How To Prepare Asparagus: Tips + Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Are you looking for new ways to prepare asparagus? This lovely spring vegetable is as versatile as it is delicious. It can be consumed raw, steamed, roasted or even turned into a tasty filling for pasta, a velvety soup or crostini topping.

When shopping for asparagus select spears that are firm. Inspect the bunch from top to bottom and avoid asparagus with dry ends.

Types of Asparagus

The color of asparagus ranges from white, purple (a variety called viola) to green with purple tips.

Benefits of Asparagus

Asparagus is a great source of antioxidants and contains vitamin B6, vitamin E, folic acid (essential for expectant mothers) and iron.

Ways to Prepare Asparagus

Below we highlight some of our favorite ways to prepare asparagus. These recipes cover everything from breakfast and brunch to lunch and dinner so there is plenty to choose from. Enjoy!

Asparagus Frittata

Looking for a protein-packed breakfast or brunch option? Whip up this tasty frittata loaded with asparagus, chives and peppers.

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Asparagus Salad

You'll love the sumptuous blend of asparagus, green pease, arugula and goat cheese in this beautiful salad.

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Asparagus Crostini

Next time you are entertaining serve this crowd-pleasing recipe for asparagus crostini prepared with peas, Parmesan cheese, lemon and olive oil.

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Glass Noodle Salad

Blanched asparagus add flavor and color to this Asian-style glass noodle salad.

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Italian Tagliatelle with Shrimp and Asparagus

This seafood dish comes together easily and is ideal for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for a special occasion like Easter.

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White Asparagus

Kick things up a notch by preparing this recipe for mousse-filled white asparagus, a special recipe from chef Alberto Quadrio.

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Stir Fry

This stir fry comes together is less than 15 minutes and it is packed with veggies, including asparagus, bok choi, scallions, carrots and broccoli.

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Preparing Asparagus Tips

Asparagus tips are a delightful garnish for soup, salad or risotto. When preparing the asparagus tips be sure to trim the tops only and reserve the rest of the spears for later use.

For extra flavor, sauté the asparagus tips with a bit of butter and olive oil before using as a garnish.

Preparing Asparagus for Grilling

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Preparing asparagus for grilling is as easy as slicing off the tough ends and tossing the spears with a bit of oil. Season to your liking with salt and pepper (shredded Parmesan cheese is good too).

To prevent the spears from falling through the grates place the asparagus in a grill basket. Alternatively, you may put the asparagus atop a small baking tray and place it right on the grill. The vegetables will still retain the nice smoky flavor of the grill.

Asparagus takes just minutes to cook on the grill. Flip them over once and grill until tender and golden.

How To Prepare Asparagus with Butter

Cooking asparagus in butter is a great way of bringing out the flavor of this delicate vegetable. You may cook whole spears or slice them at an angle before sautéing with some butter.

Cook until the asparagus becomes bright green and immediately remove from the pan to prevent overcooking. Asparagus prepared in this fashion makes a great addition to risotto or pasta.

You may also serve it with a compound butter, which really elevates the flavor.