Light Italian Dishes to Welcome in Spring

Spring is a time of renewal, not just for nature but for our kitchens, too. As the frost melts away and fresh greens pop up at the market, Italian cuisine shifts toward dishes that are bright, herby, and full of fresh flavor. While Red Moon Pizza is known for hearty, comforting fare like Brooklyn-style pizza and baked ziti, we also embrace the seasonal rhythms of Italian cooking.

In this post, we’re taking inspiration straight from Italy to explore a few light and refreshing dishes that celebrate the flavors of spring. Whether you're cooking at home or dining with us, here’s how to bring a bit of Italian primavera (spring) to your table.

1. Pasta Primavera: A Garden on Your Plate

It’s hard to talk about springtime Italian cooking without mentioning pasta primavera. While the dish was actually popularized in the U.S. during the 1970s, its concept is fully Italian: pasta tossed with the best of the season’s vegetables.

Think: asparagus, peas, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and bell peppers, lightly sautéed in olive oil and garlic, tossed with al dente pasta, and finished with a handful of grated Parmesan and a touch of lemon zest.

What makes pasta primavera a spring staple is its flexibility—you can use whatever is fresh and local to you. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is actually quite light, especially when finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil instead of cream-based sauces.

2. Risotto agli Asparagi (Asparagus Risotto)

Few vegetables say “spring” quite like asparagus, and Italians love to showcase it in risotto. This dish hails from northern Italy, where the creamy consistency of risotto pairs beautifully with tender spring asparagus and a touch of lemon.

To make asparagus risotto at home, start with arborio rice, slowly add warm broth as you stir, and mix in chopped, blanched asparagus toward the end of cooking. A final sprinkle of Parmesan and a knob of butter make it velvety, while lemon zest brightens the flavor.

If you enjoyed our post last fall on pumpkin risotto (which you can find here), this dish is its fresh, springtime cousin—equally comforting, but lighter and more delicate.

3. Insalata Caprese with a Spring Twist

The Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish, and while it’s usually associated with summer, it adapts well to spring with a few seasonal updates. Traditionally made with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and salt, you can add a spring flair by incorporating ingredients like:

• Baby arugula or microgreens for a peppery punch
• Strawberries or orange segments for sweetness
• A drizzle of balsamic reduction for depth

The result is a light and colorful salad that works as an appetizer or a side dish. It’s also a great option for those seeking gluten-free, vegetarian dishes that still deliver bold flavor.

4. Lemon Chicken Piccata

Bright, tangy, and full of citrusy zing, chicken piccata is another Italian-American favorite that embodies the feeling of spring. Thinly pounded chicken breasts are lightly dredged in flour, pan-fried until golden, then simmered in a sauce of lemon juice, white wine, capers, and butter.

The result is a light but deeply flavorful dish that pairs well with roasted vegetables, polenta, or a simple green salad. It’s also quick to prepare, making it a great weeknight option as we shift out of heavier winter meals.

Pro tip: for an extra burst of spring, garnish with fresh parsley and a few thin slices of lemon.

5. Gnocchi with Peas and Mint

Gnocchi—those soft, pillowy Italian dumplings—aren’t just for rich, meaty sauces. In spring, they’re wonderful with lighter pairings, like green peas, fresh mint, and a touch of ricotta or lemon butter.

This dish is incredibly fresh and satisfying. The sweetness of the peas and brightness of the mint balance the hearty texture of the gnocchi. Add a grating of Pecorino Romano and a drizzle of olive oil, and you’ve got a meal that tastes like spring in every bite.

6. Frittata di Primavera

Frittatas are a go-to in Italian kitchens, especially in spring when fresh herbs and veggies are abundant. A frittata di primavera might include ingredients like:

• Spring onions
• Spinach or chard
• Asparagus
• Zucchini
• Grated cheese

Whisked eggs bind everything together into a light but protein-packed meal. Frittatas are perfect for brunches, picnics, or a quick dinner and can be served warm or at room temperature.

At Red Moon, we love any excuse to bring in seasonal veggies, and this is one of the most flexible—and forgiving—ways to use them.

7. Strawberry and Ricotta Crostata

No spring meal is complete without a little something sweet. One of our favorite Italian desserts for this time of year is a crostata, a rustic tart made with a buttery crust and filled with seasonal fruit.

For April, fresh strawberries shine, especially when paired with lightly sweetened ricotta cheese. This combination is creamy, slightly tart, and a perfect way to end a springtime meal. Serve it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a sprig of mint for a dessert that’s both elegant and approachable.

Celebrating the Season Through Food

Italian cooking is deeply connected to the seasons, and spring is no exception. It’s a time to move away from heavy, slow-cooked meals and toward dishes that are full of color, freshness, and simplicity.

At Red Moon, we’re inspired by these seasonal shifts—not just in what we serve, but in how we think about food. Whether you’re preparing meals at home or joining us at the restaurant, this is the time to embrace the lightness and beauty of Italian spring cooking.