Spring Pea Asparagus Risotto with Lemon Mint

Springtime Recipes for Dinner My LemonMint Risotto

By OliviaAugust 8, 2025

Table of Contents

Springtime Recipes for Dinner: A Risotto Revelation

Fancy a taste of spring on your plate? Honestly, who doesn't after a long winter? I've got just the thing! This Spring Pea & Asparagus Risotto with Lemon & Mint recipe is bursting with fresh flavors and it’s one of those springtime recipes for dinner that'll make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Think creamy risotto, bright veggies, and a zingy citrusy kick.

What's the Story?

This dish is inspired by classic Italian spring cooking ideas . It’s a simple way to celebrate what's fresh and in season.

This recipe is totally doable even if you are a beginner! From start to finish, expect to spend around 55 minutes in the kitchen.

It makes about 4 servings.

Why You'll Love This Asparagus Risotto Recipe

Besides the fact that it tastes amazing, this risotto is pretty good for you. It’s packed with nutrients from the asparagus and peas.

This May dinner recipes is perfect for a light lunch, or a fancy weekend dinner party.

Ready to Roll? Let’s Gather Our Goodies!

Here’s what you’ll need to make this yummy dinner recipes healthy :

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice (300 g)
1/2 cup dry white wine (120 ml), like Pinot Grigio
6 cups vegetable broth (1.4 L), warmed
1 pound asparagus, trimmed and chopped (450 g)
1 cup fresh or frozen peas (150 g)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g), plus more for serving
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30g)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Fresh chives for garnish

Stay tuned for my next post, where I'll walk you through each step in detail. We'll chat about tips, tricks, and even some variations to make this light spring dinner recipes your own.

Until then, happy cooking!

Get Ready to Cook: Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Spring Pea & Asparagus Risotto

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this amazing Spring Pea & Asparagus Risotto ! This recipe is really a celebration of spring cooking ideas , bringing together all those fresh, vibrant flavors.

I'm so excited to share it with you.

Main Ingredients: All the Good Stuff

Here's the breakdown of ingredients. Don't worry, it's not as daunting as it looks! I'm all about those yummy dinner recipes healthy .

Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Good quality extra virgin is always my go-to.
Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped. About 1 cup . Nothing fancy needed.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. I love garlic, so I sometimes add a bit more. Don't tell anyone!
Arborio rice: 1 1/2 cups (300 g). This is key for that creamy risotto texture.
Dry white wine: 1/2 cup (120 ml). Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works great. I sometimes sneak a sip while I cook.
Vegetable broth: 6 cups (1.4 L). Make sure it's warmed up!
Asparagus: 1 pound (450 g), trimmed and cut. Look for firm, bright green stalks.
Peas: 1 cup (150 g), fresh or frozen. Fresh is amazing if you can get them!
Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g), grated. Plus extra for serving!
Fresh mint leaves: 1/4 cup , chopped.
Lemon: Zest and juice of 1 .
Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons (30g).
Salt and pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy!
Optional: Fresh chives for garnish. For that extra touch, you know?

That asparagus risotto recipe is one of my favorites!

Seasoning Notes: Level Up the Flavor

Okay, so here’s where you can really make it your own.

Lemon and mint are essential. They bring that fresh light spring dinner recipes vibe.
Parmesan adds a lovely salty, umami flavor.
For substitution options? If you don't have white wine, a splash of lemon juice and extra broth works.

My grandma always said, "Season with your heart." Honestly, she was right!

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

Let's be real, nobody needs a ton of fancy gear.

Large, heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven. This ensures even heat distribution.
Ladle. For adding the broth.
Wooden spoon or spatula. For stirring. Lots of stirring!

For may dinner recipes this simple equipment work.

So there you have it. With these ingredients and tools, you are set for this delicious vegetarian risotto recipes . Get ready to dive into springtime goodness! This spring vegetable recipes is just too good to pass.

Enjoy these healthy fresh dinner ideas and spring easy dinners .

Cooking Method: Spring Pea & Asparagus Risotto

Oh my gosh, you guys, let's talk risotto! This isn't just any risotto. It's like, springtime in a bowl. Seriously, it screams healthy fresh dinner ideas and spring cooking ideas .

I'm sharing my recipe for Spring Pea & Asparagus Risotto with Lemon & Mint and all the secrets I've learned.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

Okay, first things first. Prep is key. You know, mise en place and all that jazz. Chop 1 medium onion , mince 2 cloves of garlic .

Get your veggies ready: 1 pound of asparagus , trimmed and cut, and 1 cup of peas . Have 6 cups of warmed vegetable broth ready to go, too.

Trust me, being organized saves so much time.

step-by-step: Risotto Magic

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft. Add garlic, cook until fragrant. About 2 to 3 minutes .
Add 1 1/2 cups of Arborio rice . Toast it for about 3 minutes , stirring. You want it translucent, like little jewels.
Pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine . Stir until it's absorbed. This deglazes the pot and adds flavour.
Now, the fun part! Add the warm broth, one ladleful at a time . Stir, stir, stir. This is where the magic happens. The rice should absorb each ladleful before you add more. Keep stirring until the rice is almost tender which is about 20 minutes .
Add your asparagus and peas. Keep adding broth and stirring until the rice is creamy and al dente , and the veggies are just tender.
Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese , 2 tablespoons butter , zest and juice of 1 lemon , and 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint .
Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and chives if you fancy.

Pro Tips: Risotto Rockstar

Honestly? The warm broth is non-negotiable. Don't even think about using cold broth. Warm it! Stirring prevents sticking. It also releases the starch for that perfect creamy vegetarian risotto recipes texture.

Also, don't overcook your spring vegetable recipes . Nobody likes mushy asparagus risotto recipe ! Think bright green and slightly crisp.

This is one of those amazing may dinner recipes .

Speaking of mushy, I once made risotto that turned into a gloopy mess. The secret? I let it sit. Risotto waits for no one.

Enjoy yummy dinner recipes healthy immediately for a light spring easy dinners or a light spring dinner recipes . And make sure you follow these tips so you can enjoy this lemon mint risotto as much as I do!

Alright, let's chat about this Spring Pea & Asparagus Risotto with Lemon & Mint ! This recipe is perfect for those may dinner recipes , let's dive into some essential bits and bobs that’ll make your risotto experience smooth as silk.

Recipe Notes: Let's Get Real

Before you jump in, remember that cooking is about having fun. Don’t be afraid to make it your own. I once accidentally added a whole lemon zest instead of half.

It was zesty, to say the least!

Serving Suggestions: Make It Pretty!

So, you've made this gorgeous spring vegetable recipes risotto! Time to plate it up.

Plating and presentation ideas . Think about a swirl of risotto, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, and a few fresh mint leaves. It looks fancy but only takes a second! You can also think for some Spring cooking ideas .
Complementary sides or beverages . A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is always a winner. And for drinks? A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, is chef's kiss . This lemon mint risotto is a party!

Storage Tips: For Leftover Goodness

Honestly, leftover risotto is a rare sight in my house. But if you have some...

Refrigeration guidelines . Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days .
Freezing options . Not really recommended. The texture changes.
Reheating instructions . Gently reheat it on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen it up. Microwaving works in a pinch, but it's not ideal.

Variations: Get Creative with This Asparagus risotto recipe !

Want to mix things up? Of course, you do!

1-2 dietary adaptations . For a vegetarian risotto recipes , just be sure your broth is veggie friendly and you're good to go!
Seasonal ingredient swaps . In early spring, you might add wild garlic or baby spinach. In late spring, try adding some broad beans. It keeps things interesting.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

This risotto is more than just yummy; it's packed with goodness.

Simplified nutrition information . Each serving is about 450 calories , but it’s full of vitamins from the veggies and protein from the cheese. So it is one of the Yummy Dinner Recipes Healthy and also Healthy Fresh Dinner Ideas .
Key health benefits . Asparagus is a great source of antioxidants, and peas are full of fibre. Plus, it is one of the Light spring dinner recipes .

Honestly, crafting these springtime recipes for dinner always brings me joy. I hope this risotto does the same for you. It’s a celebration of fresh flavors and simple pleasures. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this risotto ahead of time? It sounds perfect for a dinner party, but I'm a bit of a Monica Geller when it comes to planning!

While risotto is best served fresh, you can prep some components ahead. Chop your vegetables and measure out your ingredients. You can also make the risotto base and stop just before adding the vegetables, then finish cooking it right before serving, but remember the texture might not be as creamy if it sits too long.

Think of it like a perfectly brewed cup of tea best enjoyed immediately!

I'm not a big wine drinker can I skip the white wine in this springtime recipes for dinner?

Absolutely! The white wine adds depth of flavor, but it's not essential. Simply substitute it with an equal amount of vegetable broth and a squeeze of lemon juice for a similar tang. It's like swapping out Earl Grey for a refreshing herbal blend still delicious!

What's the best way to store leftover risotto? I always end up with a bit, and hate wasting food.

Store leftover risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up and stir frequently over low heat. You might need to add a bit of Parmesan to revive the flavour, like adding a splash of milk to your porridge the next day!

I'm trying to eat healthier - are there any ways to lighten up this Spring Pea & Asparagus Risotto?

Definitely! You can reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese or use a lower fat variety. Consider using a bit less butter, or swap it with an extra tablespoon of olive oil. Bulk up the vegetables and consider incorporating ingredients like spinach or zucchini to give the risotto additional nutrient value.

My kids are picky eaters any suggestions for making this springtime recipes for dinner more kid-friendly?

Kids can be tough critics, right? Try finely chopping the vegetables so they're less noticeable. You could also add a protein they enjoy, like shredded chicken or cooked shrimp, for added appeal. A little extra Parmesan never hurts either think of it as adding sprinkles to a cupcake!

Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?

Yes, absolutely. Frozen peas are a great substitute for fresh peas, especially if you're making this dish out of pea season. Simply add them during the last few minutes of cooking, as they cook very quickly. There is no need to thaw the peas prior to adding them to the risotto.