The 17 Recipes We Can't Wait to Make This May

Spring meets summer this month.

<p>Kim</p>

Kim

May is when we start to lean into summer mode, thanks to longer stretches of sunshine and lots of celebrations along the way, from Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby (on the same weekend this year), to Mother's Day, spring birthdays, end-of-school events, and more. Then at the end of May, Memorial Day unofficially welcomes the new season. With so much going on, it's no wonder we need some inspiration in the kitchen. Luckily, our community of home cooks has us covered—here are the dishes we can't wait to make.

<p>Dotdash Meredith Food Studios</p>

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

This new dessert came out right on time for spring baking at its finest. As the recipe page says, "These strawberry cheesecake cookies are moist and buttery with a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling full of strawberry flavor." They look too good not to make ASAP.

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<p>Kim</p>

Kim

In keeping with the dessert theme and bright spring flavors, this chiffon cake makes the perfect centerpiece for a Derby party, a Mother's Day brunch, or any other special occasion on your May calendar.

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<p>France Cevallos</p>

France Cevallos

Muddle fresh strawberries and jalapeños to spice up your margarita game for any seasonal celebration, like Cinco de Mayo, thanks to this recipe from Allrecipes Allstar France Cevallos.

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Recently named our most saved taco recipe, this is as good a time as any to see what the fuss is about, just in time for May 5. "This birria recipe is one of the best I've had! This recipe does take some time to make, but it's worth every single minute. The meat is so tender, flavorful and delicious and the tacos are just the best. Leftovers are even better" says Allrecipes user Ana.

Want to make a full spread? Get more Cinco de Mayo ideas here.

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<p>Dotdash Meredith Food Studios</p>

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Recipe creator QUEENREYNEY says, "This wonderful pimento cheese with jalapeño can be used to spice up grilled cheese sandwiches, as a spread for crackers, or served alongside your favorite fried green tomatoes." We say it's perfect for our Derby party.

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<p>Dotdash Meredith Food Studios</p>

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

No matter what time of year it is, an easy dinner recipe is always welcome. As an Allrecipes Member said in a five-star review: "I didn't grow up on Hamburger Helper, but I made this exactly as directed and thought it was a comforting, simple-to-make, delicious one-pot meal! Thank you!"

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<p>Shelia Johnson</p>

Shelia Johnson

A newcomer to our site, this brightly flavored chicken and pasta dish is a no-brainer for dinner on the porch. As the recipe page states: "This chicken scampi pasta is the perfect weekday meal—you can never go wrong with garlic, butter, and lemon. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and great the next day for leftovers. Serve with your favorite vegetable and crusty bread." Add a green salad and you're set.

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<p>Dotdash Meredith Food Studios</p>

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Since we can never get enough pasta, why not throw in spring's favorite vegetable— asparagus—for another easy, yet crowd-pleasing meal? Get this fresh and flavorful dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

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<p>Grace Magyar</p>

Grace Magyar

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This crunchy, bright salad goes with any meal this month, whether for a backyard barbecue or a Memorial Day picnic. The nearly 500 five-star reviews agree. "Amazing! Followed this recipe almost exactly, except I added a tablespoon or two of honey to the dressing. The flavors are so complex and go so well together! Highly recommend!" says Ali Davis. And since kale is so hearty, it can be made ahead.

AR Magazine
AR Magazine

Now here is a must-make (no-cook!) veggie side that will have everyone asking for the recipe. It looks and tastes like springtime in a bowl. As gremolata exclaims, it's "A fabulous recipe with wonderful ingredients from a master Chef Virginia Willis!"

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<p>Allrecipes Member</p>

Allrecipes Member

The season for big globe artichokes is upon us, and they're perfect for stuffing. What better time to follow "Nonna's" version than for a brunch or dinner on say... May 12? Submitted by recipe creator Kim's Cooking Now, her Italian mother-in-law's dish is just what we need to highlight this produce: "Large artichokes are stuffed with a delicious bread crumb mixture and then simmered in a white wine sauce until tender. Use a nice crusty bread to soak up the remaining sauce!"

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<p>Allrecipes Member</p>

Allrecipes Member

Similarly, this aptly-named recipe is perfect to honor the mother figures in your life alongside grilled favorites. "These are fantastic! I made a double batch and served them with dinner...I ate the leftovers for lunch the next day. They are delicious and refreshing. A great way to use cucumbers...I wouldn't change a thing," says cookin'gal.

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<p>Dotdash Meredith Food Studios</p>

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

So what are we grilling now that we've dusted off the old grates? Other than the usual fare, we personally can't wait to prep some pies. The recipe page makes it easy, too: "Pizza on the grill is a fantastic way to make [it] at home. The heat of a hot grill is a perfect match for a professional pizza oven. Learn the tricks for making and grilling pizza from scratch with this recipe. Feel free to use your favorite toppings, but keep in mind not to overload the pizza."

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Keep the grill on for these ribs that will be the hit of the Memorial Day table. “Absolutely fantastic,” raves Adam Brown. “You can play with the spice mix, but if you follow the cooking directions, you’ll have ribs with meat falling off the bones.”

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<p>Dotdash Meredith Food Studios</p>

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

And when you're ready to enjoy those grilled burgers Memorial Day Weekend, don't forget to serve them with this savory sauce. “This stuff rocks,” says basg101. “We'd never tried burger sauce before, but we'll be having it regularly now. It takes burgers to another level. I didn't have seasoned pepper, so I used a mixture of pepper and seasoned salt.” It's great for fries and chicken tenders as well.

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<p>France Cevallos</p>

France Cevallos

Finally, let's wash it all down with a cocktail that's as simple to make as it is to sip. France Cevallos has done it again. As she says "This gin and jam cocktail, refreshing and fruity, is a versatile [drink] that is sure to become your new summer favorite. Use any flavor jam you like!" Cheers to summer!

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DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

End in a flambé flourish with a classic, yet fun dessert perfect for May. Cherries, brandy, and vanilla ice cream all sing here. And it's guaranteed to get everyone talking. Take it from Allrecipes user Dan's Recipes, "This was a super easy recipe. I love having a guest doing the honors of lighting the pan at the dinner table. My guests loved it and I will certainly make this again."

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Read the original article on All Recipes.