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20+ of our best asparagus recipes

Make the most of asparagus season our delicious asparagus recipes.

Headshot of The Good Housekeeping Web teamBy The Good Housekeeping Web team
best asparagus recipes
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Britain's asparagus season is short and sweet, usually lasting from mid-April to early June, so there's no time to hang around. Make the most of this delicious vegetable and add it into everything from soups, stews, risotto, pasta and pies.

We always look forward to the annual crop of tender stems, as it marks the beginning of warmer weather but don't be fooled, this vegetable is a serious labour of love for the farmers who grow it.

When buying asparagus, choose those spears that have fresh looking, firm stems and tightly furled, crisp tips. Stay away from any that are limp, damaged, or have wrinkled bases.

When ready to cook, wash well, snap off the woody base (which will naturally break at the ideal spot) and if the stalk is particularly thick you might like to peel it with a vegetable peeler or slice in half horizontally so it cooks quickly without becoming soggy.

1

Chargrilled Asparagus and Romesco Toasts

chargrilled asparagus and romesco toasts

A delicious pepper and tomato dip from the Catalonian region of Spain, Romeso combines sweet and spiced flavours to make it positively addictive. If you don’t have a griddle pan you can boil or steam the asparagus instead.

Recipe: Chargrilled Asparagus and Romesco Toasts

2

Asparagus orzotto with watercress pesto

asparagus orzotto with watercress pesto

This asparagus orzotto (which uses orzo pasta instead of risotto rice) is spring in a bowl! The watercress pesto adds a lovely extra layer of freshness.

Recipe: Asparagus orzotto with watercress pesto

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3

Griddled asparagus with broad beans and tahini

griddled asparagus with broad beans and tahini

Skinning the broad beans takes some time, but you can skip this step if you prefer, or use edamame beans instead.

Recipe: Griddled Asparagus with Broad Beans and Tahini

4

Our easiest asparagus risotto

easy dinner party recipes
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This is our go-to, failsafe risotto recipe and works as a general base recipe for any flavour combination you go for. Our favourite is using in-season, British asparagus and smoked bacon.

Recipe: Asparagus risotto

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5

Asparagus with Lemon and Caper Butter

asparagus with lemon and caper butter
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A fragrant and fresh BBQ side dish. This asparagus with lemon and caper butter is an easy summer dish perfect for BBQs and alfresco dining.

Recipe: Asparagus with Lemon and Caper Butter

6

Buckwheat and Greens Galette

buckwheat and greens galette

This pastry has a lovely nutty taste from the buckwheat flour. You could swap the asparagus for tenderstem broccoli if you like.

Recipe: Buckwheat and Greens Galette

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7

Salmon, Asparagus and Pea Quiche

salmon, asparagus and pea tart

Any leftovers make for a lovely lunch served straight from the fridge. For a quicker dinner, use bought shortcrust pastry instead.

Recipe: Salmon, Asparagus and Pea Quiche

8

Asparagus Straws with Cheat’s Hollandaise

best canape recipes asparagus straws with cheat’s hollandaise

These stylish canapés are super simple and equally delicious served hot or at room temperature. Use regular rather than fine asparagus spears, so that they hold their shape during cooking.

Recipe: Asparagus Straws with Cheat’s Hollandaise

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9

Asparagus, burrata and prosciutto salad

best asparagus recipes asparagus, burrata and prosciutto salad

A perfect combination of salty prosciutto, creamy burrata (similar to mozzarella) and sweet asparagus make up this luxurious summer salad recipe.

Recipe: Asparagus, burrata and prosciutto salad

10

Smoked salmon and asparagus risotto

best asparagus recipes smoked salmon and asparagus risotto
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This lighter version of risotto tastes great and uses a combination of grains, so you can feel smug while eating it

Recipe: Smoked salmon and asparagus risotto

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11

Asparagus, pea and mint rice salad

best asparagus recipe asparagus, pea and mint rice salad
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This fresh tasting salad is great for a summer barbecue, picnic, or pack it up with some feta and take to work for lunch

Recipe: Asparagus, pea and mint rice salad

12

Steak and asparagus stir fry

best asparagus recipes steak and asparagus stir fry
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This simple supper is elegant and good for you. Add some noodles or rice on the side if you're especially hungry!

Recipe: Steak and asparagus stir fry

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13

Asparagus and cheese pasta

best asparagus recipe asparagus and cheese pasta
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This tasty pasta recipe is easy to make and if you leave out the ham it's a great vegetarian meal.

Recipe: Asparagus and cheese pasta

14

Chicken and asparagus pie

best asparagus recipes chicken and asparagus pie
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This comforting pie is perfect for Spring, and a great way to use up leftover roast chicken.

Recipe: Chicken and asparagus pie

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15

Salmon and asparagus terrine

best asparagus recipes salmon and asparagus terrine
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This terrine is easier to make than you might think, and makes a great starter or as part of a summer buffet.

Recipe: Salmon and asparagus terrine

16

Asparagus bundles

best asparagus recipes asparagus bundles
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Looks elegant, tastes delicious, but is super easy to put together. Asparagus bundles are a host’s best friend.

Recipe: Asparagus bundles

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17

Salmon and asparagus plait

best asparagus recipes salmon and asparagus plait

A recipe you’ll turn to time and time again. Make sure to use fine asparagus, so it will cook through.

Recipe: Salmon and asparagus plait

18

Asparagus soup with dippy egg

best asparagus recipes asparagus soup with dippy egg
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This delicate soup tastes of Spring – perfect for making the most of homegrown British asparagus at its very best. Poach eggs in advance, if you like, or leave them out.

Recipe: Asparagus with dippy egg

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19

Asparagus and pancetta carbonara

best asparagus recipes asparagus and pancetta carbonara

When asparagus are in season, use them in this classic dish. Fried with pancetta they add a lovely crunch.

Recipe: Asparagus and pancetta carbonara

20

Samphire, asparagus and green bean salad

best asparagus recipes samphire, asparagus and green bean salad
Good Housekeeping

Samphire tastes like fresh salt air, and lends its salinity here to season the other vegetables. It is widely available from supermarkets or your local fishmonger.

Recipe: Samphire, asparagus and green bean salad

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