This succinct menu makes the most of what is growing in our gardens and the fields beyond right now: easy, elegant dishes that are just right whether for relaxed lunch or low-key supper, ideally in the garden in the merry company of rowdy friends.
Broad Bean Dip
Jamie Oliver
A bright, spring-green to start proceedings. Fresh broad beans are blitzed into a silky, slightly nutty dip that feels lighter than hummus but is every bit as moreish (you have been warned). Serve with torn bread, crudités or spooned over grilled veg – and do get in there quickly: it's the sort of thing that disappears with alacrity once people start dipping.
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Cacio E Pepe With Asparagus
Delicious Magazine
A Roman classic, nudged elegantly into spring here. The peppery, glossy sauce clings to the pasta as it should, but it's the asparagus that lifts everything – sweet, tender, lightly crisp and perfect for making us feel smug about keeping proceedings so effortlessly seasonally on point.
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Salmon With Rhubarb Sauce & Tarragon Mayo
Jamie Oliver
Rich, flaky salmon meets the sharp brightness of rhubarb, with tarragon adding a soft, aromatic note. It's a confident combination that's fresh, unexpected and refreshing – ideal for a healthy dose of culinary showing off.
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Smoked Mackerel Caesar Salad
Olive Magazine
We cannot overstate how much of a winner this seasonal spin on a classic is. The smoky depth of mackerel works beautifully against crisp lettuce, punchy dressing and salty Parmesan. It's hearty enough to stand on its own, but still feels light and brisk. Exactly the thing for a May lunch.
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Jersey Royals With Chive Aioli
Olive Magazine
The simplest pleasures are often the best. Jersey Royals, with their distinctive, almost grassy sweetness, need very little – but a softly garlicky, chive-flecked aioli takes them somewhere special. Serve warm as a side – or even just on their own if you're looking for an easy mid-week supper – and let them speak for themselves.
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Rhubarb & Elderflower Cake
BBC Good Food
For a proper seasonal finish, bookmark this beauty. The tartness of rhubarb is softened by delicate elderflower, creating something that feels light, fragrant and not overly sweet. Perfect with a cup of tea in the afternoon, ideally served a table on the lawn, or as the sweetest end to celebratory supper.
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FAQs: British Seasonal Cooking In May
What ingredients are in season in the UK in May?
May is a turning point: broad beans, asparagus, Jersey Royals, rhubarb and the first of the British strawberries begin to appear, alongside fresh herbs and early salad leaves.
Is mackerel in season in May?
Yes – British mackerel season typically begins in late spring and runs through summer. At this point, it's particularly fresh, oily and full of flavour.
What makes Jersey Royal potatoes special?
Grown only on the island of Jersey, they have a unique, slightly nutty flavour thanks to the soil and coastal conditions. They're at their best from April to June.
How should I cook with rhubarb?
Keep it simple. Its sharpness pairs well with sugar, citrus, vanilla and floral notes like elderflower. It works in both sweet dishes and savoury ones (especially with oily fish).
What's the best way to cook seasonally in May?
Let the ingredients lead. Avoid overcomplicating things – light cooking, quick prep and minimal fuss tend to show off May produce at its best.
