22 Fresh Asparagus Sides to Spring For

Updated on Dec. 06, 2023

Hot or cold, spicy or mild, soup or salad—these asparagus side dish recipes will help you find the perfect way to serve spring's favorite vegetable.

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1/22

Radish Asparagus Salad

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Lemon zest and mustard in the dressing add the perfect punch to crisp asparagus and crunchy radishes in this fresh spring salad. My family loves it! —Nancy Latulippe, Simcoe, Ontario
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 28mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
2/22

Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes

Total Time 35 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This dish is especially wonderful when locally grown asparagus is in season. It's so easy for celebrations because you can serve it hot or cold. —Jannine Fisk, Malden, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 95 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 294mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
3/22

Chicken & Vegetable Wild Rice Soup

Total Time 6 hours 50 min
Servings 8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This go-to weeknight recipe is one I tweaked over and over till it was just right. It has morphed from a labor-intensive wintry bowl to a steamy, comforting, slow-cooked favorite for our family. —Courtney Riggin, Hatchechubbee, Alabama
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 310 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 1060mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
4/22

Overnight Asparagus Strata

Total Time 55 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I've made this tasty egg dish for breakfast, brunch, even dinner as a side dish. This is not your run-of-the-mill strata. —Lynn Licata, Sylvania, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 318 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 255mg cholesterol, 916mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
5/22

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Total Time 30 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I grill dinner almost every night, and I love grilling veggies for a side dish. I serve this grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe with meat and sliced fresh tomatoes for a wonderful meal. —Trisha Kitts, Dickinson, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 5 pieces: 120 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
6/22

Cream of Asparagus Soup

Total Time 35 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We have a large asparagus patch and are able to freeze a lot for the year. My recipe highlights the flavor of the vegetable and is very easy to make. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 154 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 585mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat-free milk.
7/22

Parmesan Asparagus

Total Time 20 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Nothing could be more simple than this side dish. Since it has just four ingredients, I assemble it in no time, then pop it into the oven for about 15 minutes. It turns out perfect every time. —Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 6 ounce-weight: 107 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 273mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
8/22

Pasta with Asparagus

Total Time 20 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Many terrific recipes change hands at my ladies' bridge group's monthly get-togethers. That's where I discovered this zippy, tempting dish. The garlic, asparagus, Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes create an irresistible taste combination. —Jean Fisher, Redlands, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 259 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 83mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
9/22

Rosemary Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus

Total Time 45 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Showcase asparagus when you dress it in fresh rosemary and red potatoes for an earthy counterpoint to the fresh, green spears. Add minced garlic and you get a gorgeous, flavorful side dish. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 175 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
10/22

Spring Asparagus

Total Time 25 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This fresh and colorful side dish is delicious served warm or cold. I get lots of compliments on the homemade dressing. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 154 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
11/22

Oven-Roasted Asparagus

Total Time 20 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Asparagus never tasted so good! Simply seasoned with butter and green onions, they taste fresh and keep their bright green color, too. They're so good, you might want to make extra. This is how to cook asparagus in the oven. —Jody Fisher, Stewartstown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 87 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 266mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
12/22

Garden Risotto

Total Time 45 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: With asparagus, spinach and peas, this simple side adds spectacular flavor and tons of health benefits from green veggies. Add some Parmesan cheese, and you've got one delectable dish! —Kendra Doss, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 203 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 539mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
13/22

Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Pair any entree with this fresh side dish for a truly succulent meal. With subtle garlic, melted butter and a hint of Parmesan cheese, what’s not to love? —Tara Ernspiker, Falling Waters, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 71 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 74mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
14/22

Summer Orzo Salad

Total Time 30 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I’m always looking for fun ways to use the fresh veggies that come in my Community Supported Agriculture box, and this summer orzo salad is one of my favorite creations. I like to improvise with whatever I have on hand, so feel free to do the same here! —Shayna Marmar, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 291 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 501mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
15/22

Honey-Lemon Asparagus

Total Time 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Everyone who tastes my glazed asparagus takes a second helping, so I usually double the recipe. For another option, try using a root vegetable such as turnip or parsnip. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 73 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 276mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
16/22

Tortellini with Asparagus & Lemon

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This is a terrific warm-weather dish, loaded with fresh flavors. I make mine meatless, but some sliced grilled chicken on top would be awesome, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 594 calories, 28g fat (15g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 843mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
17/22

Marinated Asparagus with Blue Cheese

Total Time 20 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Asparagus marinated in vinaigrette and dotted with cheese makes an awesome side. We’re blue cheese fans, but you might like Parmesan or feta. —Susan Vaith, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 136 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 348mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
18/22

Citrus-Tarragon Asparagus Salad

Total Time 55 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I created this colorful salad when I was invited to a friend's Easter egg hunt and potluck picnic. The guests were begging to get my recipe. Let the flavors infuse overnight for the best taste. —Cheryl Magnuson, Apple Valley, California
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 148 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 168mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
19/22

Tarragon Asparagus

Total Time 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I grow purple asparagus, so I'm always looking for new ways to prepare it. Recently, my husband and I discovered how wonderful any color of asparagus tastes when it's grilled. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 76 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 302mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
20/22

Asparagus Soup with Lemon Creme Fraiche

Total Time 50 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: A fresh and easy asparagus soup, pureed until it's smooth, is a definite winner. Serve it warm or chilled depending on the weather.—Fern Vitense, Tipton, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 155 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 873mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
21/22

Asparagus with Fresh Basil Sauce

Total Time 15 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Add zip to your party with this easy appetizer. The dip that can also double as a flavorful sandwich spread. — Janie Colle Hutchinson, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: about 2 spears with 1 tablespoon sauce: 72 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
22/22

Parmesan Asparagus

Total Time 20 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Nothing could be more simple than this side dish. Since it has just four ingredients, I assemble it in no time, then pop it into the oven for about 15 minutes. It turns out perfect every time. —Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 6 ounce-weight: 107 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 273mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.