34 asparagus recipes

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Asparagus recipes
Vegetarian asparagus recipes

Try our asparagus recipes then check out our other seasonal ingredient ideas, including our raspberry recipes, carrot recipes and nectarine recipes.

Why we love asparagus?

Asparagus is super versatile. Once the woody stem has been removed, it can be eaten fresh, crunchy and raw, or it's just as good grilled, fried, steamed or baked. The flavour works especially well with creamy dishes, fish or eggs, so you'll often find it baked into quiche, stirred through risotto or alongside salmon.

How to prepare asparagus

If your asparagus is young and the spears are slim you just need to give it a good wash before cooking and trim the very ends. Thicker and older asparagus can get tougher at the end of the stems. You can break these off (there is a natural break point if you bend the stems) and use for soup or a less wasteful method is just to use a peeler to shave the bottom few centimetres to reveal the tender inner.

How to cook asparagus

Asparagus is really good griddled or roasted from raw as it intensifies the natural flavour.

How to grill asparagus: To griddle toss in olive oil and seasoning then add in a single layer to a hot griddle pan. Keep turning and cooking until the spears are grill marked and the spears are tender.

How to roast asparagus: To roast, heat the oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Put the asparagus in a large baking tray or baking dish and add a little oil and seasoning (you can also add aromatics when roasting like garlic cloves, woody herbs or spices). Toss the roast for 10-15 minutes until tender.

How to boil asparagus: The easiest way to blanch or boil asparagus is to use a deep, wide frying pan. Bring salted water to a rolling boil then drop in the asparagus. Blanch for 1 minute then drop into iced water to stop cooking. To cook fully boil for 3-4 minutes depending on thickness then drain.

How to cook asparagus on the BBQ: Asparagus is also great on the BBQ in the summer. Choose thicker stems as they will stand up to higher heat. Brush with oil and seasoning then lay directly on the BBQ. Cook for 2-3 minutes turning until grill marked. Alternatively you can make foil parcels with spears, olive oil, garlic and cherry tomatoes and roast for 5-7 minutes over indirect heat. The asparagus will steam and cook inside the parcels and merge with the flavourings.

Health benefits of asparagus

Our nutritionist, Kerry Torrens, on the benefits of asparagus... "Rich in folate, asparagus is great if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy. It also contains vitamin K, which builds strong bones and helps wounds and bruises heal. It’s packed with a fibre called inulin, which boosts friendly gut bacteria – these fibres are reduced during cooking, so try raw in a salad. Look out for the purple variety which contains protective compounds called anthocyanins."

Asparagus recipes

Spring minestrone soup

Ready in under an hour, this low-calorie minestrone soup is packed with an abundance of spring veggies and topped with crispy pancetta.

Check out more of our low-calorie meal ideas.

Crustless asparagus and bacon quiche

Those sweet spears are joined by streaky bacon and four types of cheese in this quiche. Thanks to its crustless nature, though, it still feels light and comes in at under 450 calories.

Check out all our quiche recipes.

Asparagus and anchovy pasta

It’s the crunchy fennel seed pangrattato topper that really makes this dish sing. A simple yet delicious supper, the combination of asparagus, anchovies, white wine and chilli is perfect for enjoying on a warm summer's evening.

See our best ever spaghetti recipes.

Spring veg gnocchi bake

This one-pot green veg gnocchi bake is elevated with a speedy homemade toasted walnut pesto for an easy, nourishing weeknight dinner that contains 12 different plant foods.

Watercress and asparagus emmer risotto

Emmer is an ancient wholegrain which works well in this creamy risotto with spring greens, pecorino and white wine.

Roast chicken panzanella

For an alternative to the classic panzanella salad, we've used chicken breast, asparagus, capers, dill and jarred roasted peppers, with chunky pitta croutons for crunch. The best bit is the dressing made using the pan juices to soften the crispy pitta chunks.

Make one of our wholesome chicken salad recipes for lunch or dinner.

Asparagus quiche with capers

Spotlight seasonal asparagus in this recipe with a nutty brown butter pastry crust, punchy capers and gruyère - perfect for weekend entertaining.

Ham, egg and asparagus tart

Our recipe for a ham, egg and asparagus tart is a great option for a midweek meal for the family, or to make for a picnic in the summer.

We have lots of lovely picnic recipes for you to enjoy all summer.

Roasted haddock with chorizo crust, asparagus and peppers

A spicy, vibrant chorizo crust perks-up haddock fillets, which are served alongside a medley of roasted asparagus and red pepper.

Check out our haddock recipes for more ways to use it.

Asparagus, sea trout and new potato traybake with dill mustard sauce

Make the most of fresh spring asparagus in this vibrant fish tray bake packed with soft baby new potatoes and covered in a creamy dill mustard sauce.

Discover more of our best traybake recipes here.

Sea bass parcels with asparagus and roasted tomato dressing

This simple sea bass recipe is super fresh, healthy and perfect for a quick summer evening meal. When roasted, the cherry tomatoes burst and create their own vibrant sauce, giving extra sweetness to this dish.

Whether you're cooking for a crowd or for yourself, we have a range of sea bass recipes.

Asparagus and salmon parcels

As these parcels bake, the buttery juices flavoured with garlic, capers and lemon help to poach the potatoes, asparagus and salmon to perfection. It's a nutritious, high-protein meal that's great midweek.

Find more ways to use fillets of salmon with our healthy salmon recipes.

Asparagus and crab lasagne

An easy way to make a speedy lasagne – the open layers are a clever way to cut down calories. By not baking there's no need for the béchamel sauce. Serve with more asparagus or salad on the side for this quick midweek meal for two.

Want more like this? Have a look at our easy low-calorie recipes.

Asparagus, mozzarella and prosciutto parcels

A simple but sophisticated starter or small plate, this classic combination of fresh asparagus, creamy mozzarella and tangy prosciutto is stylish but easy and quick to make.

If, like us, you can't get enough gooey mozzarella – see our favourite recipes.

Asparagus gnocchi with prosciutto crumbs

Put asparagus at the heart of this gnocchi dish. Livened up with crunchy prosciutto crumbs, this dish makes for a quick and easy starter.

Try our best gnocchi recipes here.

Smoked ham hock and barley risotto primavera

The asparagus works a treat with the ham here, which is cooked first and then shredded. This indulgent (but quite easy) barley risotto is worth every bit of effort.

Make the most of budget-friendly pearl barley with our easy recipes.

Crab and shaved asparagus salad

Add texture to this crab salad with shaved asparagus. This bright spring salad is easy to make and under 500 calories. Use sourdough that’s a day or two old for extra-crunchy croutons.

Use our step-by-step guide, if you'd like to make your own sourdough.

Lemon and garlic trout parcels with asparagus

If you're looking for a light, low-carb summer supper, this recipe for lemon and garlic trout parcels with asparagus is quick and easy to make, paleo-diet friendly and under 500 calories.

Keep your carb intake low with our meat, fish and veggie keto recipes.

Vegetarian asparagus recipes

Asparagus and tomato tart

Try our vegetarian tart, topped with vibrant tomatoes, asparagus and savoury frangipane, for an easy summer lunch. It's perfect for enjoying outside in the sunshine, with a green salad.

We have lots more savoury tart recipes for you to browse.

Freekeh risotto with spring greens

Asparagus and other spring greens make a fantastic risotto. Freekeh is made from cracked, roasted green wheat. It works well for risotto as the grains keep their bite when cooked.

We've pulled together our best risotto recipes.

Crumbed asparagus with saffron yogurt

Asparagus spears are fried until crunchy and golden, before dunking into tangy saffron yogurt. They key here is to retain some bite. Serve as part of a Middle Eastern-style meze, or for a summer dinner party starter.

We have lots more inspiration for a mezze-style feast.

Spring vegetable rolls with kale pesto

Hetty McKinnon’s veg rolls are stuffed with asparagus, mange tout, lettuce and an abundance of herbs, ideal for a fresh vegan dinner.

Get stuck into our healthy vegan recipes.

Asparagus lasagne

Who says lasagne is only for winter? We've given it a summer makeover with pesto, peas, asparagus, spinach and ricotta – and a super crispy topping, of course.

Got ricotta to use up? Check out our most delicious ricotta recipes.

Summer carbonara

Everyone loves carbonara, so we've updated this Italian classic with asparagus and peas for summer. Our summer carbonara is vegetarian, ready in just 20 minutes and makes the most of seasonal veg, what could be better?

Next, have a look at our vegetarian pasta recipes.

Spring greens shakshuka

Add some asparagus to your shakshuka for the ideal spring treat. Shakshuka, traditionally a North African dish, is typically comprised of spices, eggs and tomatoes, but here we've decided to make it green with asparagus tips and broad beans.

From delicious eggy bread to pancakes, we have every brunch recipe you could need.

Thai asparagus with crunchy noodles

Ever thought of adding asparagus to your noodles? Our recipe for Thai asparagus with crunchy noodles takes a little more effort but is worth it and is a great new way to use asparagus. Swap fish sauce for soy sauce if you need a veggie option.

Ditch the takeaway and serve one of our top Thai recipes.

Soft-baked asparagus frittata

Asparagus is generally in season and plentiful in spring and what better way to use them than in this soft-baked frittata with ricotta and parmesan. An ideal dish for breakfast or brunch.

Eggs are one of our favourite ingredients. Check out our top egg recipes.

Asparagus, saffron and almond pilaf

Our asparagus, saffron and almond pilaf is a lovely spring dish and a great alternative way to use asparagus.

It's always a good to have a few rice recipes in your repertoire.

Spring risotto

Celebrate the generous bounty of spring with this veg-packed risotto, loaded with asparagus, peas, broad beans and mint. Top with an egg yolk for extra rich creaminess.

Browse our risotto recipes for ways with meat, fish and vegetables.

Vegetarian BBQ flatbreads

These flatbreads, loaded with courgette, peas, asparagus and ricotta, are a great way to use up any leftover green veg. Some crispy chorizo, pancetta or even a few slithers of smoked salmon would make a nice addition, too.

Our best barbecue recipes include burgers, pulled pork, chicken tikka and more.

Asparagus, broad bean, pea shoot and ricotta bowl

Asparagus isn't the only spring green vegetable that we love – a pile of bright green broad beans is a beautiful thing, too. This seasonal broad bean, pea shoot, asparagus and ricotta bowl will have you feeling like you're eating a bowl full of goodness.

Try one of our best summer salad recipes to eat in the sunshine.

Schnitzel eggs and asparagus

Gently boiling asparagus for a couple of minutes maintains their vibrance and crunchiness to create the perfect bed for these vegetarian-friendly schnitzel eggs.

If you're hosting a lunch or dinner party, have a look at our vegetarian starter ideas.

Asparagus and ricotta salata tartlets

Asparagus spears are combined with ricotta salata, crème fraîche and pesto in these easy-to-make tartlets. Ready in 30 minutes, they make a brilliant option for summer dinner parties.

Whether you make your own or you opt for ready-made, have a look at our delicious pesto recipes.

Asparagus with butter, balsamic and capers

This recipe for asparagus with butter, balsamic and capers makes a great starter or lunch. Plus, it's ready in just 15 minutes and is under 300 calories.

We've pulled together our favourite toast toppers.