Asparagus is one of the earliest harvests of the year — and its appearance at farmer’s markets signals the start of warmer days ahead. With its tender texture and subtly sweet flavor, there are plenty of ways to enjoy asparagus all spring, into the summer and all year round.
And we’re here to help. Read on for nine of our best easy asparagus recipes that are perfect for weekend dinners, summer cookouts and cozy weeknights.
Roasted Asparagus
Delicious and oh-so-easy, you’ll be coming back to this simple roasted asparagus recipe over and over. A dash of ground nutmeg and cayenne adds unexpected warmth to tender asparagus, while garlic salt adds a hint of savory flavor. This needs just 5 minutes of active prep, making it ideal for entertaining, weeknight dinners and everything in between.
Bacon-Wrapped Roasted Asparagus
Looking for an elevated take on classic roast asparagus? Give this bacon-wrapped version a try. Smoky bacon plays perfectly off the subtle sweet flavor notes in asparagus, creating a robust side dish that still lets asparagus stay center stage. Serve these for Sunday dinners, or add them to a homemade charcuterie board for a pop of color.
Parmesan Herb Asparagus Fries with Greek Yogurt Ranch
Asparagus, meet oven fries. These crispy, cheesy asparagus “fries” put a new twist on a perennial favorite, pleasing the kids while allowing you to sneak more veggies into your fries. The homemade Greek yogurt ranch dressing brings this side over the top, but it’s deceptively easy to make. You can have the whole dish on the table in 22 minutes.
Asparagus Cauliflower Veggie Tots
Speaking of veggie-packed, kid-friendly fare, these cauliflower and asparagus veggie tots will take you right back to your childhood. Each bite is perfectly crispy, thanks to a panko crust, while the veggies inside get a flavor upgrade with garlic, paprika and cheddar cheese.
Citrus Herbed Chicken with Asparagus
Chicken and veggies are a classic combination for a reason, and this citrusy dish can brighten up any weeknight. It dresses up pan-seared chicken with an easy pan sauce made from chicken stock and lemon juice, plus seasonings including basil and oregano. The result is a dinner that’s quick, easy and photogenic — a true triple threat.
Creamy Linguine with Shrimp and Asparagus
Asparagus is one of our favorite ways to add color to pasta — and this creamy linguine is a must-serve the next time you’re craving something cozy. A creamy garlic sauce and tender shrimp add heartiness to this dish, while McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning adds Italian-inspired flare. This is a one-pot meal that cleans up easily, which makes it ideal for weeknights.
Sheet Pan Cajun Salmon and Asparagus
Going from one-pot to one-pan, this sheet pan salmon and asparagus deserves a spot in your weekly recipe rotation. A dash of McCormick Perfect Pinch Cajun Seasoning adds smoky, sweet and savory notes to your meal, and roasting everything on one pan gives the asparagus time to get tender — with just enough crispiness at the tips.
Air Fryer Salmon and Asparagus
If you can’t get enough salmon and asparagus, give this zippy recipe a try. While Cajun salmon leans in on the smoky flavor, this recipe skews sweet and tangy, with a homemade honey mustard sauce made from French's Chardonnay Dijon Mustard. The sauce is just as tasty on chicken, white fish and tofu, too, so whip it up anytime you need a boost of flavor.
Asparagus and Mushroom Quesadillas
If you haven’t added asparagus to quesadillas, you’ve been missing out. And this recipe is the perfect place to start. It’s got it all: mushrooms for a meaty texture, bacon for smokiness and crunch, green onions for freshness and pepper jack cheese for a hint of heat. It’s also seasoned with cumin, which adds pleasant earthiness that brings every flavor together.
Looking For More Recipes with Vegetables?
Try some of our favorite roasted vegetable recipes:
Learn tips and tricks from McCormick's kitchen to making the crispiest roasted vegetables:
