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Check out these Easy and Healthy Asparagus Recipes featuring one of my favorite spring vegetables! From pasta recipes with steamed asparagus to baked asparagus appetizers and saucy stir fries, I’m sharing all my best asparagus recipes for you to try.
Healthy Asparagus Recipes for Any Season
Spring is in the air, and fresh asparagus is one of my favorite seasonal ingredients. The snappy spears bring such an irresistible earthy flavor to all sorts of dishes. From salads to risottos, stir-fries to pasta dishes, there are endless ways to bring asparagus into the mix.
Even if you don’t cook with asparagus often, I’ve included all my tips and tricks for getting it perfect below. I’ve also rounded up my best asparagus recipes that I just know any asparagus fans will love.
Why Eat Asparagus?
Asparagus is a delicious spring vegetable that’s low in calories and high in nutrients like fiber, potassium, folic acid, and vitamins (especially vitamins A and C). Eating asparagus has many benefits in terms of weight loss, better digestion, and lowered blood pressure. Of course, it all depends on how it’s prepared, see the next section for details.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Asparagus?
While asparagus is perfectly safe (and tasty) to enjoy uncooked, many recipes call for cooking. As with most vegetables, cooking asparagus can lead to some nutrient loss as many vitamins are heat-sensitive. How you cook your asparagus also makes a difference in how healthy your dish is. Here are the best ways to cook asparagus in order to reap the most of this veggie’s benefits:
- Steaming – Steamed asparagus is quick, easy, and perfect to use in tons of recipes, from salads to pasta. You can also simmer the spears in water, or blanch them quickly.
- Grilling – Grilled asparagus stalks are one of our favorites, as the char brings out another layer of flavor. Just a simple drizzle of olive oil is usually enough to crisp them up on the grill or wrap them in prosciutto.
- Baking – Baked or roasted asparagus is another healthy option. This is great for weeknights when you can let your asparagus roast away in the oven while you prepare a main.
Should I Wash Asparagus Before Cooking?
Yes, don’t forget to wash your veggies! Grit, sand, and dirt can get trapped in asparagus tips, so it’s best to give the spears a good rinse before you cook them.
23 Easy Ways to Use Asparagus
Whether you’re new to this crisp spring veggie or a longstanding lover of asparagus, there’s a recipe here with your name on it. Below you’ll find delicious and easy asparagus pasta, salads, breakfast ideas, appetizers, and more.
5. Roasted Asparagus
Let’s start with easy oven-roasted asparagus. This recipe is perfect for spring and totally customizable with lemon, garlic, parmesan, and more.
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9. Pasta with Asparagus
This creamy pasta recipe is one of the best ways to use seasonal asparagus. It comes together quickly, and the delicious flavors are enhanced by Parmigiano-Reggiano and fresh cracked pepper.
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19. Cream of Asparagus Soup
This is an easy 5-ingredient soup recipe made with the rich, earthy flavors of asparagus wrapped up with onions and tangy sour cream. It’s the ultimate cozy bowlful!
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We love raiding our local farmer’s market for asparagus as soon as it hits the stands. If you’re looking for more easy, healthy recipes featuring fresh seasonal ingredients, check out my recipe finder!
23. Chili Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry
I love the flavors that springtime asparagus brings to this spicy shrimp stir fry bursting with chilis, garlic, ginger, and sesame. And if you’re not feeling the heat, don’t worry – you can easily adapt the chili to taste.
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Helpful Tips When Cooking Asparagus
- Depending on the time of year, asparagus spears come in different thicknesses. Thicker asparagus will take a few minutes longer to cook than thin asparagus spears. Always adjust the cooking time as needed.
- The woody ends of the asparagus are easiest to cut by snapping the ends off.
- Leftover asparagus can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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