Cooking with Asparagus - Cooking Light

Healthy Grilled Asparagus with Caper Vinaigrette Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Asparagus Recipes

During the spring when vibrant produce abounds, you will scarcely find a more handsome veggie to adorn your menu. The beauty in these elegant spears lies in their versatility. Whether blanched, sauteéd, or wrapped in salty prosciutto, you'll love the way we're serving them up.

We'll start with Grilled Asparagus with Caper Vinaigrette. Briny capers are a lovely addition to Dijon vinaigrette—especially when drizzled on grilled asparagus.

View Recipe: Grilled Asparagus with Caper Vinaigrette

Photo: Levi Brown

Garlicky Asparagus

This recipe will pull together in as much time as it takes to steam the asparagus. Just a few key ingredients make this a light and flavorful veggie side dish.

View Recipe: Garlicky Asparagus

Photo: Joseph De Leo

Asparagus with Balsamic Tomatoes

This recipe is quick and bursting with flavor. We love the sweetness from the grape tomatoes paired with the creaminess of the goat cheese.

View Recipe: Asparagus with Balsamic Tomatoes

Photo: Randy Mayor and Iain Bagwell

Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Browned Butter

One of the best (and simplest) sides in our magazine's history, this recipe was named Best Vegetable Side Dish in our 20th anniversary issue. The browned butter with a splash of balsamic vinegar adds an elegance that belies the simplicity of this approach.

View Recipe: Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Browned Butter

Photo: Sang An

Asparagus and Spring Greens Salad with Gorgonzola Vinaigrette

Asparagus with tender greens offers bright spring flavors plus the bite of Gorgonzola in the vinaigrette.

View Recipes: Asparagus and Spring Greens Salad with Gorgonzola Vinaigrette

Photo: Randy Mayor

Raisin and Pine Nut Asparagus

Sweet raisins, tart orange rind, and spicy red onion create a trifecta of flavor that you won't be able to resist.

View Recipe: Raisin and Pine Nut Asparagus

Photo: Marcus Nilsson

Phyllo-Wrapped Asparagus with Prosciutto

You can also chop the prosciutto and sprinkle it on the phyllo. If you're feeding a large crowd, arrange assembled rolls on a baking sheet, coat with cooking spray, and cover; store in the fridge for up to four hours. Bake an hour or two before the party.

View Recipe: Phyllo-Wrapped Asparagus with Prosciutto

Photo: Grant Cornett

Browned Butter Asparagus

A hint of tarragon adds unique, fresh flavor to the dish, but you can use any herb you like.

View Recipe: Browned Butter Asparagus

Photo: Randy Mayor

Grilled Asparagus Rafts

This recipe is a nice twist on traditional grilled asparagus spears. Skewering groups of asparagus spears together makes them easier to flip on the grill. Sesame seeds lend additional crunch and a sprinkling of color to the dark green spears. The secret for cooking asparagus is simple: don’t overcook it. The slender shoots should turn out crisp and bright in color.

View Recipe: Grilled Asparagus Rafts

Photo: Randy Mayor

Quick Skillet Asparagus

Extra-virgin olive oil adds great fruity flavor to this simple dish, and sauteéing over high heat doesn’t burn away the oil’s healthful antioxidants.

View Recipe: Quick Skillet Asparagus

Photo: John Autry

Pickled Ramps and Asparagus

This recipe requires only 8 minutes of hands-on time. After preparing, just cover and chill for 2 days. Use them as a unique condiment at spring barbecues, as a garnish in a spicy Bloody Mary, or even a la carte for a quick munch.

View Recipe: Pickled Ramps and Asparagus

Healthy Smoky Asparagus and Mushroom Saute Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Smoky Asparagus and Mushroom Sauté

Showcase delicious and vibrant asparagus in this simple, yet elegant side dish. Garnish with fresh chopped ramp greens or chives if you don't have the former on hand.

View Recipe: Smoky Asparagus and Mushroom Sauté

Photo: Randy Mayor

Lemon-Tarragon Asparagus

Bright lemony notes and tangy Dijon mustard give this asparagus a super fresh flavor that you won't be a able to resist.

View Recipe: Lemon-Tarragon Asparagus

Photo: Randy Mayor

Sesame-Ginger Glazed Asparagus

Don't miss out on trying this delicious side dish. The soy sauce mixture is absolutely delicious when sprinkled over the asparagus.

View Recipe: Sesame-Ginger Glazed Asparagus

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Asparagus Spears with Smoked Salmon Spirals

Use hearty asparagus spears for this easy appetizer. You can blanch the asparagus and combine the sour cream substitute, dill, and tarragon up to a day ahead and refrigerate separately.

View Recipe: Asparagus Spears with Smoked Salmon Spirals

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Marinated Asparagus Bundles

Thin asparagus spears work best in this elegant side dish. You will savor the flavor with each bite.

View Recipe: Marinated Asparagus Bundles

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Asparagus Salad with Piquillo Peppers and Capers

If you can't find piquillo peppers, you can substitute roasted red peppers. Steam the asparagus and combine the ingredients for the dressing a day ahead; store them separately in the refrigerator.

View Recipe: Asparagus Salad with Piquillo Peppers and Capers

Photo: Randy Mayor

Asparagus Ribbons with Lemon and Goat Cheese

Creamy goat cheese crowns a refreshingly bracing salad. Because the asparagus is shaved, it does not have to be cooked. Thick asparagus spears work best when it comes to making ribbons like these.

View Recipe: Asparagus Ribbons with Lemon and Goat Cheese

Photo: Francesco Tonelli

Spring Vegetable Pizza with Gremolata

Packed full of spring’s best produce, this pizza pairs nicely with a side of tomato soup or small green salad.

View Recipe: Spring Vegetable Pizza with Gremolata

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Vegetable Pasta Salad with Goat Cheese

Ready in just over 20 minutes, this delicious pasta salad is the perfect add-on to a soup main dish or in smaller portions with a meat-based entrée.

View Recipe: Vegetable Pasta Salad with Goat Cheese

Photo: Francesco Tonelli

Orzotto with Green and White Asparagus

Orzo takes the place of Arborio rice in this risotto-style dish that turns rich and creamy as it's stirred to doneness. Tender asparagus and fresh lemon zest add the welcome flavors of spring in this pasta dish.

View Recipe: Orzotto with Green and White Asparagus

Photo: Oxmoor House

Marinated Asparagus-and-Carrot Salad

Veggies bathed in balsamic vinegar are an irresistible side dish to almost any weeknight dinner.

View Recipe: Marinated Asparagus-and-Carrot Salad

Photo: Johnny Autry

Tomato and Asparagus “Carbonara”

Toss the pasta and vegetables immediately after cooking to ensure balanced flavors throughout the dish. The heat from the pasta will cook the egg, thickening it into a light, creamy sauce.

View Recipe: Tomato and Asparagus “Carbonara”

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Black Pepper Pasta Salad with Prosciutto, Asparagus, and Romano

This mayonnaise-based pasta salad veers from the traditional with salty Italian ham, nutty asparagus, and a generous grinding of pepper.

View Recipe: Black Pepper Pasta Salad with Prosciutto, Asparagus, and Romano

Photo: Johnny Autry

Romaine, Asparagus, and Watercress Salad with Shrimp

So sophisticated guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen, this succulent salad is ready in just 17 minutes and goes great with a homemade roll.

View Recipe: Romaine, Asparagus, and Watercress Salad with Shrimp

Photo: Johnny Autry

Asparagus, Tomato, and Onion Farinata

Italian flavors abound in this vegetarian one-dish meal. Farinata is a thin cake made with chickpea flour, which makes this crispy crust high in fiber and gluten-free.

View Recipe: Asparagus, Tomato, and Onion Farinata

Photo: Johnny Autry

Creamy Spring Pasta

This dish is luxuriously creamy, but the pasta soaks up the sauce quickly. Be sure to serve right away. Use refrigerated pasta to cut several minutes off the cook time.

View Recipe: Creamy Spring Pasta

Photo: Johnny Autry and Randy Mayor

Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes

Simple seasonings turn this recipe a stand-out side dish for busy weeknights. Veggies cook and are ready to serve in just 6 minutes.

View Recipe: Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes

Photo: Johnny Autry

Vegetable “Meat” Loaf

Vegetarians and carnivores alike will love this ingenious twist on meat loaf. The meaty-flavored, umami-rich recipe received our Test Kitchen's highest rating. Ordinarily you wouldn't pack a meat loaf into the pan, but since we're using a vegetable mixture, you will to make sure it holds together.

View Recipe: Vegetable “Meat” Loaf

Photo: Johnny Autry

Ginger-Scented Corn and Asparagus Stir-Fry

This Asian-inspired stir-fry is packed full of nutritious veggies and rich textures. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal way to spice-up a weeknight meal with the family.

View Recipe: Ginger-Scented Corn and Asparagus Stir-Fry

Photo: Johnny Autry

Summer Veggie Pizza

Onion, pepper, asparagus, and corn combine for a veggie-lover’s delight in this fresh, easy-to-make pizza. If you have enough dough left over, freeze it; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before your next use.

View Recipe: Summer Veggie Pizza

Photo: Johnny Autry

Quick White Bean, Asparagus, and Mushroom Cassoulet

Cassoulet—a rich, slow-cooked bean stew with meat—is reinvented here as a quick-cooking vegetarian dish, starting with canned beans and using mushrooms to lend a meaty mouthfeel and earthy flavor.

View Recipe: Quick White Bean, Asparagus, and Mushroom Cassoulet

Photo: Francesco Tonelli

Garganelli with Asparagus and Pecorino Cheese

The crisp texture of cooked asparagus adds a special touch to this easy garganelli pasta recipe.

View Recipe: Garganelli with Asparagus and Pecorino Cheese

Photo: Johnny Autry

Tuna and White Bean Salad

Incorporate healthy eating essentials–fresh veggies and seafood protein–for a hearty salad that the whole family will love.

View Recipe: Tuna and White Bean Salad

Photo: Johnny Autry

Gnocchi with Shrimp, Asparagus, and Pesto

Gnocchi–small Italian potato dumplings–are a hearty alternative to pasta. While making gnocchi from scratch could take more than an hour, premade vacuum-packed dumplings cook in just minutes.

View Recipe: Gnocchi with Shrimp, Asparagus, and Pesto

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Risotto Primavera

This risotto is studded with color and vibrant flavor of fresh veggies. Although inexpensive, this dish is attractive and tasty enough to serve to guests.

View Recipe: Risotto Primavera

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Asparagus and Smoked Trout Frittata

This fancy frittata is perfect for your next brunch, and guests will never know it only took 30 minutes to make.

View Recipe: Asparagus and Smoked Trout Frittata

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Spring Vegetable Carbonara

Cavatappi, spiral-shaped pasta, adds an element of whimsy to this budget-friendly dish. If you can't find it, substitute fusilli.

View Recipe: Spring Vegetable Carbonara

Photo: Sang An

Asparagus and Spring Greens Salad with Gorgonzola Vinaigrette

Serve this savory salad alongside a nice steak or a piece of flavorful fish, such as tuna or salmon, for a complete meal.

View Recipe: Asparagus and Spring Greens Salad with Gorgonzola Vinaigrette

Photo: Randy Mayor

Flatbread with Pancetta, Mozzarella, and Asparagus

Salty Italian bacon and fresh asparagus make this crisp-chewy flatbread unforgettable. Use a mandolin to slice the asparagus, or just cut it into 2-inch pieces.

View Recipe: Flatbread with Pancetta, Mozzarella, and Asparagus

Photo: Randy Mayor

Pasta with Asparagus, Pancetta, and Pine Nuts

Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal. Your family will love the comforting flavors, and you'll love that it's surprisingly low in calories.

View Recipe: Pasta with Asparagus, Pancetta, and Pine Nuts

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Asparagus Salad with Soft Poached Eggs, Prosciutto, and Lemon-Chive Vinaigrette

Eggs are a great source of protein plus zinc, iron, and lutein. Serve with 100 percent whole-grain toast and a fresh fruit salad for a filling brunch.

View Recipe: Asparagus Salad with Soft Poached Eggs, Prosciutto, and Lemon-Chive Vinaigrette

Photo: Randy Mayor

Greek Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto

Sweet onion, rich feta cheese, and fresh dill provide dynamic flavor in this easy weeknight meal. The hardest part about making risotto is the constant stirring while you let this dish simmer for about 30 minutes. Balance the plate with a lively fennel salad.

View Recipe: Greek Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Grilled Vegetable Salad

Tailor the types of vegetables to the bounty of your garden or that of farmers' market vendors. Thin asparagus spears may need to cook only four minutes.

View Recipe: Grilled Vegetable Salad

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Sautéed Asparagus and Shrimp with Gremolata

Sauté the two main ingredients separately to avoid overcrowding the pan. A fresh lemon-herb topping rounds out the flavors in this entrée.

View Recipe: Sautéed Asparagus and Shrimp with Gremolata

Photo: Randy Mayor

Gnocchi with Asparagus and Pancetta

Pancetta is cured unsmoked Italian bacon available at the grocery deli counter. It gives this elegant dish a deep, savory note.

View Recipe: Gnocchi with Asparagus and Pancetta

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Quinoa Salad with Asparagus, Dates, and Oranges

This side dish salad combines several influences: The dates and orange are an Israeli touch; the pecans pay homage to the American South; and the quinoa is a high-protein grain from South America.

View Recipe: Quinoa Salad with Asparagus, Dates, and Oranges

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Rotini with Chicken, Asparagus, and Tomatoes

Reminiscent of a pasta salad, this recipe coats rotini and colorful vegetables with a basil-flecked balsamic vinaigrette.

View Recipe: Rotini with Chicken, Asparagus, and Tomatoes

Photo: Randy Mayor

Roasted Asparagus with Dijon-Lemon Sauce

Drizzle roasted asparagus with a delicate Dijon-lemon sauce for an elegant, yet simple, side dish. For extra presentation points, garnish the platter with orange wedges and parsley sprigs.

View Recipe: Roasted Asparagus with Dijon-Lemon Sauce

Photo: Lee Harrelson

Penne with Asparagus, Spinach, and Bacon

This pasta toss comes together in a snap on busy weeknights. Complement it with a glass of white wine, such as sauvignon blanc, and garlic-Parmesan breadsticks.

View Recipe: Penne with Asparagus, Spinach, and Bacon

Photo: Oxmoor House

Spring Asparagus Risotto

Asparagus popping out of the soil is one of the first signs of spring in the garden. The days are warming up, but the nights are still chilly—an ideal time for warm bowls of rich asparagus risotto. Save the more tender tips for the risotto pieces, and blend the larger chopped pieces of asparagus into the broth used to cook the risotto. Garnish with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano, if you like.

View Recipe: Spring Asparagus Risotto