![Cornmeal-Almond Cake with Strawberries and Mascarpone](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.foodandwine.com/thmb/uLNXuBqELxfxw6FqFVi23npf1lk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HD-201204-r-cornmeal-almond-cake-with-strawberries-and-mascarpone-92df709be8a04392b860170fee2f03c5.jpg)
We thought it might never happen, but it’s finally starting to feel like spring. To celebrate the season, we're cooking bright, lively meals that we can share with friends over a bottle (or three) of rosé. We’ve rounded up the essential spring dinner party recipes that you should add to your repertoire, too.
Bruschetta with Mozzarella and Smashed Fresh Favas
![Bruschetta with Mozzarella and Smashed Fresh Favas](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/ZIvWF6XDlvz78yQhPBkP0XTYMVE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HD-201109-r-bruschetta-mozzarella-favas-eb0be65d5ed8491db16982f799c59fd7.jpg)
Fresh lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil add a bright creaminess to puréed favas, best enjoyed on crispy baguette slices (with buffalo mozzarella, of course.)
Spinach-and-Green-Pea Empanadas
![Spinach-and-Green-Pea Empanadas](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/AQFWJHh3WMKP2esUhYF_AgPFAy4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/201105-r-spinach-empanada-737c1bd4fd034c88bc3f19e72a80caf2.jpg)
Another excellent use of favas? Mauricio Couly’s mint-flecked empanadas, which are easy to make with store-bought wrappers. (You can use frozen lima beans here, too.)
Ginger Shandies
![Ginger Shandies](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/I8BH5M5QYxFDPSH8rz3jySLABq8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/200903-r-ginger-shandie-e8ee616cc2b5438d82a6fb1cfd766139.jpg)
There’s no better way to start an evening than with a few refreshing pitcher cocktails. This ginger shandy has just four ingredients—lemon, ginger beer, beer, and mint for garnish.
Buttermilk-Dressed Spring Greens
![Buttermilk-Dressed Spring Greens](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/PvF7xWEAC3baZpfz4HayD16CzVo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/buttermilk-dressed-spring-greens-XL-RECIPE0417-5145c3d747b44eed903c43fdd61a9fe5.jpg)
Chef Eli Dahlin of Dame in Portland, Oregon, blends cottage cheese into this fantastic buttermilk dressing.
Chilled Spring Pea Soup
![Chilled Spring Pea Soup](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/yGjS8dJtdzVGjwo7DK_IqtHo95Y=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HD-200807-r-chilled-pea-soup_0-d090e77524af444db29aefd701f0f92f.jpg)
Daniel Boulud’s velvety pea soup goes perfectly with a brisk Austrian Grüner Veltliner.
Farro Salad with Spring Peas, Onions and Feta
![Farro Salad with Spring Peas, Onions and Feta](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/FXyJ6FWcf6vUHhorozi0E0rDduQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HD-2013-r-farro-salad-with-spring-peas-onions-and-feta-f6521da88e9f40f49a71c4da3bd0dfce.jpg)
This light, nutty grain salad is delicious at any temperature.
Penne with Asparagus Sage and Peas
![Penne with Asparagus Sage and Peas](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/L5oTreegRa42qa9QDAvCSKDt9ME=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/200904-HD-penne-with-asparagus-sage-and-peas-0450c702ad6d447aa7fc32daa41d41c5.jpg)
This simple and creamy pasta dish celebrates the long-awaited arrival asparagus, with sage adding a welcome earthiness.
Farfalle with Spring Vegetables
![Farfalle with Spring Vegetables](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/tL1yY3Lh_yqnEuHSR8GYmoKK4vk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HD-201005-r-vegetable-farfalle_1-409d41136bbd4996b848f2312e420fc8.jpg)
For something lighter, try this bright, lemony pasta salad that’s packed with spring vegetables and fresh herbs. Make extra to have for lunch the next day.
Pizza with Garlic Cream and Nettles
![Pizza with Garlic Cream and Nettles](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/S17PyOHE-orBWFOya6jxqg6OSXg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HD-201204-r-pizza-with-garlic-cream-and-nettles-c3a2cdb5c7514ca4835f9626a8190bf0.jpg)
Once cooked, the nettles lose their sting and offer a deep, earthy flavor that’s delicious with the green garlic cream.
Garlic-Rubbed Pork Shoulder with Spring Vegetables
![San Francisco based Andrew Green goes to Oregon to make his spicy Pinot Noir. He buys ingredients closer to home for his roasted pork shoulder with spring vegetables.](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/B4lqz5WILJOru-iZscrEIz2BaRE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HD-200904-r-pork-shoulder-e22020aa2b7a4a358fee65ef1d66d46b.jpg)
Garlic and herbs make a super-flavorful rub for this pork shoulder, which comes out juicy and crusty after a long slow-roasting.
Spiced Rhubarb Soup with Vanilla Ice Cream
![Spiced Rhubarb Soup with Vanilla Ice Cream](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/8DiNKI-IsklPEHTqQ7nFkJHatks=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HD-200804-r-rhubarb-soup-951da64fb7cf4806937bc4b4022b4ed1.jpg)
Make sure to only barely cook the rhubarb, so that it retains its crispness and tangy flavor in this silky fruit dessert.
Cornmeal-Almond Cake with Strawberries and Mascarpone
![Cornmeal-Almond Cake with Strawberries and Mascarpone](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/uLNXuBqELxfxw6FqFVi23npf1lk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HD-201204-r-cornmeal-almond-cake-with-strawberries-and-mascarpone-92df709be8a04392b860170fee2f03c5.jpg)
This buttery, nutty cornmeal cake becomes extra decadent with a mascarpone-cream topping.