If you’re wondering what’s in season in May, this May Seasonal Produce Guide has a complete list of seasonal fruits and vegetables that are readily available this month. You’ll also find plenty of recipes to utilize this vibrant collection of spring produce!

May seasonal produce including asparagus, strawberries and carrots.

May brings an abundance of fresh, vibrant produce that’s perfect for the fresh salads and lighter spring-inspired meals that I’m craving.

Whether you’re hitting up your local farmers market or just want to know what’s in season in May, this produce guide is here to help.

This May Seasonal Produce Guide will provide you with a list of fruits and vegetables at their peak, like juicy strawberries, crisp snap peas, tender greens and asparagus.

Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to find fresh apricots, cherries and even rhubarb in your area this month too. If so, I’ve included a variety of delicious recipes below to help you make the most of these fresh ingredients.

Why eat in-season produce? Eating seasonally has many benefits as produce will have better flavor and more nutritional value as its fresher and it doesn’t require long storage or transport.

It’s also more affordable as the produce is typically grown and produced locally, which also means it’s more sustainable and you’re supporting local farmers.

The bottom line is that out of season produce is typically imported, which means you’re paying shipping costs, and it’s not as fresh tasting and has lost some of its nutritional value during storage.

Let’s dive into all the goodness that this month has to offer!

See last month’s April Seasonal Produce Guide for a list of produce that might still be available in your area.

What's in season in May including strawberries, lemons, lettuce and asparagus.
Save This Recipe
I’ll send it to your inbox right away!
Your privacy

What’s in season in May

Below is a list of the fruits and vegetables that are in season during the month of May. This list may vary depending on where you are located.

May seasonal produce list.
Fruits and vegetables in season in May.

May seasonal fruits and vegetables

Legumes

  • Fava beans. Also known as broad beans, fava beans are a spring delicacy that’s worth a little effort. The beans require double shelling, first from the large green pods, then from their skins. The beans are bright green with a creamy, buttery texture that’s so special. See my post how to cook fava beans for step by step instructions. I also have a collection of fava bean recipes that’s worth checking out!
  • Green beans. Also called string beans, green beans are eaten whole, pod and all. They have a crisp, tender texture, mild earthy flavor and subtle sweetness. They’re wonderful cooked in salads and soups, or sautéed for side dishes or in stir fries.
  • Peas. Snap peas, snow peas and English peas are all in season this month. They’re great in stir fries, salads, risotto and more!

Root vegetables

  • Beets. Known for their deep, vibrant colors such as red and purple to gold and even striped. They have an earthy, sweet flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked. Don’t toss the beet greens as they are edible and packed with nutrition.
  • Carrots. There’s nothing carrots can’t do. They’re sweet and crisp, great for dipping, eaten raw in salads, an fabulous in soups and stews. They can also be grated and added to cakes and muffins for moisture and flavor.
  • New potatoes. Freshly harvested young potatoes that haven’t matured, with a thin, delicate skin and creamy texture. They’re lower in starch and higher in moisture, and are perfect roasted, or boiled for potato salads and more.
  • Radishes. Crisp and peppery in flavor, and perfect raw in salads or roasted. See my produce guide and collection of radish recipes for more information on varieties and ways to use them.

Greens and alliums

  • Garlic. A pungent, aromatic bulb known for its bold flavor. It adds depth of flavor to savory dishes, whether raw, roasted, or sautéed. It has slightly spicy, sharp taste when it’s raw, but the flavor mellows and becomes sweet when it’s cooked.
  • Green onions. Fresh and crisp with a mild onion flavor. They are great raw in salads and slaws or cooked in stir fries. The green scallions also make a great garnish for baked potatoes and chili.
  • Greens. Arugula, kale, spinach and Swiss chard are all packed with nutrition and great sautéed, used in soups and salads.
  • Leeks. Mild, oniony flavor makes any dish special. Add them anywhere you would use onion such as soups, pasta or even roast them for a tasty side dish. See my produce guide and collection of leek recipes for more information on varieties and ways to use it.
  • Shallots. Similar to onions and garlic, but with a milder, sweeter flavor and a hint of garlic flavor. They have a delicate flavor that works beautifully in raw applications such as dressings and salads, and they also add great depth to sauces, sautés, and roasted dishes.

Other vegetables

  • Artichokes. One of spring’s finest vegetables. They take a bit of prep, but they are fantastic steamed and served with aioli, added to pasta salads, or even roasted.
  • Asparagus. While green is the most common, asparagus also comes in white and purple varieties. It’s great shaved raw and added to salads, or roasted, grilled or sautéed.
  • Mushrooms. Extremely versatile and great for sautéeing, stuffing, adding to risotto, pasta dishes and serving raw in salads.
  • Rhubarb. This is a vegetable that’s used like a fruit in baking, jams and more. The stalks are long and bright red, with a fibrous texture and tart flavor when it’s raw. Cooking it mellows it’s tart flavor. See my collection of rhubarb recipes to find out more about it!

Fruits and Citrus

  • Apricots. This stone fruit variety is small, orange and fuzzy, with a tart sweet flavor that has floral notes. It’s perfect for eating as-is, using it in jam or baking projects.
  • Cherries. If you’re lucky enough, cherries will be in season in your area this month. These juicy stone fruits come in popular varieties like Bing (deep red) and Rainier (yellow with blush tone). They’re great in salads, smoothies, jams and of course pies!
  • Citrus. Grapefruit, lemons and limes are fresh and vibrant. Squeeze them and use their juices in savory dishes, salad dressings, cocktails, desserts and more.
  • Pineapple. Tropical fruit with sweet, tangy and refreshing flavor. It’s great grilled, added to fruit salad and smoothies, and also work in cocktails and in savory recipes.
  • Strawberries. Warmer areas will definitely see strawberries this month. They’re sweet, juicy and perfect in salads, smoothies, baked goods or as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal and more.

Legume Recipes

Cooked fava beans in a bowl

How To Cook Fava Beans

How To Cook Fava Beans is a step-by-step tutorial on the process involved in cooking fava beans.  They’re tender, creamy, and one of spring’s finest offerings!
Get the Recipe >>
Sausage and bow tie pasta on a plate with a fork.

Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe

This easy Sausage Bow Tie Pasta is made with just 7 ingredients! This dinner is a one-pot wonder your whole family will love, and it's ready in 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe >>
Spring farro salad in a white serving bowl

Spring Farro Salad with Feta

Spring Farro Salad with Feta is packed with chewy, nutty farro, spring veggies and creamy feta cheese. It's tossed in a lemon vinaigrette for a delicious spring side dish or vegetarian main!
Get the Recipe >>
Three bean salad in white bowl with spoon inside

Easy Three Bean Salad

Easy Three Bean Salad is packed with hearty beans, fresh green beans, veggies and a sweet, tangy dressing. It's an easy side dish that's perfect for picnics, potlucks or lunch!
Get the Recipe >>
platter of roasted green beans with a spoon and linen

Roasted Green Beans with Parmesan

Roasted Green Beans with Parmesan are the best way to enjoy green beans!  Simply toss them in olive oil, roast until caramelized, and sprinkle with parmesan for a side dish everyone will love!

Root vegetable recipes

Carrot ginger soup topped with coconut milk and cilantro

Carrot Ginger Soup

Carrot Ginger Soup is smooth, flavorful and so easy to make! This healthy vegan soup is perfect for Easter or for meal prep, and the recipe includes stove top and Instant Pot instructions!
Get the Recipe
Carrot top pesto in a jar

Carrot Top Pesto

Carrot Top Pesto is a fresh, flavorful alternative to classic pesto sauce! It includes just 4 ingredients and it's gluten-free and vegan!
Get the Recipe
Air fryer carrots on a plate with thyme leaves

Air Fryer Carrots Recipe

Get all the goodness of roasted carrots without turning on the oven! These Air Fryer Carrots are tender, caramelized and they cook up in about 15 minutes. They're an easy side dish that the entire family will love!
Get the Recipe
Roasted beets on a platter with thyme sprigs

Oven Roasted Beets Recipe

Oven Roasted Beets are tender, delicious and can be customized so many ways! They're perfect as a side dish, they make a great addition to salads, and they're so easy to make!
Get the Recipe
Dill pickle potato salad in a serving bowl.

Dill Pickle Potato Salad

This Dill Pickle Potato Salad is creamy and herbaceous with hard boiled eggs, crunchy veggies and a light, creamy mayo sour cream dressing. It's so easy to make and it can be prepped entirely in advance!
Get the Recipe
Platter of crispy smashed potatoes.

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Crispy Smashed Potatoes are soft and fluffy on the outside, irresistibly crispy on the outside, and seasoned with garlic powder and rosemary. They're wonderful served as a side dish or an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce!
Get the Recipe

Greens and allium recipes

Spring vegetable soup in a bowl with lime slices on top.

Spring Vegetable Soup Recipe

This Spring Vegetable Soup is light, fresh and packed with vibrant spring vegetables, creamy white beans and fresh lemon and dill. It's easily customizable with what you have on and and it's great for meal prep!
Get the Recipe
Oven Baked Turkey Meatballs in a skillet with marinara sauce

Spinach Feta Baked Turkey Meatballs

Spinach Feta Baked Turkey Meatballs are juicy, flavorful and no browning is required!  They can be prepped completely in advance and recipe includes a gluten-free option!
Get the Recipe
Spring mix salad in a bowl with serving spoon

Spring Mix Salad Recipe

This Spring Mix Salad is fresh and vibrant with crisp spring lettuce, sweet shaved carrot, peppery radish, creamy avocado and sunflower seeds. It's a healthy vegan salad that's sure to be a favorite!
Get the Recipe
Butter lettuce salad in a bowl with avocado and radish.

Butter Lettuce Salad with Avocado

This Butter Lettuce Salad is made with tender butter lettuce, creamy avocado, crisp radish, and a bright lemon vinaigrette. It's a simple side salad that goes well with just about any main dish!
Get the Recipe
Spinach frittata in a skillet cut into slices

Spinach Frittata Recipe

This Spinach Frittata Recipe is packed with creamy feta cheese and plenty of mediterranean flavor.  It's ready in about 30 minutes and it's great for meal prep!
Get the Recipe
Spinach pesto in a jar with olive oil on top

Spinach Pesto Recipe

This Spinach Pesto Recipe is a delicious twist on classic pesto sauce! It includes baby spinach, walnuts and lemon juice, and is great tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches and drizzled over meat and veggies. It's so easy to make and is great for meal prep!
Get the Recipe

Other vegetable recipes

Roasted artichokes on a platter with aioli and lemon

Easy Roasted Artichokes

Easy Roasted Artichokes are tender, delicious and make a perfect spring side dish or appetizer.  Post includes instructions on how to prep fresh artichokes!
Get the Recipe
Whole steamed artichokes served with lemon garlic aioli dipping sauce.

Instant Pot Artichokes (+ Stove Top Method!)

Instant Pot Artichokes is the easiest way to achieve perfectly tender leaves and a buttery-soft heart every time. They cook in about 12 minutes, making this the fastest, hands-off way to prepare fresh artichokes!
Get the Recipe
Fresh artichokes before prepping.

How to Prep an Artichoke

These step-by-step instructions show you how to prep an artichoke, including how to trim the stem, cut off the top, remove the thorny leaf tips, and remove the choke when needed. Once prepared, artichokes can be steamed, roasted, grilled, or braised.
Get the Recipe
Italian braised artichokes on a plate with garlic herb olive sauce drizzled over.

Roman Artichokes (Carciofi alla Romana)

Roman Artichokes (Carciofi alla Romana) are braised with garlic, parsley, mint, and olive oil until tender and flavorful. This authentic Italian artichoke recipe is the perfect spring appetizer or side dish!
Get the Recipe
Hot artichoke dip in a baking dish with crackers

Hot Artichoke Dip Recipe

This Hot Artichoke Dip Recipe is cheesy, delicious and packed with artichoke hearts and a kick of heat from diced chilis. It includes just 6 ingredients and it's so easy to make!
Get the Recipe
Ground pork ramen with bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, and topped with soft boiled eggs.

Ground Pork Ramen

Ground Pork Ramen is high protein and packed with real ingredients and plenty of flavor. It's an easy, better-than-take-out dinner that's ready in 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe
Asparagus salad in a white bowl with salad servers digging in

Asparagus Salad Recipe

This Asparagus Salad Recipe is crisp, refreshing and tossed in a vibrant lemon vinaigrette. It's an easy spring side dish that comes together in about 10 minutes!
Get the Recipe
One pot pasta primavera with spring vegetables in skillet.

One Pot Spring Pasta Primavera

One Pot Spring Pasta Primavera is packed with spring veggies, fresh basil and cooks up in a creamy sauce. It's a vegetarian dinner that's on the table in 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe
Instant pot risotto with mushrooms on a plate

Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto

Instant Pot Risotto is creamy and delicious with mushrooms, fresh lemon and plenty of parmesan! It's perfect every time with no stirring involved and it's on the table in 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe
Roasted asparagus on a platter with parmesan cheese on top

Oven Roasted Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan

Oven Roasted Asparagus is tender and caramelized with the flavors of lemon and parmesan. It's a healthy side dish that's perfect for holidays, dinner parties or busy weeknights!
Get the Recipe
Pork chops with creamy mushroom sauce in pan

Pork Chops with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Pork Chops with Creamy Mushroom Sauce are juicy pan seared pork chops smothered in a luscious mushroom cream sauce! It's easy to make and it comes together in about 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe
Spoonful of mushroom barley soup in a bowl

Mushroom Barley Soup

Mushroom Barley Soup is a rustic, comforting vegetarian soup packed with mushrooms, veggies and hearty pearl barley.  It's easy to make and it's perfect for meal prep!
Get the Recipe
Spring farro salad in a white serving bowl

Spring Farro Salad with Feta

Spring Farro Salad with Feta is packed with chewy, nutty farro, spring veggies and creamy feta cheese. It's tossed in a lemon vinaigrette for a delicious spring side dish or vegetarian main!
Get the Recipe

Fruit and citrus recipes

Lemon pudding cake in bowls with raspberries and whipped cream

Lemon Pudding Cake

Lemon Pudding Cake has luscious layers of creamy lemon pudding and fluffy cake for the best lemon dessert ever! It's so easy to make and includes a gluten free option!
Get the Recipe
Meyer lemon Greek butter cookies on a plate with lemon slices.

Meyer Lemon Greek Butter Cookies (Kourabiedes)

Meyer Lemon Greek Butter Cookies are easy, classic Greek kourabiedes with a refreshing citrus twist.  They're perfect for your holiday baking!
Get the Recipe
Salmon patties on a platter with lemon dill sauce

Crispy Salmon Patties with Lemon Dill Sauce

Crispy Salmon Patties are golden brown, crispy and served with a creamy flavorful lemon dill sauce. They can be assembled in advance for a quick and easy dinner!
Get the Recipe
Key lime cheesecake bars cut into squares.

Key Lime Cheesecake Bars

Key lime cheesecake bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a creamy layer of key lime cheesecake. They're bursting with fresh key lime flavor and are so much easier to make than traditional cheesecake!
Get the Recipe
Key lime pie Greek yogurt dip in a bowl with graham cracker dipped in.

Key Lime Yogurt Fruit Dip

Key Lime Yogurt Fruit Dip is creamy, satisfying and bursting with fresh key lime flavor! It's a healthy snack or appetizer that includes just 3 ingredients!
Get the Recipe
Chili lime grilled shrimp skewers on a serving platter

Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers are tender, juicy shrimp marinated in warm spices and fresh lime juice, then grilled to perfection. This is an easy dinner that cooks up in mere minutes!
Get the Recipe
Pineapple salsa in a white bowl

Pineapple Salsa Recipe

This Pineapple Salsa recipe is so fresh and tasty that you'll never buy store bought salsa again! It's sweet and savory, and perfect as a dip or topping for tacos, grilled chicken and fish!
Get the Recipe
Tropical smoothie with pineapple cherry and lime on rim

Tropical Smoothie Recipe

This Tropical Smoothie Recipe is creamy, refreshing and bursting with tropical fruit flavor! It's a satisfying breakfast or snack and it may be made dairy-free and vegan!
Get the Recipe
Pan of honey pineapple chicken teriyaki with a wooden spoon

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

Forget the takeout! This pineapple teriyaki chicken is packed with tender chunks of chicken, has a sweet and savory flavor, and is a hit with everyone in the family. It's so easy to make and it's on the table in 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe
Fresh strawberry lemon drop martini in coupe glass.

Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini

Strawberry Lemon Drop is tart, sweet and refreshing with fresh strawberries, lemon juice, vodka and Cointreau. It's the perfect spring and summer cocktail!
Get the Recipe
Strawberry spinach salad in a bowl with salad servers

Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

This Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe is a crave worthy summer salad that everyone will love! It's packed with sweet and savory flavor, it's tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette dressing, and it comes together in about 20 minutes!
Get the Recipe
slice of strawberry rhubarb pie on a plate with fork alongside

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

This Strawberry Rhubarb Pie recipe is tried and true, with a sweet, tangy filling and an all butter homemade pie crust. Recipe includes make ahead tips and it's perfect for holidays and special occasions!
Get the Recipe
Slice of cherry clafoutis on a plate with whipped cream.

Cherry Clafoutis Recipe

This Cherry Clafoutis Recipe is a classic French dessert with a creamy custard like texture and plenty of fresh cherries. It's an easy summer fruit dessert that takes 15 minutes to prep!
Get the Recipe
Spoonful of cherry compote over a jar.

Cherry Compote

Cherry Compote is sweet, syrupy and one of the best fresh cherry recipes! It comes together in about 15 minutes and it's the perfect topping for cheesecake, yogurt, ice cream and more!
Get the Recipe
Cherry almond cake sliced on a wire rack.

Cherry Almond Cake

Cherry Almond Cake is moist and flavorful with juicy, tart sweet cherries, nutty richness of almond flour, and the flavors of lemon zest and vanilla. It's dairy and gluten-free and it comes together in minutes!
Get the Recipe

Sharing is caring!