16 Easy Asparagus Side Dish Recipes

Oven-Roasted Asparagus

This easy and classic asparagus recipe is extra crispy, thanks to a high-heat oven. The dish is so simple, you'll surely add it to your roster of regular sides.

"I make this all the time," says Allrecipes member Jen. "And it's incredibly good."

Grilled Asparagus

If the weather is behaving, take that asparagus outside! The heat of the grill adds new dimension and texture to this spring vegetable. If it's not already a favorite, it soon will be.

"My new way of preparing asparagus," says reviewer chester.

Sautéed Asparagus

A little garlic and oil can go a long way, especially when it comes to asparagus. Hot oil keeps these vegetables a beautiful shade of green, while garlic adds a savory pep on the palate. Allrecipes members swear by it.

"This is so good! The only way I cook asparagus now!" says reviewer Virginia.

Asparagus Wrapped in Crisp Prosciutto

For a salty, snackable asparagus side that can also be used as an appetizer, try this prosciutto-wrapped asparagus. The salty, fatty meat provides a great complement to the vegetables firm texture and spring-sweet flavor. It's also great for a crowd.

"I made this for a housewarming and all the guests raved," says reviewer Noodles.

Simply Steamed Asparagus

Steam asparagus correctly and it can be an easy and healthful addition to your vegetable rotation. It may not be the most exciting way to eat asparagus, but it's definitely a reliable one.

As reviewer RedRobynNAU says, it's "simple, but delicious!"

Asparagus Salad

Spinach and still-warm asparagus come together in this healthy, tasty salad. Although the spinach is raw, the warm asparagus delicately tenderizes it, taking away some of its natural bite. "

The warmth from the asparagus just barely wilted the spinach to perfection," says reviewer LINDA MCLEAN.

Asparagus and Red Pepper with Balsamic Vinegar

"This brightly flavored asparagus, pepper, and onion recipe with pine nuts for crunch is the one vegetable dish that even vegetable haters will enjoy," says Allrecipes member Patrick. "It pairs well with roasted meats."

For milder flavors, substitute mozzarella cheese for Parmesan and use less vinegar. Most of the ingredients are fridge and pantry staples, too, which makes this even faster and better.

Spring Asparagus Salad

The asparagus is cooked to just tender and then rinsed with cold water so it stays crisp, but not overly cooked.

Allrecipes member JanetCanuck suggests tomatoes and onions.

Lemon-Sesame Asparagus

Zippy and fresh, this quick asparagus side would go beautifully with salmon, chicken, pork, or pasta. The sesame seeds add a nice hint of crunch, but also a bit of nuttiness to balance the lemon juice

Whole Wheat Rotini Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is a bountiful representation of some of spring's best produce: asparagus, carrots, green onions, and even cherry tomatoes. You can change up the herbs (try basil for the green onions) and cheese (try mozzarella pearls instead of feta) for a quick side that could double as a light dinner.

Baked Asparagus with Balsamic Butter Sauce

With more than 2,500 reviews, this asparagus side dish recipe still maintains a top rating. But if that wasn't enough to convince you, this recipe requires just four ingredients (besides salt, pepper, and cooking spray), which may mean it earns love in your heart for being the easiest recipe you know.

Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan

Five ingredients, 20 minutes, and you have a delicious five-star appetizer or side dish.

"What isn't to love! Adjust cooking time for the size of your asparagus," says Allrecipes community member Baking Nana. "About 10 minutes was good for mine. Enjoy!"

Pan-Fried Asparagus

With loads of garlic and warm butter, this is one asparagus side dish even the kids will love.

"Making this recipe was the first time I ever tried asparagus," says reviewer A277387. "Now, I can't eat it any way but like this,"

Fresh Asparagus Soup

This light asparagus soup is made creamy with soy milk and yogurt. The asparagus flavor gets new life from lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. You can serve it heated, as Allrecipes member Nanook suggests, but cold soup will be refreshing.

Grilled Soy-Sesame Asparagus

"A terrific summer side dish! I love asparagus on the grill, the smokey, charred flavor is delicious," says reviewer Saveur. "I steamed my asparagus for about 3 minutes inside, marinated, then placed on the grill with my pork tenderloin for a couple minutes to finish."

Asparagus Casserole

This asparagus casserole features tender crisp asparagus, a velvety creamy Havarti sauce and fresh lemon and dill flavors," says Karen Rankin. "The buttery cracker-almond topping adds a lovely texture and its a fancy side yet quick to prepare. Makes a great side for steaks, roasted chicken, or ham, as well as Easter dinner."