They’re the tasty green spears you’ve probably enjoyed alongside a hearty breakfast dish, or tossed through a healthy stir-fry, but asparagus is actually extremely versatile.
Asparagus is one of the best parts about spring. And while you can serve it simply drizzled with olive oil, seasoned, roasted and Bob’s your uncle, there are so many recipes and other dishes to serve it in.
We’ve pulled together some delicious ways to include more of this nutrient-packed vegie in your cooking. From our baked gruyere tarts, to our goat’s cheese risotto and barbecued panzanella salad, you’ll love the crunchy texture asparagus gives to your dishes.
Looking for more spring dinner recipes?
How to cook asparagus
When cooking asparagus, try one of these three easy methods.
Boiling
Add asparagus to a saucepan of boiling salted water; cook for 2-3 minutes (depending on the thickness of the spears) or until just tender (you want the asparagus to retain some crispness). Drain and refresh in iced water; then drain again. (if using immediately, skip refreshing).
Sauté
Cut asparagus into thirds. Heat a little olive or butter in a frying pan over low-medium heat; cook the bottom two thirds of the asparagus for 1-2 minutes, then add the tips, cook, tossing gently for a further 2-3 minutes or until just tender.
Chargrill
This will impart a wonderful smoky flavour. Thicker spears work best for this method. Heat a ridged grill plate. Toss asparagus with a little olive oil and cook for 3-4 minutes, rotating until lightly charred and just tender. You can also cook on a barbecue flat plate. If cooking on the barbecue grill, a handy trick is to run two soaked bamboo skewers through the top and bottom thirds of the asparagus spears; this will prevent them falling through the grill and means that they can be turned as a group.
01
Asparagus hollandaise
A well made hollandaise sauce is irresistible, especially when spooned over fresh, barely cooked asparagus.
02
Warm green salad with soft eggs and hazelnut dressing
Warm green salad with soft eggs and hazelnut dressing
Light, fresh and tasty, this warm green salad is beautiful topped with runny soft-boiled eggs, creamy cheese and a gorgeous hazelnut dressing. Enjoy it on it’s own, or serve as a gourmet share platter for your next dinner party.
04
Roasted asparagus and tomatoes with lemon dressing
05
Asparagus and goat’s cheese party pizzas
Asparagus and goat’s cheese party pizzas
Serve slices of this moreish pizza at your next party and watch as they quickly disappear.
08
Chicken, pea and asparagus soup
Chicken, pea and asparagus soup
A light broth with slices of tender chicken, fresh peas and asparagus spears, this soup makes an excellent starter for a dinner party.
10
Artichoke and asparagus fritters with olive relish
Artichoke and asparagus fritters with olive relish
These delicious golden artichoke and asparagus fritters are perfect served hot with a fresh tangy olive relish. They make a brilliant finger food or starter for your next dinner party.
11
Asparagus and feta frittata
This scrumptious asparagus and feta fritatta can be made ahead, stored, then reheated later. Perfect starters for a dinner party or summer BBQ.
12
Zucchini primavera with poached eggs
Zucchini primavera with poached eggs
Lighter than pasta, with fresh spring flavours.
13
Omelette with asparagus and mint
Omelette with asparagus and mint
This tasty vegetarian omelette combines fresh asparagus, potato and mint to create a brilliant healthy breakfast for any day of the week.
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Breakfast frittata
There is nothing much more satisfying for breakfast or brunch (or lunch, or dinner!) than a colourful frittata served with hot buttered toast.
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Chicken and vegetable risotto
This easy chicken and vegetable risotto from our Happy Baby cookbook and is suitable for the entire family so you don’t have to make multiple meals
17
Spring greens fetta bruschetta
Spring greens fetta bruschetta
Get your five a day in the tastiest way possible. Packed full of fresh greens and salty fetta for a healthy and delicious bruschetta snack.
18
Asparagus and lemon risotto with crispy salmon
Asparagus and lemon risotto with crispy salmon
This beautiful asparagus and lemon risotto is simmered in white wine and garlic to create the creamiest, most flavoursome rice dish. Served with a piece of crispy-skin salmon, this makes a perfect dinner.
19
Asparagus, cheese and tomato tarts
Asparagus, cheese and tomato tarts
Topped with asparagus, melted cheese and roasted tomatoes, these moreish tarts are great on their own as a warm snack or paired with a crisp green salad for lunch.
20
Spicy buttermilk chicken
Succulent, spicy chicken marylands are teamed with tender asparagus spears for a family dinner that’s bound to please.
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Prosciutto and artichoke platter
Prosciutto and artichoke platter
Avoid the bowl of sad crisps and cheap dips this party season with this fresh, hand-made yet completely simple party platter.
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Asparagus and goats’ cheese tart
Indulge in this deliciously crisp, cheesy and tender asparagus and goat’s cheese tart.
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Baked asparagus risotto
Baked risotto is a delicious alternative to the usual hand-stirred risotto (and a lot easier, too!)
24
Asparagus and smoked chicken salad
Asparagus and smoked chicken salad
This bright and zesty salad will tickle your taste buds. Smoked chicken and asparagus salad with a buttermilk dressing makes a great lunch or light dinner.
25
Chicken with broccolini and asparagus
Chicken with broccolini and asparagus
Packed full of lovely and tender miso-glazed chicken, this asparagus salad makes the perfect quick and healthy midweek dinner.
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Asparagus & ricotta galette
Spring is here, time to lighten up your meals. Buttery pastry encases a creamy centre with hints of lemon and chilli and topped with fresh asparagus.
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Asparagus, tomato, ricotta and basil frittata
Asparagus, tomato, ricotta and basil frittata
This colourful, veggie-packed frittata is delicious hot or cold at any time of the day.
29
Asparagus and coppa salad bites
Asparagus and coppa salad bites
Serve these moreish mini croissants at your next party and watch as they quickly disappear.
30
Smoked salmon and asparagus quiche
Smoked salmon and asparagus quiche
Quiches make for great mid-week meals. This smoked salmon version comes with bright green bites of asparagus and encased in a sturdy golden crust. Add in a smear of whole grain mustard to take it to a whole new level of delicious.
31
Beetroot, asparagus and feta salad
This easy beetroot, asparagus and feta salad is packed full of colour and goodness and makes an appetising addition to the barbecue table. The tangy dressing and walnuts add an extra depth of flavour and texture.
32
Healthy breakfast bowl with dukkah eggs and quinoa
Healthy breakfast bowl with dukkah eggs and quinoa
Tuck into a breakfast of boiled eggs rolled in crunchy, flavourful dukkah, nestled in a bed of healthy greens and protein-rich quinoa, and drizzled with a mouthwatering tahini dressing.
33
Asparagus frittata
Make the most of summer asparagus with this easy, quick frittata. You could add a handful of thinly sliced swiss brown mushrooms when you cook the asparagus.
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Chicken, mushroom and asparagus creamy pasta bake
Creamy and comforting, this asparagus, chicken and mushroom pasta bake is a great mid-week dinner recipe. It’s also handy on a busy weekend when you’ve got lots of mouths to feed.
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Smoked salmon and asparagus salad
Smoked salmon and asparagus salad
This salad is perfect for an impressive lunch. It’s quick to prepare and tastes fantastic.
38
Angel hair pasta with smoked salmon & asparagus
Angel hair pasta with smoked salmon & asparagus
For those evenings when you need something tasty for dinner in double quick time, this delicious angel hair pasta with smoked salmon and asparagus can be on your table in under 15 minutes.
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Asparagus with three toppings
Asparagus is a delicious summer vegetable that really comes into its own with the right topping. Try one of these three versions next time you serve this moreish vegetable.
40
Asparagus and lemon risotto with crispy salmon
This beautiful asparagus and lemon risotto is simmered in white wine and garlic to create the creamiest, most flavoursome rice dish. Served with a piece of crispy-skin salmon, this makes a perfect dinner.
41
Grilled asparagus, ham, eggs and garlic platter
Grilled asparagus, ham, eggs and garlic platter
Indulge in a gourmet weekend breakfast complete with crispy ham, garlic bread crumbs and perfectly cooked eggs.
42
Poached salmon with asparagus, rocket and risoni salad
Poached salmon with asparagus, rocket and risoni salad.
This recipe can be prepared a few hours ahead but add rocket just before serving.
43
Sun-dried tomato and asparagus tart
Sun-dried tomato and asparagus tart
Tangy flavours of fetta and sun-dried tomatoes combine to create a perfect filling for these golden tarts.
44
Chicken, asparagus and kale caesar
Chicken, asparagus and kale caesar
A cracking caesar salad with a healthy twist!
45
Asparagus, peas and zucchini with fresh mint
Asparagus, peas and zucchini with fresh mint
This gorgeous side dish is perfect for cooking up delicious in-season spring vegetables.
46
Very green veggie curry
This fragrant curry is a great way to get more veggies into your day. Full of fresh beans, asparagus, broccolini and the vibrant flavours of lemongrass and ginger, and it can be on your table in 30 minutes
47
Asparagus with crisp lentils and herb yoghurt
Asparagus with crisp lentils and herb yoghurt
Whip up this easy side with fresh asparagus and a tin of lentils, but the real star of the dish is the herb yoghurt.
48
Roasted vegetable salad with garlic mustard dressing
Roasted vegetable salad with garlic mustard dressing
This hearty salad is packed full of roasted vegetables and balanced perfectly with a spicy mustard sauce.
49
Asparagus and salmon pasta salad
Asparagus and salmon pasta salad
Take one tin of salmon and a few fresh ingredients for this tasty pasta salad. It’s an easy packed lunch that you’ll actually look forward to!
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Palliard of chicken with asparagus and tarragon sauce
