Best Asparagus Recipes To Make This Spring & Summer
Asparagus is the #1 source of glutathione 🌿
Asparagus season is in full swing, and with it being the TOP source of glutathione, I’m always looking for new ways to use it this time of year.
As mentioned in last week’s post, glutathione is the body’s “master antioxidant.” It plays a crucial role in supporting the body in detoxification processes by binding to toxins, heavy metals, pesticides, mold, and hundreds of other harmful substances that we're exposed to daily to help eliminate them from the body.
According to the journal Nutrients, asparagus contains more glutathione than any other food.
It’s also a good source of prebiotic fiber for gut health (3 grams per cup), and one of the best sources of folate (66% DV per cup), which is crucial for reducing the risk of cognitive decline by lowering homocysteine levels.
Whether you grow your own asparagus or get it from the farmer’s market, this post will give you plenty of new ideas for incorporating it into your meals this spring and summer!
1. Ina Garten’s Spring Green Spaghetti Carbonara
A lighter twist on the classic carbonara, this dish combines asparagus, peas, and fresh chives with pancetta in a creamy sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's ideal for a quick yet delicious meal.
🔗 Recipe
Swaps & Variations: 1) Use a gluten-free pasta such as brown rice, cassava, sorghum, or chickpea noodles. I like Jovial brand, which is available at Walmart and most grocery stores. 2) Swap the heavy cream for a lighter milk (1% or 2% milk, unsweetened almond milk, etc.).
2. Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
This simple recipe uses just asparagus, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, seasoned with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. It's a nutritious side that pairs well with various main dishes like grilled chicken/shrimp, pasta, or burgers.
🔗 Recipe
Swaps & Variations: No swaps needed for this recipe, but you could add garlic, and grill the asparagus rather than roast it in the oven if desired.
3. Pickled Asparagus
This quick pickled asparagus is a delicious appetizer or snack that lasts up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
🔗 Recipe
Swaps & Variations: Add in other veggies like jalapenos, bell peppers, or carrot strips.
4. Fresh Asparagus Salad with Avocado & Feta
A refreshing salad featuring blanched asparagus, creamy avocado, feta cheese, and tomatoes, all tossed in a Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
🔗 Recipe
Swaps & Variations: Boost the protein to make it a complete meal by adding in chickpeas, edamame, or chicken breast.
5. Summer Corn & Asparagus Salad
This colorful salad combines sweet corn, crisp asparagus, roasted peppers, and fresh basil for a perfect summer side dish.
🔗 Recipe
Swaps & Variations: I would use fresh red pepper instead of jarred.
6. Parmesan Roasted Asparagus With Tomatoes, Basil, & Balsamic
Asparagus is topped with shaved parmesan cheese, tomatoes, basil, and garlic, then roasted until tender & drizzled with sweet balsamic glaze. This dish looks so bright and flavorful for a summer side dish!
🔗 Recipe
Swaps & Variations: No swaps or variations needed for this recipe!
7. Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus
A quick and easy one-pan meal with salmon and asparagus that comes together in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
🔗 Recipe
Swaps & Variations: Add fresh herbs to the salmon like chopped dill or basil. Grill the salmon and asparagus instead of baking in the oven if desired until the salmon is flaky and the asparagus is crisp-tender.
8. Creamy Asparagus Soup
This asparagus soup is made without heavy cream – just veggies, broth, and a bit of Parmesan cheese puréed until smooth and creamy.
🔗 Recipe
Swaps & Variations: Swap the butter for olive oil if desired when sauteeing the onions and garlic. I would also add a can of white beans, such as Navy, Great Northern, or Cannellini beans (drained and rinsed) into the blender/food processor to boost the protein.
9. Asparagus Toast With Mint & Pea Pesto
These spring pesto toasts are a fresh and fun way to use asparagus for a light meal. This recipe looks and sounds delicious!
🔗 Recipe
Swaps & Variations: Use sourdough instead of whole grain bread if desired.
10. Asparagus and Artichoke Frittata
This frittata is packed with asparagus and artichokes, making it a perfect breakfast or brunch for springtime.
🔗 Recipe
Swaps & Variations: You can swap the parmesan cheese for feta or shredded cheddar, and omit the artichokes if desired. Turn it into an egg bake instead of frittata by baking for 25 minutes in a 9x13” pan until set and lightly golden.
Here are 3 additional asparagus recipes from my cookbook, Recipes For Longevity 👇
Shrimp, asparagus, and red pepper pesto pasta (my favorite 😋) - p. 125
Sheet-pan shrimp & asparagus with baked potatoes - p. 121
Spring vegetable pasta with shrimp - p. 141
I hope this post inspires you to add more asparagus to your meals since it’s one of the best foods for gut health, reducing inflammation, supporting cognitive function, and assisting the body in detoxification.
What asparagus recipes are you making this summer?!
-xo Kate