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50 Best Vintage Spring Recipes

It's time to bring back these nostalgic spring recipes.
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With springtime comes a whole new assortment of available seasonal ingredients to enjoy in the kitchen. But while there's an influx of newness in the store, there's something delightful about turning to the classics for your recipe inspiration. From glazed ham egg salads to desserts like lemon tarts, these time-honored recipes are due for a comeback.

Whether you are looking to recreate a favorite dish from your childhood or just want to make something you've never cooked at home before, these vintage (and vintage-inspired) spring recipes are sure to bring on the nostalgia.

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Deviled Eggs

Healthy smokey deviled eggs
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This teatime staple is the ultimate springtime eat, perfect for any time of day. Whether you prefer something classic or a walk on the spicy side, it's easier than you might think to make the perfect deviled eggs.

Get our recipe for Deviled Eggs. 

Banana Pudding

Low-calorie banana pudding
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Is there anything better than a cool serving of banana pudding on a warm day? This nostalgic treat layers creamy pudding, vanilla wafers, and—of course—bananas for the dreamiest dessert.

Get our recipe for Banana Pudding. 

Glazed Ham

Low-calorie bourbon glazed ham with peach chutney
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Ham isn't just for eating during the holidays! But we know you look forward to Easter dinner because of it. This recipe uses a mustard-bourbon sauce for an outer layer, and the result is divine.

Get our recipe for Bourbon-Glazed Ham With Peach Chutney. 

Meringue Cookies

keto meringues on white plate
Beth Lipton

Meringues have seen a resurgence as of late, and we're not mad about it! These crunchy yet airy cookies get their distinctive taste and shape from a combination of egg whites and cream of tartar. If chocolate is more your speed, try this coffee-flavored version.

Get our recipe for Meringue Cookies. 

Old Fashioned Donuts

adding sprinkles to hot donuts with glaze
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

If it wasn't obvious from the name, these donuts are old school. Before we were enjoying light and fluffy donuts, there were old fashioned and sour cream donuts. While these are both still around today, try your hand at making them yourself for a change.

Get our recipe for Old Fashioned Donuts. 

Pistachio and Cranberry Cheese Ball

close up of pistachio cranberry cheese ball recipe
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

You might remember cheese balls from your Thanksgiving dinner table growing up. The good news is that they aren't difficult to make at home!

Get our recipe for a Pistachio and Cranberry Cheese Ball.

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Strawberry Shortcake

strawberry shortcake dessert with whipped cream
Courtesy of Sallys Baking Addiction

Fluffy biscuits, juicy strawberries, and fresh whipped cream come together to make the ultimate dessert, perfect for any springtime get-togethers or decadent afternoons at home.

Get the recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction. 

Chicken Hollandaise

chicken hollandaise with asparagus on white plate
Shutterstock

Is there anything more delicious than Hollandaise sauce? Formerly referred to as Dutch sauce, this creamy emulsion of butter, lemon, and egg yolk is a surefire sign of springtime.

Get the recipe from the Farmer's Cookbook. 

Corn Pudding

corn pudding
Courtesy of Cupcakes and Kale Chips

While there's nothing quite like sweet corn on the cob, there's something very satisfying about a serving of homemade creamy corn pudding. While this is frequently served at Christmas and Thanksgiving dinner, it also makes a delicious Easter side dish or everyday dinner accompaniment.

Get the recipe from Cupcakes & Kale Chips. 

Asparagus & Goat Cheese Quiche

asparagus and goat cheese quiche
Courtesy of A Beautiful Plate

A quiche is a great way to elevate any breakfast or lunch gathering. It looks like it took more effort than it really did and is made with seasonal ingredients and fresh flavors, making this a delicious win-win.

Get the recipe from A Beautiful Plate.

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Pound Cake

sour cream pound cake
Shutterstock

There's a reason pound cakes have withstood the test of time! Pound cakes are traditionally made with a pound of each ingredient, for an end result that's equally dense as it is moist. Don't like it plain? Top with grilled or fresh fruit and a dollop of whipped cream.

Get the recipe from the Farmer's Cookbook. 

Salmon Mousse

salmon mousse on cucumber slices
Courtesy of A Beautiful Mess

Dreamy salmon mousse is perfect even for your fish-averse friends! While this is something you could serve with crackers as a dip, it's beautifully presented when served over sliced cucumbers, which introduce a refreshing crunch.

Get the recipe from A Beautiful Mess.

Strawberry Cake Rolls

strawberry cake roll slices
Courtesy of Love & Olive Oil

Despite being commonly labeled as a "Swiss roll," this rolled up sponge cake likely originated elsewhere in central Europe, and you might have memories of this classic dessert from years past. This recipe even comes with a modern twist: a fun technique for edible appliqué on the outside that will make this a huge hit at kids parties.

Get the recipe from Love & Olive Oil.

Ham Salad

bowl of ham salad
Courtesy of Julies Eats and Treats

Have some leftover hard-boiled eggs and ham from lunches earlier in the week? Give ham salad a try! While it's not as popular as chicken or tuna, it's just as delicious and easy to whip up in a pinch.

Get the recipe from Julie's Eats & Treats. 

Orange Jello Molds

creamsicle jello mold desserts
Courtesy of Cupcakes and Kale Chips

You probably haven't seen one of these on the table in years! Luckily, it's a constant hit with kids, even if you aren't into it. It's wobbly, creamy, and totally retro!

Get the recipe from Cupcakes & Kale Chips. 

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Asparagus Soup

asparagus soup in bowls with bacon
Courtesy of Well Plated

Even when it starts to warm up outside, there's nothing quite like a bowl of warm soup. This creamy recipe is made with Greek yogurt and potato to thicken things up, and it freezes well for dinner in a pinch.

Get the recipe from Well Plated. 

Pea Salad

pea salad in bowl
Courtesy of The Seasoned Mom

Crisp, crunchy, creamy, and full of flavor, this pea salad will be a hit, even with diners who are averse to peas! Plus, it couldn't be easier to whip up.

Get the recipe from The Seasoned Mom.

Corn Spoon Bread

corn spoon bread on red plate
Courtesy of Flour on my Face

Corn pudding is delicious, and cornbread is always a welcome accompaniment to chili, but how about corn spoon bread? This dish has been prevalent in the South for quite some time, for good reason.

Get the recipe from Flour On My Face. 

Chicken Tetrazzini

chicken tetrazzini in baking dish
Courtesy of Pinch of Yum

Is there anything more nostalgic than a recipe that requires a "cream of" soup in the ingredients list? This homemade version definitely gives the canned options a run for their money.

Get the recipe from Pinch Of Yum. 

Chocolate Chip Icebox Pie

chocolate chip icebox pie
Courtesy of The Baker Mama

Layered icebox pies are a hallmark of classic Southern desserts, and you'll definitely think this was made by grandma once you give it a taste.

Get the recipe from The Baker Mama.

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Quiche Lorraine

quiche lorraine on plate
Courtesy of Chelseas Messy Apron

Possibly the most well-known quiche recipe is for Quiche Lorraine, typically made with cheese, bacon, and (of course) eggs. It's fairly simple to prepare, especially if you don't make the crust at home.

Get the recipe from Chelsea's Messy Apron. 

Strawberry Rhubarb Pop-Tarts

strawberry rhubarb poptarts on baking sheet
Courtesy of Minimalist Baker

Rhubarb is a springtime hit for good reason. This veggie functions like a fruit, hence why it makes regular appearances in otherwise fruit-focused desserts.

Get the recipe from Minimalist Baker.

Fattoush Salad

fattoush salad on plate
Courtesy of Eating Bird Food

Savor the flavors of spring with this Middle Eastern-inspired salad featuring herbs, crisp veggies, and a sumac dressing. Top this salad with the protein of your choice, or leave it as is for a great side dish.

Get the recipe from Eating Bird Food. 

Hummingbird Cake

hummingbird cake slice on plate
Courtesy of Sallys Baking Addiction

While you may associate this banana-pineapple cake with the South, it actually has roots in Jamaica. This layered cake never disappoints on any occasion, and it's always a memorable dessert.

Get the recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction.

Macaroni Salad

macaroni salad in bowl
Courtesy of Foodie Crush

Macaroni salad is a constant go-to all year round, but there's something special about eating it during the spring. While you can make it fancy, you can never go wrong with a classic recipe.

Get the recipe from Foodie Crush.

Mint Stuffed Leg of Lamb

lamb mint gremolata in baking dish
Courtesy of Feasting at Home

While mint and lamb have been paired together for quite some time, this herb-crusted and mint gremolata is the perfect gateway into this interesting flavor combination.

Get the recipe from Feasting At Home.

Chilled Pea Soup

pea soup in bowl
Courtesy of Cotter Crunch

Split pea soup may not have been your favorite way to get in veggies as a kid, but this chilled version featuring artichoke and avocados just might make it into your recipe book.

Get the recipe from Cotter Crunch.

Wedge Salad

wedge salad
Courtesy of The Cozy Cook

Wedge salads rose to fame in the mid-20th century, and for good reason! These massive portions of lettuce, bacon, rich dressing, and cheese will turn salad haters into lovers. Try your hand at this steakhouse classic in the kitchen with this easy recipe.

Get the recipe from The Cozy Cook. 

Tarragon Chicken Salad Sandwich

tarragon chicken salad sandwich
Courtesy of Feasting at Home

Seasoned with tarragon, whole grain mustard, and mayonnaise, chicken salad is a mainstay at lunchtime. Looking for a lower-carb alternative to the classic sandwich? Try this on your favorite wrap, or enjoy it over a bed of greens.

Get the recipe from Feasting At Home. 

Tomato Aspic

fruit aspic gelatin topped with preserves
Shutterstock

This congealed fruit salad is a classic comfort food, despite it not being the most visually appealing item on this list. Give this a try in an individual ramekin instead of a larger mold if you're not ready to eat it all yourself.

Get the recipe from the Farmer's Cookbook. 

Poppy Seed Chicken Casseroles

poppy seed chicken casserole in baking dish
Courtesy of The View from Great Island

Casseroles were popularized because they can be made in a cinch with few ingredients, usually involving a can of soup. Today, we've evolved a bit but can still enjoy nostalgic dishes from childhood like this chicken casserole accented with poppy seeds.

Get the recipe from The View From Great Island.

Apricot Cobbler

apricot cobbler in cast iron pan
Courtesy of Snixy Kitchen

Apricots are a stone fruit of spring, and this cobbler will require that you bring them out in full force. This gluten-free recipe is topped with sweet buttermilk biscuits, and we can almost guarantee you'll want to make this more than once.

Get the recipe from Snixy Kitchen.

Fried Oysters

plate of fried oysters with fries and dipping sauce
Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

Though you may have enjoyed fried oysters while out to eat on more than one occasion, have you ever tried making them at home? This light seafood dish makes the perfect appetizer to any springtime entrée, and it isn't as hard as you might think to prepare.

Get the recipe from the Farmer's Cookbook. 

Lane Cake

whole lane cake on cake stand
Courtesy of Tori Avey

If you've read To Kill A Mockingbird, you might recall this boozy layer cake, which is brought up more than once in the novel. Originally invented in Alabama in the late 19th century, it has a filling that contains raisins and whiskey, and the cake is topped off with boiled icing.

Get the recipe from Tori Avey.

Asparagus Tart

asparagus and proscuitto tart
Courtesy of Half Baked Harvest

Savory asparagus tarts are a surefire sign of spring's arrival, and you can never go wrong with enjoying one any time of day. This recipe tops things off with prosciutto and soft-boiled eggs for some extra heartiness to keep you full.

Get the recipe from Half Baked Harvest.

Grape Salad

bowl of grape salad with two spoons
Courtesy of Chelseas Messy Apron

Crunchy green and red grapes get to know creamy dressing in this dessert "salad" that's topped off with a sugared nutty topping. It's super versatile and can be quickly whipped up for Easter dinner.

Get the recipe from Chelsea's Messy Apron. 

Rice Pudding

slow cooker rice pudding in bowl with cinnamon stick
Courtesy of Lil Luna

When it's not quite ice cream season yet but you need something to satisfy your sweet tooth at night, why not give rice pudding a try? Throwing this in the slow cooker makes it a cinch to put together.

Get the recipe from Lil' Luna. 

Egg Salad

light egg salad recipe
Courtesy of Cooking Classy

Egg salad is a nostalgic recipe that never disappoints. This recipe is made with lemon juice and fresh parsley to brighten things up a bit, but feel free to use whichever spring herbs you prefer. Don't want it on a sandwich? Try it over your favorite bed of greens instead.

Get the recipe from Cooking Classy. 

Blueberry Buckle

blueberry buckle cut into squares
Courtesy of Foodie Crush

Whether you want to call it a buckle, a coffee cake, or something else, there's no denying that this is delicious. Think of it like a light blueberry cake, topped with a cinnamon sugar crumbly topping and lemony glaze for just a hint of something tart.

Get the recipe from Foodie Crush. 

Baked Salmon With Creamy Lemon Dill Sauce

baked salmon with dill sauce on plate
Courtesy of Le Creme de la Crumb

Even if you regularly bake salmon all year round, this lemony dill sauce with a Greek yogurt and mayonnaise base will take things to a whole new level this season.

Get the recipe from Creme de la Crumb. 

No-Knead Bread

no knead bread loaf
Courtesy of Pinch of Yum

Craving the smell and taste of freshly baked bread? Springtime is the perfect opportunity to hone your bread making skills. What's even better is that this recipe requires no kneading and very few ingredients!

Get the recipe from Pinch of Yum. 

Lemon Tart

lemon tart with strawberries
Courtesy of Half Baked Harvest

With a base made from only four ingredients, this tangy yet sweet dessert is the ultimate warm-weather treat. Top it off with a homemade whipped cream, seasonal berries, and a sprig of mint for a restaurant-level touch.

Get the recipe from Half Baked Harvest.

Grilled Chicken Waldorf Salad

chicken waldorf salad
Courtesy of Recipe Runner

Waldorf salads came out of the 1960s, and we couldn't be more grateful! Got leftover chicken on hand? Throw it into your Waldorf salad along with crunchy grapes, apple, and celery for a comforting dinner.

Get the recipe from Recipe Runner. 

Chicken a la King

chicken a la king on plate
Courtesy of Taste and Tell

Another recipe to come out of the swinging '60s is chicken a la king, and we're so glad it has withstood the test of time! Fit for both regular folks and royalty, this version is way easier than the recipe grandma used to whip it up.

Get the recipe from Taste & Tell. 

Dilled Potato Salad

dilled potato salad in bowl
Courtesy of Foodie Crush

Keep things simple with a sauce made of mayo and sour cream over baby red potatoes that have been slightly smashed for the ultimate springtime side dish. The addition of dill really takes things up a notch, so don't be afraid to add as much as you'd like.

Get the recipe from Foodie Crush. 

Crispy Belgian Waffles

belgian waffles on plate with butter and preserves
Courtesy of Half-Baked Harvest

Frozen waffles will never hit the spot again for your family once you start making crispy Belgian waffles on a weekly basis. These were originally showcased in 1958 and later made their way to America in 1962, and we never want them to leave!

Get the recipe from Half Baked Harvest. 

Pineapple Glazed Ham

pineapple glazed ham with mashed potatoes and green beans
Courtesy of Flour on my Face

Who says it has to be a holiday to enjoy a ham? Once cooked, there are plenty of ways to put leftover ham to use that go way beyond sandwiches.

Get the recipe from Flour On My Face.

Grasshopper Bars

mint chocolate swirl bark pieces
Courtesy of Sallys Baking Addiction

You may have heard of the créme de menthe cocktail, which was first made popular in the late 1880s, but have you tried it in bar form? If you're a chocolate and mint lover, this is the bark for you to try.

Get the recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

pineapple upside down cake
Courtesy of Averie Cooks

Did you know that upside-down cakes date all the way back to the Middle Ages? But it wasn't until 1925 that someone thought to add pineapple into the mix, and the rest is history. Try this in individual bundt cake pans for a delicious springtime dessert.

Get the recipe from Averie Cooks.

Cheesy Bacon and Corn Stuffed Zucchini Boats

zucchini boats
Courtesy of Diethood

Long before anyone ever thought to turn zucchini into a pasta noodle substitute, zucchini was used as serving boats for all kinds of dishes. The decadent combo of cheese, bacon, and corn is very 21st century, but the idea dates back to the 1960s.

Get the recipe from Diethood.

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Jacqueline Weiss
Jacqueline is a blogger and writer, passionate about making healthy eating and cooking accessible to all. Read more about Jacqueline
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