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If you want to learn how to cook asparagus, this is the place to be! Read on for answers to common questions surrounding cooking asparagus, asparagus nutrition, the best ways to prep, and plenty of asparagus side dish recipes and mains. You’ll find 17 delicious and simple asparagus recipes below!

The easy asparagus recipes are broken down into asparagus side dishes, asparagus soups, asparagus mains, and asparagus appetizers.

How to Buy Asparagus

If possible, look for asparagus tips that are bright green and maybe slightly violet – this means they are fresh! The stalks should be firm and I prefer thinner stalks as opposed to thick ones, but that’s a personal preference! You can always slice thick stalks down the middle lengthwise.

How to Cook Asparagus

There are so many ways to cook (and eat!) asparagus! Roasted asparagus or oven baked asparagus is definitely easy, but when I need an asparagus side dish that’s ready in a few minutes, I will trim them and saute them with some olive oil and/or butter for 4-7 minutes, or until tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste and maybe add in a minced clove of garlic towards the end of cooking. Simple is best sometimes!

The cooking time will depend a bit on the size of the asparagus stalk, thinner stalks will obviously cook quicker.

How to Trim Asparagus

The first step to any simple asparagus recipe is to trim the asparagus. You can cut off the woody end of the stalk, but I prefer to use my hands to snap it off. It will naturally break off where the woody section ends and the edible asparagus portion begins.

Take asparagus in hands and gently bend the asparagus stalk.

Then gently snap the asparagus. It will break off naturally where the woody stalk ends.

Can You Freeze Asparagus?

Yes, you can blanch and freeze asparagus. I’m not the biggest fan of frozen asparagus, so I have not tried it myself. Click here to learn how to freeze asparagus.

Asparagus Nutrition

Asparagus is an incredibly nutritious food! Per 1 serving of asparagus, which is about 1/2 cup or 6-7 spears, there are 15 calories in asparagus, 3 grams carbs in asparagus, 1 gram fiber, and 2 grams of protein in asparagus.

Asparagus also contains folate, vitamin K, potassium, and vitamin C.

What Is Asparagus Pee?

Ok, I have to admit, this is a slightly weird topic to discuss on a food blog…but it’s a common question, so here we go in a very basic way. (If this topic is interesting to you, read up on asparagus pee here.)

Asparagus contains asparagusic acid (only found in asparagus!) which when digested, is broken down in the body and turns into a group of sulfuric compounds, which emits a strong and unpleasant odor.

But, the tricky thing with all of this is that some people smell it and some people don’t, which is not completely understood by scientists.

Asparagus Side Dish Recipes

I love asparagus sides for so many dishes. It pairs well with mains like steak, chicken, or fish and can also be turned into a simple asparagus salad.

Broiled Asparagus – If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner side dish, this broiled asparagus is it. It’s easy to make, cooks super fast and can be seasoned in many different ways.

Asparagus and Garbanzo Bean Salad – This simple asparagus salad is perfect for spring and comes together in just 20 minutes. It combines my favorite spring vegetable, asparagus, with some of my favorite salad toppings.

Roasted Asparagus & Red Pepper Quinoa Salad – This vegetarian asparagus salad is not only delicious and flavorful, but also packed with nutrition. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and it has 12 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber per serving!

30 Minute Pesto Tortellini Salad by Dishing Out Health– This tortellini asparagus pasta salad has so many tasty flavors – pesto, asparagus, artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes. It can be served chilled or warmed and is perfect for any occasion.

Asparagus Main Dishes

Of course, asparagus recipes can also be the main event!

Spring Chicken Sauté – This healthy chicken dinner is on the table in just 20 minutes and happens to be gluten-free and low in carbs. This light dinner is one of my favorites and has even been a featured recipe on Twin Cities Live.

Spaghetti Aglio E Olio With Asparagus and Homemade Pecan Parmesan by The Wife Cooks – This tasty flavors from this recipe are all staple items you probably already have on hand. It’s extra simple and comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Asparagus and Pancetta Pesto Pizza by The Roasted Root – This unique recipe is so fun, healthy and delicious. It takes just 25 minute of prep and then pop it in the oven and enjoy.

Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry by Karen’s Kitchen – This stir-fry is a quick and delicious way to get a nutritious dinner on the table. These tasty flavors come together so well and so fast.

Asparagus Soup Recipes

Try these luscious asparagus soups with creamy texture and beautiful green hues.

Spring Green Minestrone by Occasionally Eggs – This vegan soup makes a delicious spin on the classic minestrone soup by incorporating tasty spring vegetables. It’s a fast meal that is light enough to eat even in warm weather.

Cream of Asparagus Soup with Goat Cheese by Everyday Delicious – This soup is super flavorful and bold. This refreshing soup is simple and made from just 5 ingredients.

Asparagus Appetizer

Easy Asparagus and Roast Beef Roll Ups by A Fork’s Tale – This easy and low-carb appetizer makes for a great appetizer. Spice up any cook out or dinner party in just 10 minutes.

Crispy Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus by Gouda Life – This delicious recipe can be served as an appetizer or a side dish and is so simple. As an extra, add in a lemon garlic aioli dip.

Bacon Asparagus Tarts by Thrify Jinxy – These fancy springtime tarts will look like they took forever to take, but recipe is super simple – it only takes 35 minutes total. This dish is perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day, bridal showers or any sunny spring day.

Asparagus Ricotta Lemon Tart by Cooking on the Front Burner– Impress your family and friends with this unique asparagus dish that includes so many delicious flavors. It’s easy, fun and comes together in just 40 minutes.

Pickled Asparagus by Pinch and Swirl – This versatile recipe is so quick and easy. The tangy, delicious crunch of pickled asparagus makes a great, low-cal snack.

Asparagus in Puff Pastry with Ham & Cheese by Everyday Delicious – This asparagus puff pasty tastes amazing, looks impressive, but still comes together so quickly. It’s perfect as an appetizer or a quick snack for your family.

Oven Roasted Asparagus with Whipped Ricotta & Honey by Bacon is Magic – This recipe may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy to make. To even further simplify, make some components ahead of time for the ultimate easy and delicious appetizer.