No matter the time of year, crunchy foods are a must. Panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) provides just that. Ready to improve any dish it touches, panko is great for coating and baking proteins or topping veggies for some textural twists. Sauté with a little butter and herbs and you’ll soon be sprinkling it on everything.

Fruity olive oil

Veggies shine in the spring, so highlight their natural flavors with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Opt for a fruity olive oil, the higher quality the better, and you won’t have to do much else. It’s perfect for produce that has been grilled or needs something to be tossed in.

Sparkling water

As the weather warms up, cold drinks become the new norm. Forget warm coffees or teas and reach for a bubbly beverage made from sparkling water. Avoid sugary syrups for flavoring. Instead, choose fresh fruits and herbs to create infused waters that will have you hydrating without thinking.

Nuts

As fresh herbs come into season, pestos will soon be popping up everywhere. Stock up on nuts of all varieties to step up your pesto-making game. Go traditional with pine nuts or get more adventurous with choices like cashews or pistachios. Roughly chopped nuts add a great crunch to side salads or steamed veggies, too.

Balsamic glaze

Not to be confused with balsamic vinegar, balsamic glaze is a thicker version that works as a fantastic sauce for many dishes. Have a bottle on hand to drizzle atop fresh asparagus, salads and other dishes that need a burst of tangy flavor.

(Cooking Light empowers people to cook more for good health. Online at www.cookinglight.com.)

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