50 Vibrant Spring Recipes (Plant-Based & GF!)

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Assortment of plant-based and gluten-free recipes for spring

Spring is right around the corner, friends! It marks a season of fresh asparagus, peas, cabbage, mushrooms, avocado, collard greens, kale, spinach, and more. To celebrate the season, we’ve gathered our favorite plant-based & gluten-free spring recipes including vibrant drinks, dips, soups & salads, main dishes, desserts, and more!

(Note: Dietary symbols listed throughout for easy navigation!)

Drinks

Cutting board with glasses of green juice and ingredients used to make it
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Easy Green Juice Recipe + Juicing Tips
Our favorite green juice recipe, just 7 ingredients required! Incredibly refreshing, nourishing, and delicious. Plus, juicing tips, go-to methods, and juicer recommendations.
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Overflowing jar of our vegan Super Green Spirulina Smoothie
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Super Green Spirulina Smoothie (5 Ingredients!)
A nutritious and vibrant green smoothie with 5 ingredients: banana, cucumber, coconut milk, spirulina, and spinach! The perfect plant-based breakfast or snack.
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Hands holding a glass of our iced matcha latte topped with fresh mint leaves
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Minty Iced Matcha Latte
A creamy, iced matcha latte infused with fresh mint! The perfect balance of sweetness, mint, and earthy matcha. Just 5 minutes, 5 simple ingredients, and a blender required!
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Measuring glass and drinking glass filled with our Ginger Colada Green Smoothie
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Ginger Colada Green Smoothie
A creamy green smoothie infused with pineapple, banana, coconut milk, ginger, lime, and greens! Healthy, refreshing, perfectly tart-sweet.
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Mango chunks, shredded coconut, and lime slices on a glass of our vegan Mango Lassi
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Creamy Vegan Mango Lassi
Our inspired take on a classic mango lassi with frozen ripe mango, tangy coconut yogurt, and lime juice! Just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes required for this sweet, creamy smoothie.
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Two glasses of our Strawberry Rhubarb Margarita recipe
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Rhubarb Strawberry Margaritas
6-ingredient rhubarb strawberry margaritas with silver tequila, lime juice, and a homemade rhubarb-strawberry syrup. Tart-sweet, easy to make, and perfect for spring!
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Dips & Dressings

Bowl of white bean hummus surrounded by fresh vegetables and pita bread
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Lemon and Herb White Bean Dip
A zesty, herby, lemony dip made with white beans! A protein- and fiber-rich dip or snack made with just 7 wholesome ingredients in 10 minutes. Perfect for spring (or any time!).
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Bowl of Garlic Dill Sunflower Dip on a wood cutting board with fresh vegetables for dipping
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Garlic Dill Sunflower Dip
Savory, bean-free, hummus-inspired dip with sunflower seeds, garlic, dill, and lemon! Just 7 ingredients required, creamy, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for crackers, veggies, sandwiches, and more!
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Skillet of Vegan GF Spinach and Artichoke Dip
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Kale & White Bean Artichoke Dip
A creamy, savory artichoke dip with sautéed kale, white beans, and nutritional yeast for a cheesy kick. A protein-rich plant-based appetizer that requires just 10 ingredients!
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Two jars of carrot ginger dressing next to fresh ginger and a carrot
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Carrot Ginger Dressing
A quick and easy, gingery, Japanese-inspired dressing perfect for adding to salads and bowls! Plant-based, gluten-free, soy-free, and just 1 blender, 8 ingredients, and 10 minutes required.
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Jar of green goddess salad dressing with some dripping off a spoon
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Easy Green Goddess Dressing (Plant-Based!)
Ultra creamy, vibrant green goddess dressing that’s naturally plant-based and packed with flavor. 10 minutes, 1 blender, and 9 ingredients required! Perfect for salads, dipping vegetables, Buddha Bowls, and more!
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Appetizers & Sides

Two plates with vegan crab cakes next to a jar of vegan tartar sauce
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Easy Vegan “Crab” Cakes (GF)
Easy vegan crab cakes that are crispy, flaky, and SO flavorful! Made with chickpeas and jackfruit for a satisfying entrée. Gluten-free optional and just 1 bowl required!
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Platter of Raw Romaine Taco Boats for a refreshing vegan dinner
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Rainbow Raw-maine Taco Boats
Rainbow “Raw-maine” lettuce boats with hummus, fresh veggies, sprouts, and a creamy tahini sauce. Just 15 minutes and no cooking required! Serves 2 as an entrée and 4 as a side / appetizer!
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Veggie collard wraps with a bowl of Green Curry Tahini Sauce
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Vibrant Collard Green Wraps with Green Curry Tahini Sauce
Vibrant collard green wraps packed with hummus, sprouts, and tons of fresh veggies. Serve with a tangy, creamy green curry tahini sauce. Ready in 20 minutes!
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Fork above a plate of roasted cabbage wedges
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Shawarma Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Green Chutney
Crispy roasted cabbage wedges topped with vibrant green chutney. An easy, elegant, versatile, plant-based side. Just 1 pan and 4 ingredients required!
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Platter of crispy tofu lettuce wraps with fresh vegetables and peanut sauce
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Crispy Tofu Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
Crispy, flavorful tofu wraps with fresh veggies and our go-to peanut sauce. Crunchy, light yet satisfying, and BOLD flavors. Just 10 ingredients required!
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Collard Green Spring Rolls in a wood bowl with dipping sauce
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Collard Green Spring Rolls + Sunflower Butter Dipping Sauce
Spring rolls with a twist! Veggies + tofu wrapped in collard greens and served with a spicy-sweet sunflower butter dipping sauce. A satisfying and healthy plant-based snack or side.
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Adding peanut sauce to a Crispy Shallot Spring Roll for a delicious vegan appetizer
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Crispy Shallot Spring Rolls with Seared Tofu
10-ingredient Vietnamese-inspired spring rolls packed with fresh vegetables, tender cooked rice noodles, seared marinated tofu, and crispy sautéed shallot! Paired with peanut sauce, they’re the ultimate plant-based meal or side.
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Soups & Salads

Fork spearing a potato in a bowl of our roasted potato salad recipe
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Easy Roasted Potato Salad with Garlic Dill Dressing
A delicious spin on classic potato salad with roasted gold and sweet potatoes tossed in a zingy, garlicky, herby dressing. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, and year-round! Just 7 ingredients required.
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Bowl of Creamy Asparagus and Pea Soup topped with croutons and asparagus spears
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Creamy Asparagus and Pea Soup
Simple, 30-minute roasted asparagus soup with peas, shallot, and garlic! Almond milk makes this soup so creamy and satisfying and garlic croutons add the perfect finishing touch.
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Top down shot of a bowl of creamy cucumber salad
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Creamy Vegan Cucumber Salad (German-Inspired)
Creamy, German-inspired cucumber salad with fresh dill and tangy coconut yogurt. A refreshing, plant-based side for BBQs and beyond. Just 15 minutes, 10 ingredients, and 1 bowl required!
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Vintage fork in a bowl of our avocado pesto pasta salad recipe
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Avocado Pesto Pasta Salad
A quick, light, and flavorful pasta made with an herby avocado pesto! Just 10 simple ingredients required and seasonally adaptable!
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Salad spoons in a big wood bowl filled with Arugula Salad with Crispy Shallots
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Lemony Arugula Salad with Crispy Shallot
Our go-to side salad with arugula, roasted garlic, lemon vinaigrette, crispy sautéed shallot, and our 5-minute macadamia nut cheese! Perfect for hosting and beyond!
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Using wooden salad spoons to grab a serving of our colorful Mango Salad with Peanut Dressing
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Vibrant Mango Salad with Peanut Dressing
A quick and easy Thai-inspired salad with fresh vegetables and mango! Drizzle on a simple peanut dressing for a delicious side, or add a protein of choice to make it an entrée.
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Platter of our Lentil Curry Salad made with Kale, Roasted Veggies, and Green Curry Dressing
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Curry Roasted Vegetable & Lentil Kale Salad
A hearty, intensely flavorful kale salad with roasted curried vegetables, lentils, and a tangy, spicy green curry dressing. Just 30 minutes required!
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Platter filled with our healthy Loaded Kale Salad recipe
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Loaded Kale Salad
Healthy and delicious loaded kale salad with quinoa, roasted and fresh vegetables, avocado, and a creamy tahini dressing! Just 10 ingredients required.
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Using wooden tongs to pick up fresh vegetable noodle salad
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Raw Rainbow Veggie Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing
A light and refreshing rainbow veggie noodle salad with a savory-sweet peanut dressing. Just 30 minutes required for this vibrant, plant-based side or meal.
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Mains

Sprinkling vegan parmesan cheese over a bowl of pasta al limone
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Vegan Pasta Al Limone
A pasta that screams spring: Pasta Al Limone! Our vegan take doesn’t skimp on lemony, cheesy flavor or mega creamy texture. Just 10 ingredients and simple methods required!
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Tamari and a vegan sushi bowl with ginger marinated tofu
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Vegan Sushi Bowls with Ginger Marinated Tofu
Easy vegan sushi bowls with marinated tofu, fresh vegetables, rice, seaweed, and quick pickled carrots! All the fresh, delicious flavor of sushi in convenient, versatile bowl form. Just 10 ingredients required!
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Grabbing a slice of gluten-free vegan Socca Pizza from a plate
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Socca Pizza with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Pesto
A grain- and gluten-free alternative to traditional pizza with chickpea flour crust, vegan pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes! Just 10 ingredients required!
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Bowl of vegan noodle stir fry with tofu
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Tofu Noodle Stir-Fry with Spring Vegetables
A colorful, flavorful, veggie and noodle stir-fry perfect for spring and beyond! Gluten-free, plant-based, and protein-packed. Versatile and just 10 ingredients required!
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Spring Buddha Bowl with pickled vegetables, quinoa, kale, and white beans
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Spring Buddha Bowl with Quinoa & Lemony White Beans
A Buddha bowl that’s perfect for spring! Fluffy quinoa, lemony marinated white beans, massaged kale salad, lemon & herb bean dip, Green Goddess Dressing, and optional pickled vegetables! Just 10 ingredients required and perfect for meal prep!
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Cutting board with several Raw Burritos, lime wedges, and bowls of hot sauce, pickled onion, and salsa
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Vegan Collard Green Burritos
Easy-to-make, 8-ingredient, 30-minute vegan burritos wrapped in collard greens! Stuffed with wholesome ingredients like Raw Vegan Taco Meat, Vegan Mexican Cheese, Red Salsa, avocado, and more! The perfect quick and portable lunch or snack.
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Platter filled with our incredible Noodle-Free Pad Thai recipe
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Noodle-Free Pad Thai (30 Minutes!)
Amazing noodle-free Pad Thai with rainbow vegetables and a spicy-sweet almond butter sauce. Just 30 minutes required and SO versatile!
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Big bowl of Gluten-Free Vegan Pea Pesto Pasta made with sun-dried tomatoes and arugula
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Pea Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Arugula (Vegan + GF)
Amazing, 30-minute pea pesto pasta that's vegan, gluten-free, and tossed with arugula and sun-dried tomatoes. A hearty, flavorful plant-based meal or side.
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Nourish bowl with roasted sweet potato, romaine, parsley salad, dill garlic sauce, hummus, sauerkraut, tahini, and za'atar
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Garlic & Herb Sweet Potato Nourish Bowl (30 Minutes!)
Incredibly nourishing bowl with greens, parsley salad, quick-roasted sweet potato, za’atar, hummus, and our 4-ingredient dill garlic sauce! Ready in 30 minutes, BIG flavor, so delicious!
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Gluten-Free vegan Crispy Miso Chickpea Bowl with fresh vegetables and brown rice
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Crispy Miso Chickpea Bowls with Garlic Sesame Dressing
Wholesome, satisfying bowls with warm cooked grains, crispy miso chickpeas, fresh veggies, and a tangy garlic sesame dressing! Just 10 ingredients and simple methods required.
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Fork resting in a Black Bean Buddha Bowl topped with Lemon Tahini Sauce
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Black Bean Buddha Bowl with Gingery Lemon Tahini Sauce
Incredibly comforting black bean Buddha bowl with steamed kale, brown rice, and gingery lemon tahini sauce! Nourishing ingredients, BIG flavor, a hearty plant-based meal.
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Platter of Vegetable Quinoa Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with a measuring cup of chimichurri
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Quinoa & Vegetable Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Quinoa, black bean, and vegetable stuffed portobello mushrooms with magic green sauce! A hearty, wholesome 30-minute plant-based meal.
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Wooden spoon in a skillet of Creamy Vegan Mushroom Asparagus Pasta
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Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Pasta (GF)
Creamy mushroom and asparagus pasta that’s entirely gluten-free and requires just 30 minutes to prepare! A hearty, quick, and flavorful plant-based meal.
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Bowl of vegan risotto with miso, spring vegetables, and vegan parmesan
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Vegan Risotto with Miso and Spring Vegetables
Easy, delicious risotto with asparagus, mushrooms, and peas. Vibrant umami flavor from miso paste and white wine. Just 8 ingredients required and perfect for spring (and beyond!).
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Desserts

Showing the fluffy texture of our vegan lemon cake
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Lemon Loaf Cake (Vegan/GF)
Fluffy, tender lemon cake made in 1 bowl! Vegan and gluten-free and topped with a stunning 3-ingredient glaze. Perfect for spring and beyond!
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Slice of vegan gluten-free strawberry cake next to the rest of the cake
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Vegan Strawberry Cake (GF)
Fluffy strawberry cake that’s undetectably vegan and gluten-free! Infused with vibrant strawberry flavor and perfectly sweet. Just 9 ingredients required!
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Squares of chocolate mint brownie bars
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No-Bake Mint Chocolate Brownie Bars
Incredible No-Bake Mint Chocolate Brownie Bars! Layers of no-bake brownie, creamy coconut mint, and chocolate ganache create the ultimate dessert for chocolate-mint lovers. Just 10 ingredients and simple methods required. Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
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Half eaten Mini Vegan Key Lime Pie on a cutting board
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7-Ingredient Vegan Key Lime Pies
7-ingredient key lime pie bites with a simple graham cracker crust! Perfectly tart, creamy, and so satisfying.
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Batch of Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars topped with lemon slices and powdered sugar
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Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars
Creamy, naturally sweetened vegan lemon bars made with 10 simple ingredients and a delicious gluten-free crust.
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Partially eaten slice of Raw Carrot Cake resting beside the rest of the cake
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Raw Carrot Cake with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting
Raw vegan carrot cake made with 10 wholesome ingredients! Tender, 30 minutes to make, and topped with an optional cashew cream cheese frosting! 
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Blue bowl filled with a batch of our vegan Lemon Donut Holes
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No-Bake Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Donut Holes
Tender no-bake donut holes infused with lemon juice and zest and speckled with poppy seeds! A 30-minute naturally sweetened, easy-to-make snack or dessert!
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Stack of strawberry cheesecake bars on a plate
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Strawberry Cheesecake Bars (Vegan + GF)
The decadent flavors of tangy cheesecake and fresh strawberry swirled together into gluten-free, vegan-friendly bars! Oat-almond crust, naturally sweetened, 10 ingredients required!
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Picking up a Gluten-Free Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bar from a parchment-lined cutting board
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Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars (GF)
Simple strawberry rhubarb crumble bars with a crumbly oat topping! Naturally sweetened, vegan and gluten-free, 10 ingredients, and so delicious!
Make The Recipe

If you try any of these spring recipes, let us know! Leave a comment, or take a picture and tag it @minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!

Enjoy seasonal eating? Be sure to check out our guides to What’s In Season Summer and What’s In Season August.

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  1. Cecilia says

    Hi. I downloaded your recipe book, however the print is very light and hard to see. I have to increase the page zoom. I love your style of cooking and your great recipes. I made your strawberry cake and frosting for my 70th birthday this past July! Keep it coming.

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Hi Curtis, thanks so much! We don’t have another one in the plans at this time, but will share an update if that changes.

  2. Bella says

    These all look so incredible! Thank you for your constant inspiration and for making plant-based eating so fun and creative!:)

  3. Charlene says

    Wow!! Everything looks so beautiful and so good!! Can’t wait to start cooking. Thank you for sharing.