Spring is the perfect time to refresh your meals with bright, vibrant produce—and vitamin C is one nutrient your body absolutely thrives on this season.

From immune support and glowing skin to wound healing and collagen production, these easy, plant based recipes are bursting with vitamin C and flavor!

Whether you’re prepping meals ahead or making something quick and fresh, these dishes will make you feel energized from the inside out.

As we head into spring and summer, it’s the perfect time to load up on vitamin C–rich foods that are just as refreshing as they are good for your health.

Vitamin C isn’t just for boosting your immune system during cold season — it plays a key role in collagen production for healthy skin, helps your body absorb iron, supports mood and brain health, and even protects your cells from sun damage.

The best part? These recipes make it easy (and delicious) to get more of it.

From zesty citrus salads to cooling, dairy free ice creams, this roundup is full of fresh, whole food recipes you’ll actually want to eat all spring and summer long!

Top Benefits of Vitamin C:

1. Boosts Immunity – Strengthens your immune system to help fight off colds, flu, and infections.

2. Supports Collagen Production – Essential for healthy skin, joints, and wound healing.

3. Enhances Iron Absorption – Helps your body absorb more iron from plant-based sources (especially important in vegan diets).

4. Fights Free Radicals – Acts as a powerful antioxidant that protects your cells from damage.

5. Brightens Skin + Protects Against Sun Damage – Helps reduce hyperpigmentation and supports skin health from within.

6. Improves Mood and Brain Function – Vitamin C plays a role in neurotransmitter synthesis, which can support serotonin production and reduce fatigue.

7. Reduces Inflammation – Helps calm inflammation in the body, which supports overall wellness.

8. Speeds Up Recovery and Healing – Promotes tissue repair after injury or surgery.

Vegan Lemon Lavender Ice Cream

This dreamy, floral dessert is refreshing and light, with calming lavender and zesty lemon to support your mood and skin health. It’s dairy-free, no-churn, and made with real ingredients — perfect for warm spring days.
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4-Ingredient Tangerine Dreamsicle Ice Cream

Packed with natural vitamin C from juicy tangerines and made with just four ingredients, this frozen treat feels indulgent but is secretly good for your immune system.
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Arugula Quinoa Salad with Orange Poppyseed Dressing

This crunchy, peppery salad is loaded with citrus and fiber-rich quinoa — a plant-based protein powerhouse. The orange poppyseed dressing is bursting with vitamin C to help boost iron absorption.
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The Best Roasted Mango Salsa

Sweet roasted mango and bell peppers make this salsa bright and rich in antioxidants. Mango is high in vitamin C and great for skin health and digestion.
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Creamy Zucchini Lemon Pasta

A silky, plant-based pasta made with seasonal zucchini and a zing of lemon — this dish supports digestion and detoxification while being completely dairy-free and comforting.
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Red Cabbage Ragu

This deeply nourishing meal uses red cabbage, which is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that fight inflammation and support immune balance.
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Gut-Healthy Green Cabbage Slaw

A crunchy, tangy slaw made with vitamin C-rich green cabbage and gut-soothing ingredients. Ideal for spring detoxes or as a fresh topping for any meal.
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Pink Princess Salad

This beauty-boosting salad is loaded with beets, strawberries, and citrus — all great for heart health, skin glow, and hormonal balance.
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Roasted Bell Pepper Soup with Air Fried Gnocchi

This one-sheet-pan soup is rich, smoky, and creamy without cream. Red bell peppers deliver more vitamin C than oranges, and the air-fried gnocchi makes it filling and fun. Great for meal prep!
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2-Ingredient Carrot Button Noodles with Chili Garlic Sauce

Bright orange carrots are a sneaky source of vitamin C, and this fun, gluten-free noodle recipe comes together in minutes. Perfect for quick lunches, meal prep, and skin-loving nutrients.
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Creamy Lemon Cup Sorbet

This creamy lemon dessert is served in real lemon cups for a zesty, show-stopping treat that tastes like sunshine. Packed with fresh lemon juice, it delivers a boost of vitamin C to support collagen production and skin repair.

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