Fresh Starts: Lighter Meals & Seasonal Favorites

Spring is one of our favorite times of the year. What was gray is now green — temperatures are warming, everything is budding, and we can finally get out to enjoy our favorite outdoor activities. Spring also marks a culinary shift. After long months of hearty comfort food, it’s time to lighten up.

At Butcher Boy, we feature a wide selection of fresh seasonal produce, perfect for pairing with your favorite entree. Prime spring veggie picks include asparagus, spinach, broccoli, and carrots. This mouth-watering asparagus recipe featuring maple-Dijon vinaigrette is a great accompaniment to a grilled ribeye or strip steak cooked over high heat with simple salt and pepper and finished with butter.

Fresh spring vegetables are a perfect complement for lighter meat and poultry dishes. Need some inspiration? Check out this delicious grilled flank steak topped with a vibrant and flavorful chimichurri. Add a salad featuring seasonal spring greens like arugula and baby spinach for the perfect light and nourishing spring meal.

Speaking of grilling, this is the perfect time to dust off your grill and get cooking. There’s nothing like it to give meat and vegetables an extra kick and delicious flavor that melts in your mouth.  For some ideas, check out these easy weeknight Butcher Boy grilling tips.

One great way to add extra flavor and tenderness to your spring dish is taking a little extra time to marinate your ingredients. The best marinades enhance and highlight the natural flavor of your meat or produce, making the result a perfect centerpiece for a great meal. Add grilled veggies or a simple salad, and no one will feel like they’re eating “light.” Marinades are perfect for leaner flank steak, London broil, or sirloin tips. Butcher Boy carries over 15 types of marinated meats, made in-house, so you can just toss them on the grill or in a pan.

And what would a deliciously light spring meal be without the perfect wine pairing? Not just for your preferred protein, the right wine pairing can bring out the unique taste qualities of any food, including your favorite vegetables. It’s all in creating a combination that brings out the full flavor depending on ingredients and preparation. For some ideas, explore spring meal pairing ideas here.

Too busy taking full advantage of the beautiful spring weather to cook? Whether it’s for a crowd or a table for one, we’ve got you with our own freshly-prepared selection of entrees, salads, side dishes, and desserts, both house-made and locally sourced. Come on in and check out the latest we have on offer!