33 Delicious Recipes to Make in May

These recipes to make in May are perfect for that cool but sunny time between spring and summer.

From tacos to quiche, they’re light, bright, and delish.

30+ Seasonal Recipes to Make in May

May is full of budding flowers and delicious produce. And while some areas are already pretty hot, many of us are still wearing jackets in the evenings.

That’s why these recipes for May are so perfect.

They’re light and colorful, like any good spring dish. But some are more hearty than others to keep you full on those cooler nights.

Oh, and they’re perfect for Mother’s Day, too!

1. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

This is the only pasta salad recipe you’ll ever need. Seriously, it’s that good. 

The briny tang from the chopped pickles is divine. Plus, the creamy dressing with red wine vinegar and mustard is a zippy dream.

Serve this with fried chicken or at your next BBQ, and it’ll be gone in a flash.

2. Strawberry Banana Muffins

Forget bran muffins or chocolate chip and make these sweet and fruity strawberry banana muffins.

They’re loaded with fresh flavors and are ideal for breakfast or a mid-morning snack.

Of course, you could change up the flavors here. So try it with raspberries or blueberries!

3. Pan-Seared Chilean Sea Bass

Oh man, you’ll go gaga for this Chilean sea bass recipe. I sure did!

This is the ideal meal for a busy weeknight when you want something special but are short on time.

Because believe it or not, it’ll be ready in just 20 minutes!

Paired with a garlicky lemon and herb butter sauce, the fish is flaky and to die for.

4. Cobb Salad with the Best Dressing

Even if you’re not a salad lover, this homemade Cobb salad is one you’ll crave again and again. 

Crisp lettuce, juicy chicken, creamy avocado, and salty bacon are a winning team.

Combined with juicy tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and the best dressing ever, you really can’t go wrong. 

5. Spring Veggie Gnocchi

Here’s a hearty but light spring meal the whole family will adore.

Spring veggie gnocchi features pillowy potato dumplings in a flavorful cream sauce, loaded with crisp asparagus spears and bright peas. 

It’s a vegetarian dish but would work well with fish or chicken, too.

6. Fish Tacos

Fish tacos are welcome in my house all year round. But they’re especially popular during the summer.

I mean, how can you beat flavorful fish with crunchy slaw and cooling crema? Oh right, add a beer!

Enjoy these in the evening with friends or by the pool for lunch. Either way, don’t be shy with the sauce!

7. Sour Cream Lasagna

Lasagna is a comforting dish that’ll fill you up with just a small portion.

But that doesn’t mean it’s not great in late spring. Serve it with a garden salad, and it’s ideal for cool days in May.

Especially this sour cream lasagna! It’s meaty, cheesy, and loaded with tender noodles. Yum!

8. Pineapple Casserole

If you didn’t grow up in the South, this mix of sweet pineapple with sharp cheese may throw you.

And to be honest, it’s definitely an acquired taste. But give it a try, and I think it might surprise you.

The buttery crackers and tropical fruit pair so well together. And the salty cheese is a pleasant addition.

Serve it with baked ham, and you’ll soon fall in love.

9. Mexican Tamales

Since they take so long to make, many save homemade tamales for special occasions and the holidays.

But if you’ve got some extra time this weekend, I can’t recommend them enough!

Fluffy masa filled with chicken, pork, or beans and cheese is just as good as it sounds.

Add some fresh pico, and they’re ready to be devoured.

10. Burger King Hershey Sundae Pie

Now the weather is getting warm, it’s time to kick off cream pie season!

And while Burger King may have the original, this copycat recipe is incredible. 

It’s a layered pie with tons of chocolate and creamy vanilla cream cheese. Topped with chocolate mousse, it’s a hard one to resist. 

11. Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna

Craving strawberry cheesecake? How about this lightened-up cheesecake lasagna instead?

It’s got all the same sweet and creamy flavors, and there’s even a Graham Cracker crust!

But this fun sheet cake-like dessert is way easier to make, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Make this for Mom on Mother’s Day, and you’ll be the new family favorite. 

12. Homemade Gyros

Gyros are another all-weather fave of mine.

But you have to admit that mix of flavorful meat and zippy veggies in a soft pita is just what you need in May.

I suggest grilling the meat to get that superb smoky finish. But it’ll be tasty out of the oven too.

Either way, serve it with plenty of tangy tzatziki, juicy tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. 

13. Jennifer Aniston Salad

Have you seen Jennifer Aniston recently? The woman just keeps getting more and more stunning!

And while this salad won’t give you legs and flawless skin like hers, it’s still super tasty and perfect for spring.

Loaded with chickpeas and quinoa, it’s protein-rich and hearty. Meanwhile, the red onion and pistachios give it a nice crunch.

14. Air Fryer Ribs

This may sound a bit unhinged, but have you ever tried cooking ribs in the Air Fryer? 

I know! But getting tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness in that little countertop appliance is possible.

It’s life-changing, honestly. Oh, did I mention they’ll be done in about 25 minutes?

15. Amish Potato Salad

You’ll never need another potato salad recipe once you try this one. 

The fluffy potatoes combined with hard-boiled eggs and a rich and creamy dressing is a winner every time.

Add some crunchy celery and carrots for texture, and this is sure to be the star of your next potluck. 

16. Ground Chicken Burgers

Want something lean, filling, and overflowing with flavor? You can’t beat these fresh chicken burgers.

You’ll mix ground chicken with breadcrumbs, mayo, minced onion, parsley, garlic, paprika, salt & pepper.

That blend will give you firm, juicy burgers that’re so good, they’ll rival any beef patty!

17. Favorite Veggie Burgers

Vegetarians, I’ve got you covered too!

These burgers are so tasty, even meat lovers will enjoy them. They’re so satisfying and easy to make at home.

Featuring quinoa, beans, and oats, they have a pleasant texture and plenty of protein.

And you can top them with pretty much anything!

18. Soft and Chewy Lemon Cookies

I can’t get enough of these lemon cookies. 

They’re made with just a few ingredients, and you probably have them in your pantry as we speak!

The light citrus flavor is heavenly, and the texture is incredible. 

Make these soft and chewy cookies for Mom on her special day – plus an extra batch for yourself. 

19. BLT Pasta Salad

Here’s another fantastic pasta salad for spring and summer. And it’s chock-full of bacon!

The dressing is a simple blend of mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, and instant bouillon. So it’s creamy and tasty but doesn’t overwhelm the other ingredients.

Speaking of which, how incredible is that mix of tender pasta, salty bacon, sliced tomatoes, onions, and crisp lettuce?

20. Trisha Yearwood’s Blueberry Pancakes

Are you ready for breakfast? Great! Because these pancakes are so fluffy and full of blueberries, you’ll crave them all summer. 

Sweet, buttery pancakes are a delicious way to start any morning. But when you add pops of fresh blueberries? Oh man, I’m a goner.

Make these even more fruity with some blueberry sauce!

21. Bacardi Rum Cake

I always make rum cake in the summer. That light, buttery sponge with zippy rum flavor is just ideal for BBQs.

Use vanilla pudding for flavor and moisture and yellow cake mix to keep things simple.

As for the glaze, I think more is more. So make extra and drizzle it all over the top. Delish!

22. Classic Spinach Quiche

Quiche is another spring-summer dish you can serve for lunch or dinner. Heck, it’s even yummy for breakfast!

Use a pre-made pie crust and frozen spinach to keep the prep time low. Just don’t forget to squeeze all the moisture out of the greens.

As for the rest, feel free to leave out the mushrooms. Or replace them with bacon or roasted butternut squash!

23. Spinach Strawberry Salad

Since strawberries are in season, you better put them to good use! 

This salad is full of nutritious ingredients, and it tastes insanely good to boot.

The sweet, juicy fruit with bitter spinach is a terrific match. But they’re even better with a zesty poppy seed dressing.

Toss in some crunchy walnuts and salty feta, and get ready to drool.

24. Grandma’s Macaroni Salad

Ah, grandma’s macaroni salad.

Yup, you know the one. The creamy side dish with chewy pasta and creamy sauce that goes well with BBQ, Sunday dinner, and even steak.

It’s a classic for a reason. And everyone loves it!

25. Princess Chicken

Between the sweet-savory glaze, juicy chicken, and crunchy peanuts, this chicken dish is better than any takeout meal.

And while it looks impressive, it’s actually effortless to make.

You’ll need a few ingredients for the sauce, but if you cook Asian-style meals a lot, you’ll likely have it already!

26. One-Pot Taco Pasta

Taco pasta is an easy 30-minute meal for cool May nights.  

You’ll smother pasta shells in a creamy, spicy taco sauce. Then, mix in some ground beef and tomatoes to make it filling and even more flavorful. 

It has all the delicious taco elements you love with a scrumptious twist. 

27. Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is overflowing with plump shrimp in a dreamy buttery sauce. And all it takes is a handful of ingredients.

Just sear the shrimp, then make a simple sauce with garlic, wine, lemon juice, and butter.

Toss the shrimp until they’re glossy, and it’s ready to serve with pasta or cheddar bay biscuits.

28. Godiva Chocolate Brownies

These Godiva chocolate brownies are unmatched in terms of their fudgy, chewy, chocolatey goodness.

From the crackly tops to the warm, gooey center, these brownies are pretty close to perfection. 

Your house will smell spectacular, too. So make sure to double the batch – you’ll need it!

29. Pasta Primavera

Pasta primavera is a lovely meal any day of the week. 

It’s literally loaded with veggies, including tomatoes, summer squash, zucchini, red peppers, broccoli, and onions.

With some fresh herbs and a little bit of cheese, you’ll be hooked after just one bite. 

30. Grilled Marinated Flank Steak

Marinated flank steak is easy and super delicious. 

You’ll marinate this tender cut of meat with a fun array of sweet, salty, and savory ingredients, such as soy sauce, honey, garlic, and pepper.

Set it on the grill and cook to perfection before serving it with your favorite sides. Yummy!

31. Steamed Mussels with White Wine Broth

Seafood sets the tone for summer, and there’s nothing more delicious than steamed mussels. 

If you’ve never made them before, don’t worry; it’s easier than you think.

Just melt butter in a larger pot with shallots and garlic. Then add some chicken stock and white wine.

Dump in the mussels, pop on the lid, and let those babies steam. That’s it!

32. Avocado Toast

Avocado toast is one of the most simple and delicious culinary inventions of our time. 

Use decent bread, like thick slices of sourdough. Add mashed avos with a bit of salt, and you’re all set.

From there, go ahead and top it with balsamic glaze, fried tomatoes, or a runny egg. 

33. Spring Pea Salad

If you’re looking for a fantastic dish to take to your next spring gathering, this has to be it. 

Bright peas, spicy radish, and creamy avocado make for a tasty trio. Served on a bed of lettuce with cucumbers, salty feta, and a basil vinaigrette, it’s a winner. 

This salad is the definition of spring and the ideal way to transition to summer.