11 Recipes from Giada That Will Transition You Into Spring

The transition from winter into spring has never been easier, thanks to these must-try recipes from Food Network's Giada De Laurentiis.

Artichoke and Tomato Panzanella

Artichoke and Tomato Panzanella

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

While Italian comfort food seems to fit the winter bill, Giada De Laurentiis proves that there are some fresher takes that are perfect for our transition into spring. By incorporating seasonal produce like artichokes, asparagus and strawberries — and balancing them out with hearty ingredients like ciabatta bread, mascarpone and bowtie pasta — she bridges the winter-spring gap seamlessly.

Giada’s salad calls for simple ingredients you may already have on hand, like basil, black olives and tomatoes. Tossed with grilled bread cubes and artichoke hearts, this salad is both vibrant and rustic.

In place of the usual ham, try introducing a pork roast to your Easter dinner menu this year. This one is blanketed with crispy pancetta, which means it’s certainly not lacking for flavor.

Smokey Candied Carrots with Walnut Gremolata, as seen on Food Network's Giada's Holiday Handbook, Season 2.

Smokey Candied Carrots with Walnut Gremolata, as seen on Food Network's Giada's Holiday Handbook, Season 2.

Photo by: Eddy Chen ©© 2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Eddy Chen, © 2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Upgrade carrots with a sweet syrup and a walnut-herb topping for a dish that is great year round.

Dressed up with a fried egg and finished with a cheesy gremolata, this veggie-forward dish is meant for spring.

Utilizing store-bought cake mix and frozen strawberries helps this dessert come together quickly. But the impressive look and flavor of the cupcakes will make it seem like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Giada likes to roast the veggies in her top-rated primavera in order to boost their natural sweetness.

Chef Name: Giada De Laurentiis

Full Recipe Name: Pea Pesto Crostini

Talent Recipe: Giada De Laurentiisâ   Pea Pesto Crostini, as seen on Foodnetwork.com

FNK Recipe: 

Project: Foodnetwork.com, SUMMER/APPETIZERS/PASTA

Show Name: 

Food Network / Cooking Channel: Food Network,Chef Name: Giada De Laurentiis

Full Recipe Name: Pea Pesto Crostini

Talent Recipe: Giada De Laurentiis’ Pea Pesto Crostini, as seen on Foodnetwork.com

FNK Recipe: 

Project: Foodnetwork.com, SUMMER/APPETIZERS/PASTA

Show Name: 

Food Network / Cooking Channel: Food Network

GiadaDeLaurentiis_PeaPestoCrostini_H

Chef Name: Giada De Laurentiis Full Recipe Name: Pea Pesto Crostini Talent Recipe: Giada De Laurentiis’ Pea Pesto Crostini, as seen on Foodnetwork.com FNK Recipe: Project: Foodnetwork.com, SUMMER/APPETIZERS/PASTA Show Name: Food Network / Cooking Channel: Food Network,Chef Name: Giada De Laurentiis Full Recipe Name: Pea Pesto Crostini Talent Recipe: Giada De Laurentiis’ Pea Pesto Crostini, as seen on Foodnetwork.com FNK Recipe: Project: Foodnetwork.com, SUMMER/APPETIZERS/PASTA Show Name: Food Network / Cooking Channel: Food Network

Photo by: Renee Comet ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Renee Comet, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Giada’s fresh pesto, which swaps traditional basil for peas, is best served on a toasted piece of ciabatta bread and topped with sweet cherry tomatoes.

Herbed Quinoa: Giada De Laurentiis

Herbed Quinoa: Giada De Laurentiis

Photo by: Tara Donne ©Tara Donne

Tara Donne, Tara Donne

Simply seasoned with lemon and fragrant herbs, this light quinoa dish will become one of your go-to recipes.

Frame 71

Frame 71

Photo by: VideoFocus

VideoFocus

To make chicken bursting with flavor, Giada recommends placing an herb mixture under the skin so the flavors infuse into the meat. Add a medley of spring vegetables — baby carrots, morel mushrooms and snap peas — for a hearty dinner.

Served with a combination of walnuts, dried cranberries and avocado, the sweet roasted beets balance the peppery flavor of the arugula.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Add smoky, charred flavor to veggies like asparagus, mushrooms and squash by quickly grilling them. Giada brightens up this go-to side dish with a balsamic vinaigrette.

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