Recipes  

17 Asparagus Recipes to Celebrate Spring

Asparagus is one of the first vegetables that pops up during spring. With its vibrant green colour, it brings vigour to the table in a variety of dishes, whether as a side dish to meat, a garnish for pasta, or stealing the show in a salad. Here are 17 ways to cook it.

1. Asparagus and Zucchini Salad

This pretty salad consists of zucchini that’s been cut into ribbons and grilled asparagus, mixed with peas over a labneh blend. Homemade croutons seasoned with sumac and mint complete this fresh dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meat at the start of grilling season.

2. Roasted Asparagus and Radishes with Whipped Feta

To make this starter, spread a creamy base of whipped feta and plain yogurt on a plate, and arrange vegetables on top that have been cooked in a mixture of lemon juice, honey and olive oil. Serve with naan.

3. Asparagus and Pea Puff Pastry Tart

What could be better to herald spring than drinks and appetizers with friends? Simply serve this green puff pastry tart topped with a double serving of creamy garlic and herb sauce, along with asparagus, peas and a fresh topping consisting of marinated shallots and almonds.

4. Asparagus and Ham Gnocchi

Asparagus lends itself well to quick weeknight meals. In this one-pot recipe, gnocchi and asparagus are cooked in chicken broth before the addition of diced ham and dill. Dinner will be on the table in under 20 minutes.

5. Asparagus Milk Crepes

Thanks to this zero-waste recipe, there’s finally a good use for asparagus stems that all too often end up in the compost bin. By infusing the stems in warm milk, the crepe batter is flavoured with a hint of asparagus. And don’t forget to garnish the crepes with the stems as a reminder.

6. Asparagus, Pea and Feta Canapés

Asparagus feels fresh when served as an hors d’oeuvre on a cracker with a feta and sour cream base. To create an interesting texture and neat presentation, make asparagus ribbons using a peeler.

7. Mimosa Asparagus

Asparagus is highlighted in this dish where it’s served simply with a creamy and tangy emulsion made of oil, vinegar and Dijon mustard, into which pickles are also mixed. At the end, garnish with grated egg white and yolk.

8. Grilled Asparagus with Romesco Sauce

For brunch, serve asparagus with a cold romesco sauce made from tomatoes, bell peppers and almonds. It’s a versatile sauce, and you can use leftovers with various veggies, meat and even fish.

9. Grilled Asparagus with Beet Hummus and Curried Chickpeas

This colourful salad uses chickpeas and beets in two ways: First, they come together in a vibrant hummus, and then curried chickpeas and diced cooked beets act as a topping for the asparagus.

10. Asparagus and Poached Egg Salad with Burrata

There’s no need for a complicated appetizer to impress your guests. Simply place grilled asparagus on a plate and top with poached eggs and pieces of burrata cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice.

11. Asparagus and Creamy Green Pea Soup

Asparagus steals the show in this bright green dish. Serve it over a creamy green pea soup that lets the delicate flavour of the asparagus shine through. Along with toasted almonds and tarragon, this recipe highlights the arrival of spring vegetables in a simple and stylish way.

12. Glazed Salmon with Bulgur and Asparagus

Simplify your life (or at least your week) with this salmon coated in a sauce made from maple syrup, soy sauce and fish sauce. As a side, go with bulgur flavoured with a lime, as well as a good amount of asparagus.

13. Herb and Asparagus Omelette

Asparagus, eggs, fresh herbs and cheese come together to create a succulent lunch. Make this slightly runny omelette using the first veggies of the season and garnish with cheese curls. Quick to make, it’ll always be a veritable hit at the table.

14. Spaghetti with Asparagus and Shrimp

Asparagus and shrimp make a delicious pair in this pasta recipe. In a skillet, prepare a sauce made from shallots, garlic and cream, which adds sweetness and creaminess to each bite. At the very end, garnish with grated lemon zest for a meal that’s bursting with freshness.

15. Steaks with Grilled Asparagus and Tamari Dressing

Spring is synonymous with asparagus and grilling! Treat yourself to some top sirloin beef cooked alongside the asparagus. Serve with some cucumber and a drizzle of warm dressing made with brown sugar and tamari. It’s a combination of textures and flavours you can get behind.

16. Asparagus Caesar Salad

Take the ingredients of the classic salad—Caesar dressing, bacon, croutons, lemon and Parmesan cheese—and add some asparagus. They bring some freshness and crunch to the dish, especially when cooked al dente.

17. Asparagus, Onion and Feta Toasts

We enjoy toasts for their practical and enticing side. In this breakfast version, load up a slice of country bread with caramelized onion, sour cream, asparagus and crumbled feta. Take the flavours up a notch with a sprinkle of sumac and a hit of lemon juice.

For more springtime eats, be sure to consult our selection of recipes: