19 Asparagus Recipe Ideas to Share With Even the Pickiest Eaters (2024)

Whether grilled, roasted, or baked—main dish or side—these best asparagus recipes will add spring flavor and loads of nutrients to your menu. With asparagus soup recipes, asparagus frittatas, and fried asparagus ideas, these fresh asparagus recipes will change the way you think about this versatile spring vegetable.

How To Grow Asparagus and Enjoy it Season After Season

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Panko Roasted Asparagus

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19 Asparagus Recipe Ideas to Share With Even the Pickiest Eaters (1)

So simple yet so delicious, this easy asparagus recipe is a must-try side dish. A slather of mayo-Dijon sauce and a coating of crispy panko make this 6-ingredient roasted vegetable dish irresistible. Warning: It might be challenging not to eat the whole pan yourself!

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Chicken and Asparagus Skillet Supper

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Even though it tastes like a restaurant-quality dish, there's no time-consuming process for this, one of our best asparagus recipes for dinner. Just pop the stalks and some summer squash in the microwave as the chicken thighs sear up in a skillet. The whole recipe calls for six ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes!

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Asparagus Falafel

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Chickpeas alone shouldn't get to have all the falafel fun. This unique asparagus recipe proves that incorporating asparagus stalks into vegetarian patties is doable—and delicious. Blend asparagus spears with chickpeas and Mediterranean seasonings, coat in cornmeal, and bake for crispy yet far-from-greasy falafel.

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Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

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Bacon and asparagus are culinary BFFs, and this roasted asparagus recipe reminds you why. You can have a gourmet side dish in less than 30 minutes and on one sheet pan. A sweet-spicy glaze with honey, cayenne pepper, and mustard contrasts the salty-savory bacon, and each stalk of asparagus is coated in all that goodness. (We don't know about you, but our mouths are already watering!)

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Asparagus-Tuna Casserole

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A vibrant mix of white, purple, and green asparagus transforms classic tuna casserole into a colorful springy entrée. The vitamin-packed vegetable adds texture to the creamy dish, while Kalamata olives contribute the perfect hint of saltiness to the tasty dinner idea with asparagus. Don't skip the Parmesan-spiked breadcrumbs—they offer a beautiful complementary crunch to the luscious casserole filling.

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Grilled Asparagus in Dill Butter

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Cracked black pepper, fresh dill, and minced garlic swirl into melted butter to drizzle over fresh asparagus spears. The simple side dish reigns supreme over other grilled asparagus recipes thanks to a shower of Parmesan cheese (and the fact that you need less than five ingredients to make it).

Test Kitchen Tip: For even doneness and browning, as you grill asparagus, line up the stalks along the grill rack and roll the spears often.

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Crab and Asparagus Frittata

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That's right; this baked asparagus recipe is brunch-ready with crab, veggies, and eggs. It might be the most decadent—but simplest—meal you'll ever make before noon. This egg recipe, featuring 1½ cups of asparagus and plenty of fresh herbs, makes a meal once you add a slice of toast or roasted potatoes.

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Spaghetti with Seared Asparagus

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This creative asparagus recipe gives spaghetti night a whole new look. Skip your usual tomato sauce and top your noodles with white asparagus, hazelnuts, and panko bread crumbs. No one will even miss the meatballs (although you could absolutely serve some on the side or as a starter if you like!).

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Lamb Fatteh with Asparagus

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With all the ways to prepare it, asparagus has nearly endless possibilities in savory preparations. This sautéed asparagus recipe might be one of our favorites. Simmer the crispy spring spears in lamb broth until tender for this colorful dinner recipe that offers a Middle Eastern flavor.

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Asparagus Noodle Bowl

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Bacon tiptoes from breakfast into dinner territory in this can't-be-missed one-pan meal. With white wine, garlic, and smoked paprika also in the mix, the healthy and fresh asparagus recipe is anything but bland. Tomato and chicken round out the hearty yet healthy-ish asparagus pasta dish.

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Asparagus Spring Rolls

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Switch up your party snack repertoire with fresh Asian spring rolls. Start by making the quick-pickled asparagus recipe, and while that marinates, prepare the herb-spiked eggs, hearty ham slices, and tangy lime aioli. After just 30 minutes of multitasking during pickling time, the easy asparagus recipe is ready to assemble. The results are impressive and delicious.

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Spring Green Smoothies

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File this under "unexpected things to do with asparagus." Blend it! Fresh asparagus adds sneaky nutrition to this healthy green smoothie recipe. Blitz the veggie with baby spinach, green grapes, and kiwi for a tasty way to get started on your five-a-day goal.

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Bacon-Asparagus Strata

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Start the morning right with a rich strata stuffed with bell peppers, asparagus, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese. To make this baked asparagus recipe as low-stress as possible while entertaining, assemble the entire breakfast entrée up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until it's time to bake. Then, morning brunch menu prep will be a breeze.

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Creamy Potato and Asparagus Soup

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We're giving spud soup a springtime makeover! To try it yourself, top the velvety potato-asparagus soup recipe with sautéed asparagus and crisp honey-drizzled bacon for a warming weeknight supper. The best part: These bowls are ready to serve in just 30 minutes.

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Asparagus Salad with Marinated Peas and Little Gem Lettuce

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As if you need another reason to eat your greens, this crisp asparagus salad recipe proves itself as a delicious, energy-boosting lunch option. Once you put an egg on it, this refreshing dish will inspire even the veggie-averse to dive in. The runny yolk from the poached eggs doubles the "dressing," too!

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Asparagus Fritter Sticks with Dill Mustard

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Ready for a whole new method for cooking asparagus? These crispy "fries" are actually lightly battered stalks of asparagus. Make your own by rolling asparagus spears in a light batter and sizzling them in a skillet. As those cook, mix Dijon-style mustard, honey, and dill for a tasty dipping sauce for the fried asparagus recipe.

Oven-Fried Veggies

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Ham and Asparagus Macaroni

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Comfort food alert! This hearty weeknight version of macaroni and cheese is all grown up. Adults will love the addition of tender asparagus, fresh dill, and paprika, while kids will appreciate its traditional cream sauce and the pieces of ham in this Parmesan asparagus recipe.

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Garlicky Baked Asparagus Flatbread

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Pizza night rarely looks this light and fresh. You'll make a big statement at your next get-together if you come bearing this unique baked asparagus recipe. Slather Parmesan sauce on purchased pizza dough before topping with mozzarella, yellow squash, garlic, and asparagus. Drizzle honey on top for an unexpected bit of sweetness.

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Fresh Asparagus Ribbon Salad

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This fresh asparagus recipe is a celebration of the veggie. A sharp vegetable peeler makes quick work of slicing large spears into ribbons in this elegant asparagus salad recipe. Mix in radish and cucumber slices before topping with a light, creamy chive dressing.

Buy It: OXO Prep Y-Peeler ($10, Bed Bath & Beyond)

19 Asparagus Recipe Ideas to Share With Even the Pickiest Eaters (2024)

FAQs

What pairs best with asparagus? ›

These asparagus recipes pair well with nearly every main course, whether you're grilling out or cooking in: steaks and burgers, chicken of all kinds, salmon, scallops and shrimp, mushroom risotto, simple pasta with garlic and olive oil, omelets and frittatas.

Why shouldn't you cut the ends off asparagus? ›

It is not necessary to trim asparagus. On some spears, especially fresh, pencil-thin stalks, the woody ends may tenderize once cooked. But on larger stalks, the ends of the asparagus are often woody and dense—Which makes them difficult to chew, no matter how soft the asparagus is after cooking.

What is the most popular way to eat asparagus? ›

Asparagus develops a rich flavor when roasted, making this one of the most popular ways to eat the vegetable.

What is the best way to cook and eat asparagus? ›

Asparagus is great quickly stir-fried or sautéed over high heat. You could sauté spears in butter or olive oil with delicious results, but throwing some chopped herbs or sliced chiles into the pan adds wonderful flavor. Both of these methods produce juicy asparagus that retains its crunch.

What is a good companion with asparagus? ›

From tomatoes and basil to strawberries, peas, carrots, and cucumbers, there are a host of friendly allies you can include in your asparagus bed. On the flip side, remember to avoid planting alliums, potatoes, and beans near your asparagus to prevent any detrimental competition.

What spice or herb goes well with asparagus? ›

Asparagus
  • Spices: smoked paprika, chipotle chili & cumin.
  • Fine herbs: rosemary, basil, dill, marjoram, Mediterranean oregano, thyme, cilantro, etc.
  • Spices: Allspice, curry, ginger, pepper, paprika, cayenne, mustard,
  • Fine herbs: basil, sage, bay leaf, oregano, parsley, savory, tarragon.
Jul 10, 2015

What not to do with asparagus? ›

The most common mistake people make when prepping raw asparagus is doing it too far in advance. They'll turn wilty and unpleasantly chewy if chopped or peeled ahead of time.

What happens if you eat too much asparagus? ›

Because of its high fiber content, asparagus can cause flatulence, stomach cramps, and gastric upset in some people. Asparagus contains asparagusic acid that may break down to sulfurous compounds and lend a funny smell to your urine.

What month is best to eat asparagus? ›

You will find the best asparagus during spring. Asparagus season usually starts around late February and goes until June, but the peak months are in April and May. There are many different varieties of asparagus but the three most widely found are green, white and purple.

How many stalks of asparagus should you eat? ›

For asparagus, a standard serving size is six medium spears, a 1/2 cup of pieces, or just over three ounces cooked. For only 20 calories, you get a lot of nutrients!

Should asparagus be soaked in water before cooking? ›

I trim the ends and then rinse the stalks and let them sit in cold water for five minutes. It hydrates the asparagus, and they cook more quickly, for they are already wet with some moisture within them. Do not soak them for thirty minutes, you are not trying to get them soggy.

Do you wash off asparagus before cooking? ›

One thing you definitely don't want to do is wash asparagus before storing it—the added moisture will cause the spears to get slimy. When you're ready to cook, just give them a quick rinse under cool running water and pat them dry with a kitchen towel, as Pradhan recommends.

What is the recipe for asparagus jamie oliver? ›

Simply preheat the oven to 220°C, gas mark 7, line a tray with foil or baking paper, lay the asparagus spears onto the tray, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also try adding a couple of fresh cloves of garlic and a little grating of lemon zest. Roast for ten minutes.

What food pairs well with white asparagus? ›

In Europe, white asparagus is traditionally eaten with a rich sauce such as hollandaise or simply melted butter and salty ham, but it is much more versatile than these classic pairings. The green aromas found in white asparagus complement those found in coffee, making them a great – if a little unusual – match.

Why is asparagus paired with steak? ›

The fattiness of the ribeye steak pairs well with the bitter notes of the asparagus and helps balance the overall meal. Plus its just a classic combination that I always find my self going back to.

What to avoid when buying asparagus? ›

Avoid stalks that appear limp or wilted. The tips of asparagus should be closed and compact, free from spreading or softness. Color: Asparagus should be should be rich in green color, softly fading to white at the bottom of the stalk. Avoid those dull in color, as this indicates the asparagus is passed freshness.

What part of the body is asparagus good for? ›

Asparagus contains potassium, an important nutrient for keeping your heart, bones, kidneys and nerves functioning and healthy, per the NIH. This stalky vegetable also consists of a compound called asparaptine, which may help improve blood flow, and in turn, may lower blood pressure.

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