8 Fresh Asparagus Dishes to Make This Spring

There Are so Many Ways to Enjoy These Stalks

By
Cathy Jacobs
Cathy Jacobs
Cathy Jacobs
A journalist and avid home cook, Cathy Jacobs has more than 10 years of food writing experience, with a focus on curating approachable menus and recipe collections.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 02/14/21
Grilled asparagus

The Spruce

Crisp springtime asparagus can be used in so many tasty ways and for every meal from breakfast to dinner. Here are some of the best ways to make the most of this snappy vegetable this season.

Tip

  • When buying asparagus, look for bright, green, evenly colored, firm and unwrinkled spears with tight buds.
  • 01 of 08

    Shaved Asparagus and Arugula Salad

    Shaved asparagus and arugula salad with cilantro dressing

    The Spruce / Laurel Randolph

    Celebrate the spring-like flavor of asparagus and the peppery bite of arugula greens in this wonderfully fresh shaved asparagus and arugula salad. Edamame adds healthy plant protein, while Parmesan cheese and lightly toasted breadcrumbs lend a welcome tang and crunch. The honey, mustard, and cilantro dressing are so good, you may want to make extra.

  • 02 of 08

    Crock Pot Asparagus Soup

    Crockpot asparagus soup

    Ray Kachatorian / Getty Images

    Potatoes give this flavorful Crock Pot asparagus soup great body. It takes just minutes to assemble the ingredients in your crockpot and it'll cook as you go about your day. Puree the mixture before the final minutes of cooking to give it a silky smooth texture and serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.

  • 03 of 08

    Asparagus Pizza

    Asparagus Pizza

    The Spruce Eats / Anita Schecter 

    This asparagus pizza recipe is the perfect way to use a handful of spears. The fresh recipe is quick and pairs the vegetable with baby arugula and ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Make your own crust or buy one at the store. Either way, it's easy and delicious.

  • 04 of 08

    Easy Asparagus Stir-Fry

    Easy Asparagus Stir-Fry

    haoliang / E+ / Getty Images

     

    Asparagus mingles with mushrooms and red bell pepper strips in this tasty easy asparagus stir fry. Fresh ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and oyster sauce deliver a familiar takeout-style flavor that helps make this a great vegetarian main when served over hot rice.

    Continue to 5 of 8 below
  • 05 of 08

    Scalloped Asparagus With Cheddar Cheese Sauce

    Scalloped Asparagus Casserole

     The Spruce

    Scalloped asparagus with cheddar cheese sauce makes a great side dish for Easter ham or Mother's Day brunch, but you can serve it at weeknight dinners, too. Fresh or frozen stalks are combined in a casserole dish with pimientos and a scrumptious white cheddar cheese sauce.

  • 06 of 08

    Chicken Asparagus Pasta

    chicken asparagus pasta

     Leah Maroney

    Tender chicken breast is combined with fresh sautéed asparagus for a bright and flavorful spring pasta dish. The chicken asparagus pasta is dressed with lemon and cheese for a creamy, delicious, one-pot dinner.

  • 07 of 08

    Roasted Asparagus

    Easy Roasted Asparagus

    The Spruce / Tara Omidvar

    As you're roasting a protein for your main dish, take advantage of the hot oven to prepare your asparagus right next to it. With just a drizzle of olive oil, a hint of balsamic vinegar, and a little salt and pepper, these roasted asparagus stalks go from raw to rah-rah-rah in less than 20 minutes.

  • 08 of 08

    Spicy Pickled Asparagus

    Picked asparagus recipe

    The Spruce Eats / Teena Agnel

    Pickling is a great way to preserve a bounty of fresh asparagus from the farmer's market or supermarket. Use spicy pickled asparagus to add tangy flavor to falafel wraps, dress up relish plates, or as a garnish for a Bloody Mary.