5 must-try asparagus recipes for summer

Asparagus might be available year-round, but early summer is the ideal season to enjoy this nutritious bud-tipped vegetable. Head to your local grocery store or farmer’s market to find verdant spears in a range of colours and stalk sizes; ultra-thin pencil asparagus works well in raw salads and light pasta dishes while green, purple, and white heirloom asparagus varieties are thick enough for grilling or roasting at high temperatures.

[Photo Credit: fascinadora]

Want to make the most of asparagus season? These five simple side dishes and mains are some of the best asparagus recipes to try this summer.

1. Grilled asparagus
A warm-weather staple, grilled asparagus is a welcome addition to any summer BBQ and pairs beautifully with steak or pork chops and a potato salad.

• Wash asparagus and remove the tough ends by slicing or snapping the stalk.
• Coat spears in a light drizzle of olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Place asparagus on the BBQ directly or use a grilling basket to keep the spears contained and easy to handle.
• Cook on high heat for about four minutes, making sure to turn the asparagus on the BBQ frequently for an even char.
• Remove from the heat and serve grilled asparagus with a squeeze of lemon.

2. Oven-roasted asparagus
If you don’t have a barbecue but still want that charred, crunchy texture, try this simple oven-roasted asparagus recipe.

• Remove stalk ends and place asparagus in a single-layer row on a baking sheet.

• Coat with olive oil, salt and pepper and place in a pre-heated oven at 425 °F.
• Bake for roughly 12 minutes or until spears are firm but tender.
• Serve with lemon or freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

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Need some farm-fresh asparagus for your next summer BBQ?
Let YP help you find seasonal Farmer’s Markets in your neighbourhood.

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3. Mediterranean asparagus salad
Thinner asparagus varieties can be eaten raw and make a delicious alternative to lettuce greens in a Greek-style salad. Pair this healthy asparagus recipe with grilled chicken or lamb skewers.

• With tough ends trimmed, dice asparagus spears into two-inch pieces.
• Mix chopped asparagus with halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, chickpeas and crumbled feta cheese.
• Dress asparagus salad with balsamic vinaigrette and toss thoroughly.

4. Creamy asparagus pasta
Elevate a simple pasta dish with a pop of green. Shaved asparagus makes a lovely addition to this summer spaghetti with lemon cream sauce.

• Wash and trim asparagus then use a vegetable peeler to shave stalks lengthwise into long, thin strips.
• Place spaghetti noodles in a pot of salted boiling water.
• About three minutes before the spaghetti has finished cooking, add the shaved asparagus to the pot. Cook through then drain.
• Return noodles and asparagus to the pot and mix with fresh lemon juice and zest, grated Parmesan cheese, and crème fraîche or sour cream. Stir thoroughly.
• Top with fresh pepper and serve with chilled white wine.

5. Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus 
This simple asparagus recipe is an easy make-ahead party appetizer. Be sure to use thick wide-stemmed spears paired with thinly sliced cured Prosciutto.

• Prepare your asparagus by removing the ends and seasoning with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Roll individual Prosciutto slices tightly around each spear.
• Place meat-wrapped asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet, making sure not to crowd them.
• Roast asparagus in the oven at 425 °F for about 12 to 15 minutes or until tender.