Not so long ago, fresh asparagus was a sign of spring. Like other varieties of produce, it has become more of a year-round vegetable, but I still think it’s best use is in light, bright, springtime meals. It’s welcome vegetable any time you choose to use it, and you’ll find plenty of ways in this roundup of delectable vegan asparagus recipes.
Read on for tips on buying and storing asparagus, and a generous list of recipes for pastas & other main dishes, soups, salads, side dishes (including variations on roasting), pickles, and more.
Thanks to the talented bloggers who participated in this roundup for permission to use their photos and link to their recipes.
CHOOSING ASPARAGUS
Slender asparagus is often seen in spring, but too slender, as mentioned in the recipe, isn’t a good thing. You want stalks that are succulent, or you’ll just be getting a lot of skin and little flavor.
Choose bundles with firm spears; the tips should be closed, plump and green. Avoid bundles whose ends look withered — a sure sign that they’re past their peak.
Asparagus is good for you: Asparagus is very low in calories and has virtually no fat, yet boasts a bit of protein and is rich in all kinds of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. See the complete nutritional profile of asparagus.
How to store fresh asparagus
- If you won’t be using the asparagus right away (though you should use it within a day or two of buying), wrap the ends of the stalks with a damp paper towel and put them in a plastic produce bag in the refrigerator.
- You can also stand asparagus spears upright in a glass filled with 2 to 3 inches of cool water. That’s even better! Either way, try to use asparagus within 3 days of buying or harvesting for best flavor and freshness.
Try white asparagus, if you can find it. It’s often thicker than green asparagus but can be used interchangeably, flavor-wise, if not visually.
When you’re ready to use asparagus
- Wash the asparagus stalks, then cut about an inch off the stem ends.
- If the skin looks tough toward the stem end, peel about half of the stalks toward the stem end with a vegetable peeler. This isn’t a lot of fun to do, but your finished dish will be that much better for it!
- If steaming briefly to use in a cold asparagus recipe like this one, make sure to rinse the asparagus under cold running water after it steams to a nice bright green, to stop the cooking process.
And now, let’s get to the main event — recipes featuring asparagus. Thanks to the talented bloggers who participated in this roundup for permission to use their photos and link to their recipes.
Pasta dishes featuring asparagus
Spring Pasta Salad with Asparagus and Peas: Filled with spring flavors, this pasta salad is perfect for welcoming the season and enjoying into early summer.
Penne with Asparagus and Herbed “Butter” Sauce: So simple, but oh so satisfying, Laura Theodore’s one-pot pasta dish makes great use of fresh spring asparagus. This dish of penne with asparagus whips up in about 20 minutes, making a delicious, home-cooked weeknight meal.
Vegan Pasta Primavera: The generous amount of veggies make a heaping helping of vegan pasta primavera, even though it uses less than a full pound of pasta.
Pasta with Asparagus, Arugula, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Here’s a simple, light pasta dish featuring two sprightly vegetables. It comes together in 30 minutes or less, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
Broccoli Asparagus Pasta: From Through the Fibro Fog, a pasta dish that’s is a cozy comfort food dinner, with lots of green vegetables, herbs and garlic. Easy to make, it comes together in just 30 minutes.
Easy Lemon Pepper Pasta with Asparagus: From My Pure Plants, a light refreshing pasta that’s a perfect spring lunch or dinner during. Quick and easy to make with only a handful ingredients.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Asparagus: From This Wife Cooks, a classic pasta dish with a homemade pecan Parmesan that makes it special Add some garlic bread on the side and you’ve got a practically effortless dinner the family will love.
Lemon Orzo with Asparagus: From Food Banjo, a delicious dish made in just 20 minutes. Easy, bright, and flavorful!
Other (not pasta) main dishes with asparagus
Vegan Mongolian Beef: An easy recipe to prepare using plant-based beef-style protein or seitan, it’s a kinder, gentler way to enjoy an Asian-style dish.
Quinoa and Asparagus with Baby Bok Choy: This delightful pilaf is gently seasoned with Asian flavors — ginger, rice vinegar, and soy sauce.
Vegan Asparagus Risotto: From Zardy Plants, an easy risotto that’s creamy, bright, and delicious, It’s packed with delicious spring flavors like lemon and asparagus, but with a (vegan) cheesy twist. Great for a family dinner, Easter, a potluck, or meal prep, this meal is perfect any time of year.
Vegan Vegetable Tart: This vegan vegetable tart is practically effortless to make and gorgeous to behold.
Asparagus and Tomato Tart with Cashew Ricotta: From Dianne’s Vegan Kitchen, a tasty tart topped with fresh asparagus spears and tomato slices. Perfect for springtime dining!
Just Egg Quiche with Asparagus: From Good Food Baddie, a hearty vegan quiche is filled with asparagus, shallots, mushrooms, and garlic. It is perfect for brunch or dinner.
Just Egg Quiche with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Asparagus: From Health My Lifestyle, another vegan asparagus quiche that’s full of flavor, this time pairing asparagus with sun-dried tomatoes. It makes a wonderful dish for breakfast, brunch or even dinner!
Vegan White Pizza with Asparagus and Arugula: Here’s a lovely, light vegan white pizza that features fresh vegetables and sun-dried tomatoes atop a creamy base made of silken tofu.
Asparagus Leek and Mushroom Pizza with Roasted Beet Sauce: From Planted 365, a delicious dinner that’s perfect for spring. It has all the flavors we associate with this time of year. (I may have the photo in media library from another roundup)
Asparagus soups
Vegan Cream of Asparagus Soup: A velvety soup is enhanced with the addition of peas and leafy greens. If ever there was a soup that celebrates spring, it would be this one.
Instant Pot Asparagus Soup: Creamy and delicious, this soup is filled with fresh asparagus, potatoes, and lively flavorings. It’s not only vegan, but low carb and gluten-free.
Asparagus Broccoli Soup: From Through the Fibro Fog a soup that’s light and fresh, brimming with the good greens! Easy to make for a spring lunch or light dinner.
Creamy Vegan Asparagus Soup with Potato: From Plant Based Folk, a creamy vegan asparagus soup with potatoes, fresh vegetables, and caramelized onions — blended with coconut milk. This vegan soup is also naturally gluten-free.
Spanish Vegetable Stew (menestra de verduras) has many regional variations, and can be made with different vegetables according to season. Many traditional versions aren’t vegan, though this one is 100% plant-based!
Asparagus salads
Spring Barley and Asparagus Salad: Peas, cucumbers, and dill give this barley and asparagus salad a spring-y flavor, though you can make it year round if you can find good asparagus.
Asparagus and Arugula Farro Salad: From Dianne’s Vegan Kitchen, a salad made with hearty grains and light spring greens. It’s is an excellent side dish, but it’s also substantial enough to be a meal on its own.
Asparagus, Roasted Onion, and Balsamic Tomato Salad: From The Devil Wears Salad, a great way to elevate a leafy salad with balsamic tomatoes mixed with sweet roasted onions and crunchy asparagus.
Spaghetti Squash Salad with Asparagus: Another from The Devil Wears Salad, let the unique long strands of the spaghetti squash take your salad presentation skills to the next level Umami, earthy and nutty, this recipe falls under the satisfying vegan salad category.
Asparagus side dishes & appetizers
Lemony Asparagus with Mushrooms: A simple springtime side dish that can be sautéed or roasted, this is a fantastic choice as a side dish for springtime special occasions, yet it’s easy enough to make for everyday meals.
Ajillo Mushrooms and Asparagus: This simple combination of mushrooms and asparagus was inspired by the popular Spanish tapas (appetizer) dish, champiñones al ajillo. Adding asparagus makes it not only more substantial, but gives it color and heft as well.
Marinated Artichoke Hearts with Mushrooms & Asparagus: In this recipe for a tasty appetizer dish or first course, marinated artichoke hearts and mushrooms mingle with fresh asparagus and herbs.
My Big Fat Greek Asparagus: A simple yet bold presentation, Hannah Kaminsky’s Greek asparagus is richly flavored with olive and sun-dried tomato tapenade.
Sheet Pan Roasted Asparagus with Garlic, Tomatoes, and a Tahini Drizzle: From World of Vegan, perfectly roasted asparagus that pairs perfectly with garlic, roasted tomatoes, and a delicate tahini drizzle sauce!
Roasted Cauliflower and Asparagus: From Organically Addison, a fantastic side dish! These veggies come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Pan-Fried Asparagus and Potatoes: From Where is My Spoon, a simple yet delightful spring dish made on the stovetop.
Easy Lemon Rice with Fresh Asparagus: From Vegan Blueberry, a lemony rice dish featuring plenty of asparagus. It’s a delicious way to cook plain white rice with with a bright citrus lemon flavor and a serving of vegetables.
Oven Roasted Asparagus: From Joy Food Sunshine, asparagus is tossed with olive oil and lemon juice, seasoned with garlic, and roasted to crispy perfection!
Oven-Roasted Asparagus with Charred Lemon: From Champagne Tastes, another take on roasted asparagus. Drizzled with olive oil, vinegar, and fresh lemon juice, it’s fast, easy, and delicious!
Balsamic Glazed Asparagus: From The Littlest Crumb, a quick and easy roasted asparagus drizzled with a thick, balsamic reduction.
Crispy Baked Asparagus Fries: From Running to the Kitchen, baked asparagus fries are a taste of spring in every bite. Served with a tangy lemon dijon dipping sauce and made both gluten-free and vegan. Air-fryer method included.
The Best Air Fryer Asparagus: This ultra easy air fryer asparagus recipe leverages 7 simple tips for great results! Change up the flavors to match your main course.
Marinated Grilled Asparagus: From Simple and Savory, marinated fresh asparagus that’s grilled to perfection for an easy and flavor-filled side dish.
White Asparagus, Italian Style: From Cristina Cucina, a white asparagus recipe made with tomatoes that’s easy, nutritious, and delicious as a side dish.
More Asparagus Recipes
Pickled Asparagus: From Pinch and Swirl, who presents pickled asparagus with this easy and versatile recipe! It takes less than 20 minutes to make and is ready enjoy the next day!
Spicy Pickled Asparagus: From Noshing with the Nolands, a pickled asparagus with a kick. It’s tangy, nippy, garlicky, and dilly. Try serving it with Bloody Mary cocktails!
Avocado Free Guacamole: From Bobbi’s Cozy Kitchen, for those of us that can’t indulge in guacamole due to avocado allergies, this avocado free “Mockamole” will make you feel like you aren’t missing a thing.
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