There has been a huge push in recent years to seasonal food, and it’s not hard to see why. Summer Strawberry and winter leafy green vegetables have more flavor (and nutrients!) than out-of-season produce. Although it is true that you can find asparagus on grocery store shelves year-round, this spring vegetables technically only in season from late April to June. Admittedly I’m late into the game and have only recently begun to appreciate the amazing versatility of asparagus. But when it comes down to it, it’s hard to find a dish where the addition of asparagus doesn’t taste better — and these 15 asparagus recipes are all the proof you need.
From roasting skinny spears at a family barbecue to shaving plump stalks of asparagus into coleslaw, asparagus leaves you with plenty of room to experiment. When it comes down to it, you really can’t go wrong with this naturally delicious vegetable. Keep scrolling to see how many ways you can use asparagus from ordinary to special. Of course, if you like to keep things simple and streamlined, asparagus will never let you down. And I want to know in the comments — what’s your favorite way to cook asparagus?
Dolly’s Coriander Black Rice with Grilled Garlic and Asparagus and Oatmeal
Why we love it: Black rice combined with crispy almonds and asparagus spears is a wonderful texture made from heaven. Drizzle with some good olive oil and add lemon juice for a refreshing sensation.
Hero composition: Roasted and salted almonds bring out all the crunchy texture.
Lentil salad with greens, asparagus and soft eggs from the food of the year
Why we love it: Use canned lentils to complete this recipe for a healthy lunch full of protein and flavor.
Hero composition: Hard-boiled eggs bring the nutrition to this salad, perfectly balanced by the greens and asparagus. I mean, when is a soft egg a bad idea?
Spring Panzanella from Cannelle et Vanille
Why we love it: This salad is the definition of fresh. Chopped zucchini that looks almost like pasta, blanched asparagus heads, shaved dill, crispy toast and watercress make the perfect lunch.
Hero composition: These delicious croutons make everything better, especially when they’re paired with crisp asparagus tops and refreshing watercress.
Shredded Asparagus Salad
Why we love it: This recipe by nutritionist and spiritual eating advocate, McKel Kooienga, MS, RDN, calls asparagus a warrior spear for its disease-preventing, anti-inflammatory, taming, and balancing abilities blood sugar levels, while protecting your body with antioxidants. Now that’s a good reason to make this salad for lunch!
Hero composition: Blood orange is the citrus star of this salad. Juicy, fresh and delicious.
Spring buckwheat salad from Green Kitchen Stories
Why we love it: If you’re not used to cooking with buckwheat, it’s time to get acquainted. Buckwheat is a nutritious and filling grain for lunch — or any meal! This dish can be served warm or cold (depending on when you make the buckwheat) and is delicious with charred asparagus.
Hero composition: Strawberries give this salad a hint of sweetness that pairs great with asparagus and radishes. Every bite is a reminder that summer is approaching.
Roasted white asparagus and capers from my new roots
Why we love it: We usually eat the green variety, but white asparagus is just as good (if not better). This recipe makes a great appetizer for any gathering.
Hero composition: If you’ve never eaten grilled capers before, prepare to be surprised. These delicious dishes are completely transformed when cooked with white asparagus. They lose some of their pungent flavor and gain a thin, light skin that goes well with asparagus.
Simple asparagus and asparagus soup with rustic bread from the first time
Why we love it: We have a thing for soup at Camille Styles’ HQ. They’re an easy (and delicious!) way to pack tons of nutrients into a delicious bowl. Plus, of course, most of the recipes are super easy to make. If you’ve never thought of asparagus as a vegetable to add to your soup, think again. And be sure to try this simple delicacy.
Hero composition: French fries are a must in this soup. They have a salty, crunchy taste and are the perfect texturing ingredient to break up all the goodness of ice cream.
Orecchiette With Peas, Asparagus and Mascarpone by Flourishing Foodie
Why we love it: Nothing says spring like peas and asparagus. Paired with one of our favorite past pods, this recipe takes you straight to flavor town.
Hero composition: The mascarpone cheese is the central cream that connects this noodle dish together. Ladle onto a plate and take this light noodle dish to the patio to enjoy with a chilled white glass. It just calls spring.
Asparagus and Gruyère Tart from What’s Gaby Cooking
Why we love it: We all about cake, but this salty version has us rethinking them completely. Try it and feel the difference for yourself. I guarantee you will be back in seconds.
Hero composition: Store-bought puffs let these tarts come together in an instant. It’s perfect for a quick appetizer, lunch or light dinner.
Asparagus salad from love & lemon
Why we love it: All spring’s bounty, all in one dish. The creamy butter sauce will take it to the next level.
Hero composition: Pine nuts are the crunchy, crunchy hero of this salad. Shake generously!
Crème Frache Lemon Asparagus Soup from Taste of Home
Why we love it: Don’t let that bright blue scare you off! This soup is really good, and it’s more proof that healthy recipes can also bring out the best in flavors.
Hero composition: Lemon crème fraîche? Yes, please. Doll into this soup (hot or cold) for what will soon become your springtime recipe.
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus From Damn Delicious
Why we love it: Whether you are hosting a dinner partythrow a backyard barbecueor doing date night With your SO, this is the simplest appetizer that any guest will enjoy. All it takes is to wrap the asparagus tops in prosciutto and fry them until crispy. Delicious.
Hero composition: With only three dishes to choose from, I would simplify it and say asparagus.
Asparagus, Crispy Prosciutto and Brie Grilled Cheese from Heather Christo
Why we love it: These toasts are another easy appetizer or lunch that you just can’t pass up. I mean, just look at this crispy bread! You can also supplement this dish with a hard-boiled egg for a simple yet quality breakfast. Nothing.
Hero composition: Melty brie is paradise in and of itself. On top of crispy bread? Even better.
Asparagus, Pancetta and Puff Pastry Magnetic Pack Absolutely Delicious
Why we love it: These cute little bundles are an easy recipe for a quick snack or appetizer. Using store-bought pastries, you can have these bundles in about 30 minutes.
Hero composition: Pancetta brings all the unbeatable pork flavor to the party.
Shrimp and Asparagus Spaghetti with Salt and Lavender
Why we love it: This light noodle dish substitutes the creamy sauce for olive oil and lime juice, making it perfect for lunch or dinner without the heavy feeling.
Hero composition: Lemon juice and lime zest bring a refreshing flavor to this delicious noodle dish. Squeeze and indulge — and be sure to indulge in your new favorite noodle dish.
Let us know your favorite asparagus recipes in the comments!
This post was originally published on April 17, 2015 and has since been updated.
