Seasonal British Vegetables and Salad Leaves in March: March marks a vibrant transition in the UK’s culinary landscape, as winter gives way to spring and seasonal produce begins to flourish. This month brings an array of fresh vegetables and salad leaves to enhance your dishes.
In this blog we share the best seasonal British vegetables and salad leaves to incorporate into your menus this March, complete with flavour profiles, culinary pairings, and delicious dish ideas. Additionally, we’ll spotlight some international vegetables and salad leaves that can diversify your offerings.
British Seasonal Vegetables for March
Spring Onions
Spring onions, also known as green onions or scallions, have a mild, fresh onion flavour that becomes slightly sweet, especially when cooked. Their crisp texture adds a delightful crunch to dishes.
Pairings:
Spring onions complement proteins like fish and chicken while also enhancing salads, soups, and stir-fries. They pair well with citrus, soy sauce, and herbs like cilantro and mint.
Stir-Fried Spring Onions with Ginger and Soy
A quick side dish that brings together tender spring onions sautéed with fresh ginger and a splash of soy sauce.
Radishes
Radishes add a crisp, peppery flavour to dishes, with variations ranging from the milder red globe radish to the more pungent black radish. Their crunch adds texture and brightness.
Pairings:
Radishes complement salads, tacos, and sandwiches. They pair well with butter, cream, fresh herbs, and even fruits like citrus or berries to balance their spice.
Pickled Radish Salad
A vibrant salad featuring quick-pickled radishes tossed with fresh herbs and served alongside grilled fish or meats.
Asparagus
Asparagus has a delicate, earthy flavor with grassy undertones and a slight sweetness. When cooked properly, it retains a crisp-tender texture that chefs love to feature.
Pairings:
Asparagus pairs excellently with rich ingredients like hollandaise, bacon, and melted cheese. It also works beautifully with eggs and fresh herbs such as dill and parsley.
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest and Parmesan
A vibrant dish featuring tender, charred asparagus topped with a sprinkle of lemon zest and shaved Parmesan, perfect for spring menus.
Spinach
Spinach has a mild, slightly earthy taste that enhances when lightly cooked. Its tender texture gives a pleasant mouthfeel, making it a versatile ingredient.
Pairings:
Spinach pairs well with garlic, cream, cheeses (like feta or ricotta), and nuts. It can elevate both hot and cold dishes, from quesadillas to salads.
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts
A delightful main course where chicken breasts are filled with a mixture of sautéed spinach and crumbled feta, then baked to perfection.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower offers a subtle, nutty flavour and a firm yet tender texture when cooked. Its versatile nature allows it to absorb surrounding spices and flavours beautifully.
Pairings:
Cauliflower pairs well with rich cheeses, spices like curry, and herbs such as thyme and sage. It’s a fantastic substitute for grains in various preparations.
Spiced Cauliflower Steaks with Tahini Sauce
A creative dish featuring thick slices of cauliflower roasted with spices and served with a creamy tahini dressing.
Kale
Kale has a robust, slightly bitter taste that can develop a nutty richness when cooked. Its hearty leaves lend a satisfying chewiness to various dishes.
Pairings:
Kale pairs excellently with citrus, nuts, garlic, and strong cheeses. It can be incorporated into salads, soups, or used as a wrapping for other ingredients.
Kale Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
A refreshing salad featuring massaged kale mixed with citrus segments and toasted walnuts, ideal for balancing richer dishes.
British Seasonal Salad Leaves for March
Lamb’s Lettuce (Corn Salad)
Lamb’s lettuce has a delicate, slightly sweet flavour with a tender, soft texture. Its mild taste allows other ingredients to shine while adding a lovely crunch to dishes.
Pairings:
Lamb’s lettuce pairs well with creamy dressings, nuts, and cheese. It also works excellently in combination with citrus-based salads.
Lamb’s Lettuce and Goat Cheese Salad
A light salad featuring fresh lamb’s lettuce topped with creamy goat cheese, walnuts, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Rocket (Arugula)
Rocket has a peppery, slightly bitter taste that adds depth and complexity to salads and other dishes. Its bold flavour can invigorate even simple preparations.
Pairings:
Rocket pairs beautifully with citrus, parmesan cheese, and nuts. It can enhance salads, pizzas, or pasta dishes with its lively taste.
Rocket and Prosciutto Salad
A vibrant salad featuring fresh rocket, thin slices of prosciutto, and shaved Parmesan, drizzled with a balsamic reduction.
Best International Vegetables and Salad Leaves in Season in March
In addition to the delightful British produce available in March, several international vegetables and salad leaves can add interest and variety to your menus.
Endive
Endive has a crisp texture and a slightly bitter flavour that can add depth to salads or cooked dishes. When sautéed, it becomes tender and takes on a nutty richness.
Pairings:
Endive pairs well with rich ingredients like cheese, nuts, and sweet fruits, making it a versatile choice for various dishes.
Grilled Endive with Blue Cheese Crumbles
A sophisticated starter featuring lightly grilled endive, topped with crumbled blue cheese and a drizzle of honey.
Mizuna
Mizuna is a Japanese salad green that boasts a mild, peppery flavour with a slightly mustardy bite. Its crisp texture and vibrant green leaves make it visually appealing.
Pairings:
Mizuna pairs well with lightly grilled meats, citrus dressings, and fresh herbs. It can be used raw in salads or quickly sautéed in stir-fries.
Mizuna Salad with Citrus Dressing
A refreshing dish featuring mizuna tossed with segments of orange and a light vinaigrette, perfect as a starter.
With so many seasonal British Vegetables, March is an exciting month. It offers a diverse selection of vegetables and salad leaves that can breathe new life into your kitchen. From the tender shoots of asparagus to the peppery notes of rocket, these ingredients not only enhance the flavour of your dishes but also inspire creativity and seasonal dining experiences.
At Four Seasons Fruiterers, we are dedicated to supplying the freshest, high-quality produce to support your culinary creations. Explore our full range of seasonal offerings and make the most of March’s bounty in your menus!
If you have enjoyed this update on the seasonal British Vegetables in March, see our March fruit update here.
