77 Healthy Ways to Cook With Asparagus

March 21, 2012
Alison Miksch
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, roasted, grilled, baked, sauteéd, or wrapped in salty prosciutto, you'll love the way we're serving them up. Packed with vitamins and cancer-fighting antioxidants, this veggie also has many health benefits. Don't miss out on all the ways to enjoy one of spring's brightest stars with our best asparagus recipes.
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Herbed Ricotta, Asparagus, and Phyllo Tart

Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez
View Recipe: Herbed Ricotta, Asparagus, and Phyllo Tart

If working with phyllo dough fills you with fear, don't worry—this recipe is beginner-friendly. There's no crimping or folding the dough; you just lay flat sheets of dough on top of each other for a rustic, unfinished edge.

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Tomato and Black Bean-Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Cap With Asparagus

Greg DuPree
View Recipe: Tomato and Black Bean-Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Cap With Asparagus

The mushroom is tender and meaty, and the filling is jammy but still has some bite to it. Try to find mushroom caps with the most defined “lips,” which will hold the filling better than perfectly flat ones. 

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Arugula, Egg, and Charred Asparagus Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Arugula, Egg, and Charred Asparagus Salad

Just a hint of char on the asparagus adds fantastic complexity to this simple 5-ingredient spring salad. Look for medium stalks rather than pencil-thin ones—those would char and dry out too quickly. A soft-boiled egg adds protein and richness; let the slightly runny yolks mingle with the rest of the salad before enjoying. Whole-milk Greek yogurt has a lusciousness and milder tang than lower-fat yogurt. It's the perfect binder for the lemony dressing. Serve with a slice of multigrain bread spread with goat cheese and a dash of cracked black pepper.

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Asparagus With Avocado-Herb Dressing

Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Asparagus With Avocado-Herb Dressing

If you can find white asparagus, try using half white and half green. The white variety will need to boil a couple of minutes longer than the green.

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All the Green Things Salad

Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez
View Recipe: All the Green Things Salad

This salad is full of lovely textures ranging from crunchy to creamy. You can make the zippy lemon dressing and blanch, drain, and chill the peas and asparagus up to 2 says ahead, but combine all the elements shortly before serving to preserve the color of the avocado and the crunch of the greens.

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Bibb, Radicchio, and Asparagus Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Bibb, Radicchio, and Asparagus Salad

Just a little radicchio provides a colorful contrast to the tender, delicate Bibb lettuce, though its slight bitterness may be too much for some kids. Swap in thinly sliced red cabbage or use any other mild lettuce if you like.

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Spring Vegetable Soup

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Spring Vegetable Soup

At the market, let kids have fun selecting produce for this spring dinner. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to make this a vegetarian dish.

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Creamy Asparagus and Pancetta Penne

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Creamy Asparagus and Pancetta Penne

Fresh spears of asparagus, pancetta, and cremini mushrooms are tossed in a light white sauce. Lemon rind adds a welcomed extra punch of flavor. 

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Asparagus and Peas With Warm Tarragon Vinaigrette

Photo: Dylan + Jeni
View Recipe: Asparagus and Peas With Warm Tarragon Vinaigrette

Fresh spring produce needs little embellishment, although a quick toss with bacon never hurts.

 
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Spring Vegetable and Quinoa Salad With Bacon

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Spring Vegetable and Quinoa Salad With Bacon

A big batch of Ginger-Coconut Quinoa forms the base of this filling spring salad that's packed with fresh vegetables and herbs.

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Roasted Asparagus With Almonds

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Roasted Asparagus With Almonds

Olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and toasted almonds drizzled over asparagus create a simple but satisfying side.

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Beef Tenderloin With Balsamic Asparagus

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Beef Tenderloin With Balsamic Asparagus

Beef tenderloin steaks are often considered a special-occasion cut, but when they go on sale (or you're ready for a splurge), this classic preparation is foolproof. Use a timer rather than turning, prodding, or overcooking the steaks, and set the timer again while they rest so you don't slice too soon.

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Asparagus With Sesame and Citrus Vinaigrette

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Asparagus With Sesame and Citrus Vinaigrette

Fresh orange juice and a navel orange mixed with asparagus pack a powerful citrus punch.

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Fettuccine Alfredo With Asparagus

Photo: Colin Clark
View Recipe: Fettuccine Alfredo With Asparagus

Cut the heavy cream and save a day's worth of sat fat with this cheesy, veggie-packed pasta.

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Asparagus With Bacon and Shallots

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Asparagus With Bacon and Shallots

Two center-cut pieces of bacon add 4g of protein to this savory side mixed with maple syrup and whole-grain mustard.

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Asparagus With Lemon-Parmesan Breadcrumbs

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Asparagus With Lemon-Parmesan Breadcrumbs

Create a simple, versatile side in just 20 minutes with ssparagus, lemon rind, and Parmesan cheese.

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Asparagus With Lemon and Pecorino

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Asparagus With Lemon and Pecorino

Spring asparagus shines with just a few flavor enhancements in this quick and easy recipe.

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Roasted Asparagus, Mushroom, and Onion Pizza

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Roasted Asparagus, Mushroom, and Onion Pizza

Freeze an extra pie tonight for a convenient dinner later that's way better than boxed. Partially baking the pizza before freezing helps draw moisture out of the vegetables and set the crust so it stays nice and crisp. Use any hearty vegetables you like, but skip more delicate items like fresh tomatoes, as they won't hold up as well in the freezer.

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Asparagus With Garlic and Balsamic Reduction

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Asparagus With Garlic and Balsamic Reduction

Asparagus boasts big flavor on its own, but this fresh combination takes this popular spring veggie to a whole new level.

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Tomato and Asparagus “Carbonara”

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: 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.

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Grilled Asparagus with Caper Vinaigrette

Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Grilled Asparagus with Caper Vinaigrette

Grilled Asparagus with Caper Vinaigrette is a perfect light side dish. Briny capers are a lovely addition to Dijon vinaigrette—especially when drizzled on grilled asparagus.

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Phyllo-Wrapped Asparagus With Prosciutto

Photo: Marcus Nilsson
View Recipe: 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.

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Creamy Spring Pasta

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: 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.

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Romaine, Asparagus, and Watercress Salad With Shrimp

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: 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.

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Browned Butter Asparagus

Photo: Grant Cornett
View Recipe: Browned Butter Asparagus

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

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Spring Vegetable Pizza With Gremolata

Photo: Francesco Tonelli
View Recipe: 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.

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Grilled Asparagus Rafts

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: 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.

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Smoky Asparagus and Mushroom Sauté

Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: 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.

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Lemon-Tarragon Asparagus

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: 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.

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Sesame-Ginger Glazed Asparagus

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: 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.

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Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes

Photo: Johnny Autry and Randy Mayor
View Recipe: 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.

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Asparagus Spears With Smoked Salmon Spirals

Photo: Howard L. Puckett
View Recipe: 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.

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Asparagus and Spring Greens Salad With Gorgonzola Vinaigrette

Photo: Sang An
View Recipes: Asparagus and Spring Greens Salad With Gorgonzola Vinaigrette

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

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Quick Skillet Asparagus

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: 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.

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Raisin and Pine Nut Asparagus

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: 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.

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Pickled Ramps and Asparagus

Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: 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.