Let's start our list with the most simple of spring sides...an asparagus sauté. Not only is the multi-purpose dish a great compliment to a larger meal, but the stalks will work well as fun finger foods at parties. Blanching the asparagus softens them just enough and locks in that bright green color.
Recipe: Simple Asparagus Sauté
Mark Boughton Photography / styling: Teresa Blackburn
Seared Scallops with Salsa Verde and Asparagus
What goes better with rich succulent scallops than crisp green asparagus? We think nothing. Combine these two opposites for a perfectly balanced meal that highlights the freshness of asparagus.
Recipe: Seared Scallops with Salsa Verde
Mark Boughton Photography
Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp, Asparagus and Mushrooms
Asparagus adds a pop of color to a white canvas of creamy alfredo sauce and fettuccine. Adding the asparagus towards the end of the cooking process ensures that it retains its fresh crunch.
Recipe: Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp, Asparagus and Mushrooms
Teresa Blackburn
Roasted Asparagus with Parmigiano and Thyme Crumbs
Roasting brings out sweetness and when combined with buttery breadcrumbs, you won’t be able to get enough. Eat this tasty dish aside chicken or steak. Or even as a dish all its own.
Recipe: Roasted Asparagus with Parmigiano and Thyme Crumbs
Cold Green Asparagus Soup
Chilled soups, like this one, are perfect for warm weather days. And asparagus not only gives this soup a fresh flavor but it provides health benefits too. It’s rich in calcium, magnesium, and zinc yet low in fat and cholesterol. What more could we ask for?
Recipe: Cold Green Asparagus Soup
Mark Boughton Photography / styling: Teresa Blackburn
Asparagus and Parmesan Tart
Who doesn’t love flaky puff pastry? So, what better to pair with the buttery crust than crisp, fresh, you guessed it, asparagus? Together with creamy ricotta and parmesan, this tart is delicious and guilt-free with only 286 calories.
Recipe: Asparagus and Parmesan Tart
Jessica Merchant
Bacon, Egg and Asparagus Personal Pizza
All kids love pizza….and bacon. Get them to eat their veggies with this fun personal pizza pie featuring bacon, eggs, and asparagus. The combination of fresh ingredients makes this recipe suitable for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Recipe: Bacon, Egg and Asparagus Personal Pizza
Mark Boughton Photography / styling: Teresa Blackburn
Lemony Asparagus and Chicken Pasta Toss
This pasta is delicious served either hot or cold and great for picnics and pack lunches. Chicken and pasta are lovely compliments to the firm asparagus and the entire dish gets an extra pop of flavor from fresh lemon juice.
Recipe: Lemony Asparagus and Chicken Pasta Toss
Mark Boughton Photography / styling: Teresa Blackburn
Creamy Asparagus Soup
Now is the best time to buy asparagus. Grab a handful of firm stalks and chop them up for this creamy soup. It’s an easy weeknight meal that carries only 150 calories and is sure to please.
Recipe: Creamy Asparagus Soup
Colin Erricson/www.robertrose.ca
Barley Risotto with Asparagus and Lemon
Pump up your grain and green intake with this barley risotto. The earthiness of the barley and the bright flavors of lemon and asparagus make it oh-so-fitting for the start of gardening season. Plus you will get lots of nutrients from the grains and a full serving of veggies. With great flavor and nutrition, how could you refuse?
Recipe: Barley Risotto with Asparagus and Lemon
Steve Legato
Asparagus with Feta Vinaigrette
Tired of plain leafy salads? Try this asparagus "salad" with a delicious feta vinaigrette. It is ready in 20 minutes making it’s a staple weeknight side—and anything but plain and boring.
Recipe: Asparagus with Feta Vinaigrette
Mark Boughton Photography
Risotto with Prosciutto and Asparagus
This risotto makes its own one pan meal by bringing in prosciutto and our favorite stalky green. Prosciutto is dry-cured ham with a salty yet rich flavor. Add it at the end of the preparation so it is able to fully meld with the crisp asparagus for a flavor combination that will wow family and friends.
Recipe: Risotto with Prosciutto and Asparagus
Mark Boughton Photography / styling: Teresa Blackburn
Barley Salad with Asparagus and Celery
We are always looking for new ways to get our grains and veggies. This salad meets both of those requirements and while being uniquely crisp. Fresh ingredients and a good fridge-induced chilling will bring the barley to life. Pack it up in a mason jar for a picnic or school lunch.
Recipe: Barley Salad with Asparagus and Celery
Mark Boughton Photography / styling: Teresa Blackburn
Penne with Peas, Asparagus, Toasted Almonds and Mint
The snap of asparagus and pop of peas will take any variety of pasta to new heights. The greens, if bought in season, are so good on their own that all you need is a simple olive oil base. And with only 7 mg of cholesterol in this dish, you won’t even feel bad about it.
Recipe: Penne with Peas, Asparagus, Toasted Almonds and Mint
Mark Boughton Photography / styling: Teresa Blackburn
Asparagus Sauce
Capture the taste and health benefits of asparagus for year round use in this vibrant sauce. Pop a jar in the freezer to have on hand for topping pasta or other fresh vegetables. We know it’s tough to resist eating it all fresh, but trust us, come winter you’ll be happy you stored some jars up.
Recipe: Asparagus Sauce
