Cooking in season: February recipes

Welcome to February - one of the hardest months to eat seasonally and where you start to repeat recipes or fall into a rut. No new fruits or vegetables become available this month, and we lose some of the fall & early winter produce like pears, cranberries, and pomegranates.

Citrus, kiwi, brussels sprouts, and winter squash make up the majority of seasonal produce in February. There are also year-round staples to count on like carrots, broccoli, and potatoes.

Jump to:

Try something new
Seasonal twist on classics
Breakfast
Appetizers & sides
Soups
Salads
Main course
Desserts
What's in season

Try something new

If you're already eating winter squash or clementines, save the seeds or peels for a fun use. The recipes below will get your started.

Extra crispy roasted squash seeds

Roast any winter squash or pumpkin seeds at a low temperature for extra crispy results.

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Candied orange peels

These are easy and work great with oranges, mandarins, and clementines

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A bowl of split pea soup with ham and vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, parsnips, and parsley root

Seasonal twist on classics

One way to find inspiration in the kitchen this month is to add or swap in seasonal produce for your favorite classic recipes.

Caesar salad
Pizza
Lasagna
Tacos
Fries

Split pea soup with ham & root vegetables

Double the vegetables for a hearty, chunky soup. Flavored with ham bones or ham hocks for a deep, savory flavor. Spices include bay leaves and thyme.

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Breakfast

Winter's citrus fruits are a great way to start your day. Slice up a grapefruit, kiwi, or clementine to add to your breakfast.

Appetizers & sides

It's easy to get bored of winter produce by the time February rolls around. While I do rely on some staples like roasted brussels sprouts alongside some chicken for an easy dinner, I try to use this month as an opportunity to experiment with those same 'ol veggies.

Here are some recipes that hopefully seem new and exciting enough to try.

Soups

Winter doesn't have a shortage of soup recipes (and with good reason). Try a new take on a butternut squash or parsnip soup. And don't forget that potato, carrot, or broccoli & cheese soups are a good option since those are available year-round at high quality.

Mandarin orange chicken salad on cabbage with a sesame dressing

Salads

Citrus dressings are a great seasonal option for winter salads. If you haven't tried kumquats or had them in a while, consider them for salads as well. Slice them (with the rind on) and use them in a salad to add a sweet and slightly sour flavor.

Try the iconic Chinese chicken salad with mandarin oranges that got its start in the 1960s, becoming so popular it's common at restaurants across the US.

Chinese chicken salad with mandarin oranges

Rotisserie chicken, cabbage, and mandarin oranges are mixed with a sesame ginger dressing.

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A dinner plate filled with Chinese chicken salad, mandarin oranges, shredded cabbage, and a sesame salad dressing.

Main course

Use dinner as another excuse to experiment on some staple recipes, or as a good reason to try something new. Add a celery slaw to a buffalo burger or a kiwi salsa to your weekly taco night.

Mandarin orange chicken

Mandarin orange chicken with double the sauce. Flavored with fresh oranges, zest, garlic, ginger, and sriracha.

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Mandarin orange chicken in a sauce with broccoli, sesame seeds, green onions and rice

Orange chicken sauce

Orange chicken sauce flavored with orange zest, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sriracha.

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Desserts

Desserts in February are all about citrus & kiwi, but they don't have to be boring. Lemon bars brighten up a dreary winter evening (or try making them with grapefruit!)