20 Sweet & Savory Rhubarb Recipes to Make on Lazy Spring Days
Spring is officially here! The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of spring is shopping for fresh spring produce at my local farmer’s market. I usually have to force myself to eat fruit most of the year, but spring is the one exception where I’ll gladly drink a homemade fruit smoothie!
I also love baking with seasonal ingredients. In the spring and summer that usually means finding recipes with strawberries, blueberries, lavender, lemon, and all the citrus I can find. This year, I’m excited to try rhubarb for the first time! Thank you Pinterest for that suggestion.
For the longest time, I had no idea that rhubarb even existed. But I tried a strawberry rhubarb pie for the first time last year and oh my gosh, I am now obsessed! I cannot wait to bake with rhubarb this spring.
As we’re about to hit April, I figured this would be a good time to write a round-up of 20 sweet & savory rhubarb recipes that I’m inspired to try this spring & summer. There’s so many different ways you can use rhubarb – in jams, sauces, desserts, salads, and even in meat-based dishes. It’s truly a versatile ingredient.
Okay enough chit-chatting, let’s get to the post!
But First – What Exactly Is Rhubarb?
Not going to lie, when I first heard of rhubarb, I thought it was some kind of herb. On further research, I learned that rhubarb is actually a vegetable, although many people mistake it for a fruit. It’s usually only available in the spring and summer months.
Rhubarb has a crisp texture when raw but softens when cooked, making it a popular choice for jams, sauces, and baked goods. It has a tart, tangy flavor that balances well with sugar. It also has a gorgeous pink-red color that makes it pop!
Just an FYI – the stalks are the only edible part of the plant. The leaves are toxic and should always be discarded.
What to Pair with Rhubarb
- Strawberries – this is rhubarb’s most popular partner in crime. You’ll find many recipes for strawberry rhubarb pies, jams, and other desserts
- Yogurt or ice cream – the creaminess of dairy products is a great compliment to the tangy flavor of rhubarb
- Meats – rhubarb pairs very well with rich meats like pork or duck
- Citrus fruits – enhances the brightness of rhubarb, and also gives a refreshing zing!
Rhubarb Dessert Recipes
1. Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Image source + credit: Brown Eyed Baker
Strawberry and rhubarb are like peanut butter & jelly. This is a classic dessert that everyone needs to try at least once! It’s sweet, yet tangy and is a wonderful way to enjoy spring produce. You can make it for Easter brunch, Mother’s Day, bring it to a picnic, or just enjoy as a mid-week treat!
2. Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Image source + credit: Cookie + Kate
This is a gluten-free recipe and healthier dessert option. You can even make it for breakfast! I love the crunchy, crumbly topping to this recipe.
3. Rhubarb Muffins
Image source + credit: Spend With Pennies
These simple rhubarb muffins are quick & easy to make and ready to eat in less than an hour! If you’re new to the world of rhubarb, this is a great recipe to try. These muffins would also look perfect in a little Easter dessert basket or box.
4. Rhubarb Scones
Image source + credit: Seasons and Suppers
Scones are one of my favorite things to bake since they’re not super sweet and pair wonderfully with my morning cup of joe. You can also enjoy these scones for a light Sunday morning brunch, or make them for a tea party or a spring garden party!
5. Rhubarb Coffee Cake
Image source + credit: Our Happy Mess
I am so in love with coffee cakes. They’re not super sweet, have a crunchy-ish topping and they go great with a cup of coffee. Win, win, win in my book!
6. Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars
Image source + credit: Sally’s Baking Addiction
These bars are easy to make and are a lovely dish to bring a spring or summer gathering! You can even bake & freeze these ahead of time or freeze the leftovers to enjoy later.
7. Homemade Rhubarb Lemonade
Image source + credit: The Rooted Farmhouse
Ok this one technically isn’t a dessert, but I just had to include it on this list! I love making refreshing mocktails in the summer, and I’ll definitely be adding this rhubarb lemonade to my list this year. If you’re a fan of tart juices and tangy drinks, this is definitely one you’ll want to try.
8. Strawberry Rhubarb Sorbet
Image source + credit: Nicky’s Kitchen Sanctuary
I love that this sorbet recipe is simple, clean, and free of refined sugar! It’s a refreshing treat to enjoy on hot summer days where you want a little indulgence but still want to be healthy.
Rhubarb Jams & Spreads
9. Simple Rhubarb Jam
Image source + credit: A Cookie Named Desire
I love making my own jams & jellies, mostly because I’m trying to reduce my intake of refined sugar and like to avoid sugar alternatives in packaged jams. This simple rhubarb jam tastes delicious on toast, scones, or even ice cream!
10. Rhubarb Compote
Image source + credit: Minimalist Baker
This compote recipe just has 2 simple ingredients and is ready in just 20 minutes! A compote is similar to jam, but compote usually has larger pieces and isn’t really meant to be spread like jams, jellies, or chutney. I recommend using it as a topping for ice cream, waffles, or pancakes.
11. Rhubarb Chutney
Image source + credit: Recipes Made Easy
Chutneys are a great accompaniment to crackers, charcuterie boards, meats, or even inside a sandwich. Rhubarb gives this chutney the perfect amount of tang. It’s also an easy recipe to make, and you can store the chutney for up to a year!
Rhubarb Breakfast Recipes
12. Strawberry Rhubarb Bread
Image source + credit: Averie Cooks
This bread is delicious with breakfast or your morning cup of coffee. I love the crumble and glaze, which gives it more dimension and makes it taste absolutely divine!
13. Strawberry Rhubarb Baked Oatmeal
Image source + credit: Running on Real Food
This is a delicious hearty breakfast recipe for the spring and summer months! I love incorporating seasonal produce into usual meals, and this is a great way to add rhubarb into a simple breakfast dish. Oatmeal is also very healthy and a great filling option to start your day.
14. Mascarpone Rhubarb Stuffed French Toast
Image source + credit: Sugar Hero
How delicious and decadent does this French toast sound?! I love everything mascarpone, but I never thought of adding it to French toast before! This is a perfect dish to make for Easter brunch or just a lazy Sunday morning at home.
15. Strawberry Rhubarb Yogurt Parfait
Image source + credit: Nourished with Tish
Yogurt parfaits are one of my favorite breakfasts in the summer when I’m just craving something light and fruity. Strawberry and rhubarb pair together in this recipe to give you a sweet & tangy start to your day!
Savory Dishes
16. Tangy Rhubarb Soup
Image source + credit: Where Is My Spoon
This is probably one of the most unique soup recipes I have seen! It’s a delicious, tangy soup that includes broken up pieces of bacon omelette inside. It’s a savory accompaniment to any spring or summer dinner.
17. Crispy Rhubarb Lemon Chicken Bake
Image source + credit: Cotter Crunch
Make this delicious high-protein dinner with a sweet & tangy punch! I love a cozy chicken bake, even in the warmer months, and this recipe is absolutely perfect for a summer comfort dinner on a rainy summer day.
18. Pork Chops with Rhubarb Compote
Image source + credit: Mom’s Kitchen Handbook
This is another savory dinner that you can serve up in under an hour! Bust out your cast iron skillet and make these delicious pork chops that pair beautifully with a rhubarb compote.
19. Strawberry Rhubarb Salad
Image source + credit: Fit Bottomed Girls
Hopefully by now you can see that strawberry and rhubarb make an unbeatable combo! You can pair them together to create this delicious, vibrant, colorful salad that you can pack for lunch or enjoy with dinner.
20. Fish Tacos with Rhubarb-Pineapple Salsa
Image source + credit: The Kitchn
Add this refreshing rhubarb-pineapple salsa to tacos for a yummy weeknight dinner! I think this salsa would also go great with tortilla chips if you’re craving something a little lighter.
I hope you found this roundup of rhubarb recipes inspiring for baking & meal planning this spring and summer! Do you have any other favorite rhubarb recipes? I’d love to hear them in the comments below!
Enjoy your lazy Sunday!
Check out my other recipe round-ups!
- 20 Sweet & Savory Rhubarb Recipes to Make on Lazy Spring Days
- 20 Easy Cinco de Mayo Recipes for a Stress-Free Feast
- 20 Salad Recipes You Will Love
- 20 Easter Dessert Recipes You Have to Try
- 25 Easy & Delicious Easter Dinner Recipe Ideas
- 18 St. Patrick’s Day Treat Recipes
- 10 Quick & Easy Valentine’s Day Dessert Recipes
