The Best Asparagus Recipes

A helpful round-up of the best asparagus recipes to make this season.

Spring has arrived and I couldn’t be more excited.

I’m soaking in the sunshine and eagerly awaiting the first garden produce to finally make its appearance. My chives are up, in a deep green bouquet, and the peas and spinach shouldn’t be far behind.

Bundles of asparagus bring a much anticipated burst of green after a long winter. It’s delicious at its simplest: lightly steamed, grilled or roasted with a squeeze of lemon.

Asparagus is also a very versatile vegetable that adds a lot of nutrition to galettes, quiche, pizzas, and more! Today’s round-up of the best asparagus recipes includes plenty of inspiration for the whole spring season.

The Best Asparagus Recipes

Here in Canada, asparagus pops up from the ground around the time we’re firing up the barbecue for the first time. Dinner is often as simple as a mountain of grilled asparagus and a steak. You can even skip the grill and shaved asparagus raw into salads, like this recipe from my friend Liz.

However, should you want to play around a bit more, I’ve got over a dozen tried and true recipes that highlight this spring vegetables.

From classic quiche to grilled cheese, prepare to be inspired by this round-up of the best asparagus recipes from the Simple Bites kitchen.

Springtime Penne with Asparagus Stem Pesto

Readers say: “I made this pesto last spring when it was in season and was BLOWN AWAY. It was so delicious. And easy to substitute ingredients and still delicious. I froze some in ice cube trays and treasured it over the winter. It’s DEFINITELY on my list to make this spring.”

Get the recipe > Springtime Penne with Asparagus Stem Pesto

Asparagus and Lobster Grilled Cheese

A decadent asparagus, Brie and lobster grilled cheese sandwich with homemade celery seed butter and slices of preserved lemon. Perfect for spring!

Get the Recipe > Asparagus and Lobster Grilled Cheese

Asparagus and Bacon Quiche

Ideal for breakfast, brunch or lunch, this is the essential classic quiche, tested to perfection.

Readers say: “One of my favourites! Love the tips on how to make this even faster during a week night.”

Get the recipe > Asparagus and Bacon Quiche: A Tutorial

Pesto & Ricotta-filled Asparagus and Radish Tarts

These simple, savoury tarts that are a reminder that winter can’t and won’t last forever. They make a very pretty plated appetizer or a light lunch with a side salad. Post includes do-ahead directions.

Get the Recipe > Pesto & Ricotta-filled Asparagus and Radish Tarts

Roasted Asparagus with Harissa Brown Butter Breadcrumbs

Here’s a fast and easy side dish that gets a punch of flavour from a spoonful of harissa and a good drizzle of brown butter. Originating from North African cuisine, the harissa paste is a blend of chillies, spices and garlic. It brings a wonderfully deep smoky flavour and a bit of heat to the dish.

Get the recipe > Roasted Asparagus with Harissa Brown Butter Breadcrumbs

Maple Mustard Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Radishes & Asparagus

Readers say: “I made this tonight for dinner Aimee, and it was fantastic. My partner couldn’t stop raving about the maple mustard glaze and I loved the taste of the veggies with it too. Definitely going into our weekly rotation!”

Get the recipe > Maple Mustard Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Radishes & Asparagus

Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Asparagus

This vibrant pasta salad is an easy option for weekday lunch or a spontaneous picnic.

Get the recipe > Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Asparagus

Spinach Salad with Grilled Strawberries, Asparagus & Walnuts

Readers say: “I made this salad as soon as I saw it and it was incredible! Grilled strawberries! They tasted like warm jam in every bite. So so so good. Thanks, as always, for a perfect recipe Aimee.”

Get the Recipe > Spinach Salad with Grilled Strawberries, Asparagus & Walnuts