“A really simple side of fresh asparagus lightly grilled, the cheese and lemon work really well together. I prefer to cook the asparagus over charcoal, but if this isn’t feasible, you can do it in a pan. With the asparagus, check if they have a thick and fibrous base at the stem. Traditionally, we break off the stems, but if they’re young and tender they’re fine to eat.” – Paul Farag
43 recipes that make the most of in-season asparagus
Spring is in the air and you know what that means: it’s asparagus season. The versatile ingredient is a perfect addition to a crisp summery salad, is great blended in hearty soups, and is a brilliant vegetarian party starter for your next barbecue. Make the most of this healthy, delicious veggie with our 40 best asparagus recipes.
Asparagus tart with herby goat's curd
“Cooking asparagus over live charcoal is fantastic, especially for younger, more tender stalks. You get a juxtaposition of flavours with the sweet asparagus and the char.” – Colin Barker
Grilled flat beans and asparagus with green toum
“Something I love to barbecue is flat beans. So simple, so tasty and so beautiful with some simple garnishing. Toum, herbs, and za’atar. That is heaven.”
Lettuce, fennel and asparagus salad with capers and caesar dressing
Skip the croutons and try this inventive fennel caesar salad on for size.
Asparagus risotto with preserved lemon and feta recipe
Crunchy pops of green plus zesty lemon equals one tasty risotto.
Lemony mashed potato, asparagus, almond, mint
Spring asparagus and zesty potatoes make this dish the ultimate side.
Asparagus and broccolini salad with tonnato
This spring greens salad is the perfect side dish but also deserves to be part of the main game.
Vegan asparagus, lemon and mint risotto
A green machine of a dish, packed with important nutrients. Recipe by Shannon Martinez.
Asparagus migas and grilled pork
"Rather than the crispy fried breadcrumbs of Spain, this migas comes as a hearty bread pudding cooked using pork fat. The best versions have crispy sides like an omelette and are loaded with asparagus, as seen in the following recipe." – Matt Preston
Asparagus and pickled carrot salad with ricotta and pisatchio
Light, fresh and seasonal. This salad recipe just screams spring.
Iceberg, peach, asparagus and prawn salad with freekeh
This summer salad is like no other.
Asparagus and creme fraiche vol-au-vents
Make the most of puff pastry with this retro entertaining recipe.
Matt Moran's pea and mint fritters with feta and asparagus
"They're the perfect brunch - the flavours here are just spring on a plate," says Matt Moran.
Marinated mozzarella, asparagus and hazelnuts
This side dish makes the most of spring seasonal produce. Begin this recipe 1 day ahead.
Smoked paprika skirt steak with broccolini and asparagus
“Meat and salad can be so much more than just your standard barbecue fare. This dish is so vibrant, with pops of colour and flavour. Perfect for fresh spring feasting.” – Helena Moursellas