As the days grow longer and the sun begins to warm up Melbourne, spring offers a bounty of vibrant vegetables ready to shine on your plate. At Gertrude Grocer, we celebrate this seasonal shift with a fresh selection of asparagus, peas, new potatoes, green beans, spring onions, and more—perfect for creating light, flavourful side dishes that pair beautifully with springtime meals.
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Why Spring Vegetables Shine
Spring vegetables are known for their crisp textures, delicate flavours, and natural sweetness. Unlike the heartier veg of winter, these are best cooked simply—steamed, roasted, sautéed or raw—letting their freshness take the spotlight.
Light & Delicious Side Dish Recipes
🥔 New Potato & Dill Salad
A refreshing change from traditional potato salad.
You’ll need:
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New potatoes from Gertrude Grocer
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Fresh dill
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Spring onions
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Greek yoghurt or crème fraîche
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Lemon juice
How to: Boil the potatoes until just tender, then toss with chopped dill, spring onions, lemon juice, and a generous spoon of yoghurt or crème fraîche. Serve slightly warm or chilled.
🌱 Spring Pea & Mint Purée
A vibrant green side that pairs beautifully with grilled fish or lamb.
You’ll need:
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Fresh or frozen peas
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Mint leaves
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Garlic
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Olive oil
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Lemon zest
How to: Blanch peas, then blend with mint, garlic, olive oil, and lemon zest. Season and serve as a purée or spread.
🌿 Charred Asparagus with Parmesan & Lemon
Simple and elegant.
You’ll need:
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Fresh asparagus
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Olive oil
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Shaved Parmesan
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Lemon juice & zest
How to: Toss asparagus in olive oil and grill or roast until charred. Top with shaved Parmesan and lemon just before serving.
🧅 Spring Onion & Green Bean Sauté
Bright, crunchy and ideal alongside chicken or pork.
You’ll need:
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Green beans
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Spring onions
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Garlic
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Butter or olive oil
How to: Sauté trimmed green beans and sliced spring onions in olive oil with a touch of garlic until just tender. Season with salt and a squeeze of lemon.
🥗 Shaved Fennel & Radish Salad
Crisp and refreshing with a peppery bite.
You’ll need:
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Fennel bulb
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Radishes
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Lemon
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Olive oil
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Salt flakes
How to: Thinly slice fennel and radishes, then dress with lemon juice, olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. Serve cold as a crunchy palate-cleanser.
Tips for Cooking Spring Veg
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Don't overcook: Keep vegetables vibrant and tender by steaming or blanching briefly.
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Use citrus: A squeeze of lemon can brighten up any spring side.
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Fresh herbs are your friend: Dill, parsley, mint and chives all enhance spring flavours.
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Add texture: Sprinkle nuts, seeds or shaved cheese for extra interest.
Fill Your Fridge with Seasonal Goodness
Our shelves are stocked with the freshest seasonal vegetables sourced from local producers. At Gertrude Grocer, you’ll find everything you need for spring-inspired cooking—from crisp asparagus to bunches of fragrant herbs.