Article Updated March 17, 2026

Spring has sprung and while the tulips are lovely, there’s another vibrant plant of the season that deserves our attention: rhubarb. This often-misunderstood stalk gifts us a tangy, tart flavor that’s begging to be a part of your farmers’ market or grocery store haul. We’ve rounded up seven springtime rhubarb recipes that will add a zing to your daily breakfast, lunch, dessert, and cocktail hour. Let us celebrate these beautiful ribbons of red with recipes that really show what this vegetable has to offer.

When is Peak Rhubarb Season?

The peak rhubarb season is much shorter than you would expect only lasting from April to June. Once the weather gets too hot (or takes too long to transition from the cold into spring) rhubarb struggles to grow. Even if you have just planted rhubarb, it’s recommended to wait at least two years before taking in your first harvest so the roots have time to establish and the plant as a whole can take on the process without harm.

Let Spring in With 10 Special Rhubarb Recipes

Strawberry Rhubarb Negroni

We love a Negroni and during a cocktail series where we experimented with different flavors and spirits, this Strawberry Rhubarb recipe came out on top. Your classic ingredients of gin, vermouth, and campari meet Cocchi Americano, rhubarb bitters, and a slice of strawberry for garnish. The final result is sophisticated with a balance of sweet and bitter.

Rhubarb Frangipane Tart

This tart may look a little intimidating but don’t worry, you don’t have to weave the lattice work as we did. On the inside, this Rhubarb Frangipane Tart is actually fairly simple. The hardest part of the recipe is waiting the full time for the tart to bake in the oven.

Rhubarb Paloma

For those who have never had a paloma, we’re starting your expectations off high with a Rhubarb Paloma. A perfect representation of springtime, rhubarb’s season, this paloma is a bit fruity but follows with a bracingly tart rhubarb syrup. Not to mention…you can leave out the tequila for a mocktail version.

Strawberry Rhubarb Tart

You’ve heard of strawberry rhubarb pie but what about a Strawberry Rhubarb Tart? Instead of a thick crust that overtakes the entire filling, our tart keeps the crust on the outside. Plus, the filling leaves room for variation in how you cut your rhubarb, how much sugar you add, and the amount of strawberries you use.

Strawberry Rhubarb Salad

The ability to mix and match various types of lettuce and strawberries together with a balsamic dressing using strawberry rhubarb jam makes this salad a hit at any party. On top of the strawberry rhubarb goodness you’ll also find red onion, walnuts, and cucumber throughout this nutritious recipe.

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Cocktail

A drinkable pie? Even better actually, a drinkable pie with a healthy dose of gin too. This Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Cocktail is for all the dessert lovers out there. It tastes just like the traditional pie recipe with the use of a homemade strawberry syrup, lemon juice, and rhubarb bitters. Replace the gin with sparkling water and you’ve got your non-alcoholic spritz for the summer ready to go.

Strawberry Rhubarb Thumbprint Cookies

Every strawberry meal needs a sweet treat to finish it off. Let yourself get creative baking up these Strawberry Rhubarb Thumbprint Cookies featuring a unique shape and colorful sprinkles. Each crunchy cookie surrounds a thumbprint filling of delicious strawberry rhubarb jam.

Rhubarb, Apple, and Walnut Coffee Cake

No matter if you have fresh or frozen rhubarb on hand, you can bake up a Rhubarb, Apple, and Walnut Coffee Cake for your mornings. This hearty loaf solves your morning hunger while also providing a decadent start to your day. Try a slice with butter and honey slathered on top.

Rhubarb Gimlet

A gimlet is a mix of gin and lime juice though sometimes you’ll find a simple syrup or flavor thrown in for sweetness. This Rhubarb Gimlet introduces a rhubarb simple syrup that you can make at home and then store for other delicious cocktails of your own.

Rhubarb Tagine with Chickpeas

Chickpeas are a fulfilling and nutritious addition to any dish. In this Tagine, we slow-cook rhubarb with plenty of aromatic spices like ginger and cumin along with tomatoes, chickpeas, dates, dark brown sugar, and a bit of broth.

Story by Kylie Thomas

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