• 3 tablespoons sugar (for macerating berries)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ⅔ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the strawberries: Toss sliced strawberries with sugar in a bowl. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes to release their juices.
2. Make the shortcakes: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk and vanilla until just combined.
3. Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
4. Assemble the shortcakes: Slice the shortcakes in half. Layer with macerated strawberries and whipped cream. Top with the remaining shortcake halves and add more strawberries and cream on top.

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🌞 Enjoy these fresh, flavorful recipes perfect for Florida’s spring season! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet meal at home, these dishes are sure to brighten your table.