41 Quick and Easy Asparagus Recipes

By Southern Living Editors
June 04, 2015
Jennifer Causey
There are plenty of reasons to love asparagus. These elegant veggies are a favorite of weeknight tables and holiday spreads alike. Whether you need a quick 10-minute asparagus side dish to accompany a weeknight dinner or you’re in search of a beautiful quiche for your Easter spread, these asparagus recipes will go above and beyond. Showcase fresh asparagus with healthy and simple recipes like salads, appetizers, pasta dishes, and even kebabs. Use our quick and easy asparagus recipes for new family favorites. These healthy asparagus recipes are the easiest way to add some green to your plate.
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Fettuccine Alfredo with Asparagus

Greg DuPree

Recipe: Fettuccine Alfredo with Asparagus

Fettuccine Alfredo probably isn’t the first dish you think of for a springtime supper or healthy eating. But this version, made with fresh, seasonal asparagus, is much lighter than the classic and just as delicious. With a bit of lemon to give it a citrus kick, it’s perfect for the warmer weather.

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Asparagus, Spring Onion, and Feta Quiche

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Asparagus, Spring Onion, and Feta Quiche

This elegant breakfast classic is full of fresh spring ingredients. Garnish with flat leaf parsley for a winning presentation.

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Asparagus with Red Pepper Chowchow

Photo: Helen Norman

Recipe: Asparagus with Red Pepper Chowchow

Use our foolproof blanching method and your veggies will look as good as they taste. Serve leftover Red Pepper Chowchow with cheese and crackers, ham sandwiches, or burgers.

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Bucatini, Ham, and Asparagus

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Bucatini, Ham, and Asparagus

Bucatini is long, thin pasta that's hollow in the center, like little garden hoses. Spaghetti and linguine are good substitutes.

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Fettuccine-and-Asparagus al Burro

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Fettuccine-and-Asparagus al Burro

Al burro means "buttered." This simple sauce is a more authentic version of today's popular Alfredo, which calls for whipping cream. Buy a high-quality cheese—it makes a difference.

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Asparagus Pickles

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Asparagus Pickles

If you wait longer than the 24-hour minimum chill time before serving, the flavor will continue to improve.

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Prosciutto-Asparagus Tea Sandwiches

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Prosciutto-Asparagus Tea Sandwiches

Thinly sliced salty prosciutto and ribbons of blanched asparagus make for a gorgeous presentation.

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Beef-and-Asparagus Bundles

Southern Living

Recipe: Beef-and-Asparagus Bundles

Show your guests how to tie Beef-and-Asparagus Bundles with a fresh chive.

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Grilled Chicken-Asparagus Salad

Photo: Jacob Snavely

Recipe: Grilled Chicken-Asparagus Salad

This hearty salad is brightened up with mint, lemon juice, and fresh dill.

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Asparagus, Orange, and Lentil Salad

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Asparagus, Orange, and Lentil Salad

Pink lentils add pretty color and texture to this salad. Cook them al dente (like pasta) so they remain firm when tossed with the dressing. To accentuate the textures in this salad, layer oranges and fennel on a platter, then top with asparagus and lentils.

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Asparagus Pesto

Tired of steamed asparagus? Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, and lemon in this pesto make the veggie into a tasty coating for pasta or crostini.

Recipe: Asparagus Pesto

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Asparagus with Curry Dip

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Recipe: Asparagus with Curry Dip

Give a classic side dish an extra kick with spices like curry, horseradish, and hot sauce.

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Oven-Roasted Asparagus

Southern Living

Recipe: Oven-Roasted Asparagus

Top oven-roasted asparagus with slivers of toasted almonds for a quick and easy side dish.

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Roasted Asparagus Salad

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Roasted Asparagus Salad

Serve a plate full of goodness with the veggies in Roasted Asparagus Salad: Bibb lettuce, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and bell pepper. Save time by tossing it with bottled vinaigrette.

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Fresh Tomato-and-Asparagus Gnocchi

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Fresh Tomato-and-Asparagus Gnocchi

When going meatless, choose a hearty pasta like gnocchi so you won't miss the meat.

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Asparagus Frittata

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Made with fresh thin asparagus and Gouda and Parmesan cheeses, this is the perfect meal for brunch or dinner. Serve with fruit for brunch or with a simple salad for dinner.

Recipe: Asparagus Frittata

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Roasted Asparagus

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Roasted Asparagus

This simple yet delicious green side is prepared with the drippings from our Fennel-Crusted Rib Roast.

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Asparagus-Blue Cheese Canapés

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Asparagus-Blue Cheese Canapés

Not a blue cheese fan? Use any soft, crumbly cheese you like. The asparagus and cheese combo is perfect with the Canapé Toast Squares.

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Asparagus-and-Goat Cheese Quiche

Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Asparagus-and-Goat Cheese Quiche

Prep this pretty quiche up to two days in advance before your weekend brunch crowd arrives.

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Grilled Asparagus with Bacon and Mushrooms

Jen Causey

Recipe: Grilled Asparagus with Bacon and Mushrooms

This 20-minute side dish will pair well with any main. Savory mushrooms and salty bacon complement fresh asparagus beautifully.

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Shaved Carrot, Asparagus, and Apple Salad

Antonis Achilleo; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke, Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

Recipe: Shaved Carrot, Asparagus, and Apple Salad

This colorful spring salad is an easy no-cook option that’s presentable enough for a holiday spread.

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Lemon-Herb Chicken Kebabs

Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Lemon-Herb Chicken Kebabs

This fresh recipe is a beautiful way to celebrate the start of grilling season.

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Deviled Egg Salad and Asparagus Tartines

Photo: Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Deviled Egg Salad and Asparagus Tartines

This fresh take on finger sandwiches will wow at any spring luncheon or shower.

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Chicken Fricassee with Spring Vegetables

Greg DuPree

Recipe: Chicken Fricassee with Spring Vegetables

We love any dinner that can easily come together in one skillet, and this one showcases spring’s fresh bounty.

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Company Quiche

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

Recipe: Company Quiche

A gorgeous braided crust will impress guests, but the rich filling makes this quiche most memorable.

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Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Jennifer Causey

Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

These bacon-wrapped bundles make serving a crowd easy, and they look so pretty on a platter.

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Snapper Baked in Parchment with Spring Vegetables

Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Recipe: Snapper Baked in Parchment with Spring Vegetables

What makes parchment recipes the best? No cleanup!

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Warm Asparagus, Radish, and New Potato Salad with Herb Dressing

Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Recipe: Warm Asparagus, Radish, and New Potato Salad with Herb Dressing

Try this springy twist on potato salad for your next family gathering. The tangy dressing is to die for, and it can be made up to a week in advance.

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Tarragon Asparagus with Eggs

Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham; Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

Recipe: Tarragon Asparagus with Eggs

This 15-minute side dish looks and tastes like you spent a lot more time on it.

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Pasta Shells with Spring Vegetables

Alison Miksch

Recipe: Pasta Shells with Spring Vegetables

Creamy ricotta cheese and fresh mint make for a bright, satisfying pasta dish.

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Spring Shrimp-and-Orzo Salad with Lemon Dressing

Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Spring Shrimp-and-Orzo Salad with Lemon Dressing

This simple salad is delicious chilled or at room temperature for an easy lunch or dinner recipe.

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Baked Chicken Roulade

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Baked Chicken Roulade

Switch up your weekly chicken breast routine with a fancy stuffed version.