19 Asparagus Recipe Ideas to Share With Even the Pickiest Eaters

Asparagus-Egg Breakfast Sandwich
Photo: Andy Lyons

Whether grilled, roasted, or baked—main dish or side—these best asparagus recipes will add spring flavor and loads of nutrients to your menu. With asparagus soup recipes, asparagus frittatas, and fried asparagus ideas, these fresh asparagus recipes will change the way you think about this versatile spring vegetable.

01 of 19

Panko Roasted Asparagus

Panko Roasted Asparagus
Andy Lyons

So simple yet so delicious, this easy asparagus recipe is a must-try side dish. A slather of mayo-Dijon sauce and a coating of crispy panko make this 6-ingredient roasted vegetable dish irresistible. Warning: It might be challenging not to eat the whole pan yourself!

02 of 19

Chicken and Asparagus Skillet Supper

Chicken Asparagus Skillet Supper
Blaine Moats

Even though it tastes like a restaurant-quality dish, there's no time-consuming process for this, one of our best asparagus recipes for dinner. Just pop the stalks and some summer squash in the microwave as the chicken thighs sear up in a skillet. The whole recipe calls for six ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes!

03 of 19

Asparagus Falafel

Asparagus-Egg Breakfast Sandwich
Andy Lyons

Chickpeas alone shouldn't get to have all the falafel fun. This unique asparagus recipe proves that incorporating asparagus stalks into vegetarian patties is doable—and delicious. Blend asparagus spears with chickpeas and Mediterranean seasonings, coat in cornmeal, and bake for crispy yet far-from-greasy falafel.

04 of 19

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Andy Lyons

Bacon and asparagus are culinary BFFs, and this roasted asparagus recipe reminds you why. You can have a gourmet side dish in less than 30 minutes and on one sheet pan. A sweet-spicy glaze with honey, cayenne pepper, and mustard contrasts the salty-savory bacon, and each stalk of asparagus is coated in all that goodness. (We don't know about you, but our mouths are already watering!)

05 of 19

Asparagus-Tuna Casserole

Asparagus-Tuna Casserole
Andy Lyons

A vibrant mix of white, purple, and green asparagus transforms classic tuna casserole into a colorful springy entrée. The vitamin-packed vegetable adds texture to the creamy dish, while Kalamata olives contribute the perfect hint of saltiness to the tasty dinner idea with asparagus. Don't skip the Parmesan-spiked breadcrumbs—they offer a beautiful complementary crunch to the luscious casserole filling.

06 of 19

Grilled Asparagus in Dill Butter

Grilled Asparagus in Dill Butter
Andy Lyons

Cracked black pepper, fresh dill, and minced garlic swirl into melted butter to drizzle over fresh asparagus spears. The simple side dish reigns supreme over other grilled asparagus recipes thanks to a shower of Parmesan cheese (and the fact that you need less than five ingredients to make it).

Test Kitchen Tip: For even doneness and browning, as you grill asparagus, line up the stalks along the grill rack and roll the spears often.

07 of 19

Crab and Asparagus Frittata

Crab Asparagus Frittata
Blaine Moats

That's right; this baked asparagus recipe is brunch-ready with crab, veggies, and eggs. It might be the most decadent—but simplest—meal you'll ever make before noon. This egg recipe, featuring 1½ cups of asparagus and plenty of fresh herbs, makes a meal once you add a slice of toast or roasted potatoes.

08 of 19

Spaghetti with Seared Asparagus

spaghetti with seared asparagus
Andy Lyons

This creative asparagus recipe gives spaghetti night a whole new look. Skip your usual tomato sauce and top your noodles with white asparagus, hazelnuts, and panko bread crumbs. No one will even miss the meatballs (although you could absolutely serve some on the side or as a starter if you like!).

09 of 19

Lamb Fatteh with Asparagus

Lamb Fatteh with Asparagus
Karla Conrad

With all the ways to prepare it, asparagus has nearly endless possibilities in savory preparations. This sautéed asparagus recipe might be one of our favorites. Simmer the crispy spring spears in lamb broth until tender for this colorful dinner recipe that offers a Middle Eastern flavor.

10 of 19

Asparagus Noodle Bowl

Asparagus Noodle Bowl
Andy Lyons

Bacon tiptoes from breakfast into dinner territory in this can't-be-missed one-pan meal. With white wine, garlic, and smoked paprika also in the mix, the healthy and fresh asparagus recipe is anything but bland. Tomato and chicken round out the hearty yet healthy-ish asparagus pasta dish.

11 of 19

Asparagus Spring Rolls

Asparagus Spring Rolls
Andy Lyons

Switch up your party snack repertoire with fresh Asian spring rolls. Start by making the quick-pickled asparagus recipe, and while that marinates, prepare the herb-spiked eggs, hearty ham slices, and tangy lime aioli. After just 30 minutes of multitasking during pickling time, the easy asparagus recipe is ready to assemble. The results are impressive and delicious.

12 of 19

Spring Green Smoothies

Spring Green Smoothies with asparagus garnish
Jason Donnelly

File this under "unexpected things to do with asparagus." Blend it! Fresh asparagus adds sneaky nutrition to this healthy green smoothie recipe. Blitz the veggie with baby spinach, green grapes, and kiwi for a tasty way to get started on your five-a-day goal.

13 of 19

Bacon-Asparagus Strata

Bacon-Asparagus Strata
Kritsada Panichgul

Start the morning right with a rich strata stuffed with bell peppers, asparagus, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese. To make this baked asparagus recipe as low-stress as possible while entertaining, assemble the entire breakfast entrée up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until it's time to bake. Then, morning brunch menu prep will be a breeze.

14 of 19

Creamy Potato and Asparagus Soup

Creamy Potato and Asparagus Soup
Andy Lyons

We're giving spud soup a springtime makeover! To try it yourself, top the velvety potato-asparagus soup recipe with sautéed asparagus and crisp honey-drizzled bacon for a warming weeknight supper. The best part: These bowls are ready to serve in just 30 minutes.

15 of 19

Asparagus Salad with Marinated Peas and Little Gem Lettuce

Asparagus Salad with Marinated Peas and Little Gem Lettuce
Carson Downing

As if you need another reason to eat your greens, this crisp asparagus salad recipe proves itself as a delicious, energy-boosting lunch option. Once you put an egg on it, this refreshing dish will inspire even the veggie-averse to dive in. The runny yolk from the poached eggs doubles the "dressing," too!

16 of 19

Asparagus Fritter Sticks with Dill Mustard

Asparagus Fritter Sticks with Dill Mustard
Con Poulos

Ready for a whole new method for cooking asparagus? These crispy "fries" are actually lightly battered stalks of asparagus. Make your own by rolling asparagus spears in a light batter and sizzling them in a skillet. As those cook, mix Dijon-style mustard, honey, and dill for a tasty dipping sauce for the fried asparagus recipe.

17 of 19

Ham and Asparagus Macaroni

Ham and Asparagus Macaroni
Andy Lyons

Comfort food alert! This hearty weeknight version of macaroni and cheese is all grown up. Adults will love the addition of tender asparagus, fresh dill, and paprika, while kids will appreciate its traditional cream sauce and the pieces of ham in this Parmesan asparagus recipe.

18 of 19

Garlicky Baked Asparagus Flatbread

Garlicky Asparagus Flatbread
Con Poulos

Pizza night rarely looks this light and fresh. You'll make a big statement at your next get-together if you come bearing this unique baked asparagus recipe. Slather Parmesan sauce on purchased pizza dough before topping with mozzarella, yellow squash, garlic, and asparagus. Drizzle honey on top for an unexpected bit of sweetness.

19 of 19

Fresh Asparagus Ribbon Salad

Fresh Asparagus Ribbon Salad
Con Poulos

This fresh asparagus recipe is a celebration of the veggie. A sharp vegetable peeler makes quick work of slicing large spears into ribbons in this elegant asparagus salad recipe. Mix in radish and cucumber slices before topping with a light, creamy chive dressing.

Buy It: OXO Prep Y-Peeler ($10, Bed Bath & Beyond)

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles