Asparagus makes for a great-tasting side dish, but it’s equally delicious when included in a main dish. Here are 21 Ways to Eat Asparagus for Dinner.
May 24th is National Asparagus Day! You must celebrate by eating asparagus one way or another. There are plenty of ways to eat asparagus as a side dish with your dinner, but I’ve decided to make them the star of the show. So here are 21 Ways to Eat Asparagus for Dinner! Browse through these recipes and bookmark your favorites. Choose one to make today to help celebrate delicious asparagus!
Share the asparagus love on social media today using the hashtags #NationalAsparagusDay, #AsparagusDay and #RecipesForHolidays.
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“Asparagus inspires gentle thoughts.”
-Charles Lamb
The History of Asparagus:
The history of asparagus stretches back thousands of years, with evidence of its consumption dating back to ancient civilizations.
Asparagus is believed to have originated in the eastern Mediterranean region, particularly in areas around present-day Greece and Egypt. It was cultivated by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.
The Romans were particularly fond of asparagus and developed sophisticated cultivation techniques to grow it. They also prized it for its purported medicinal properties and considered it a delicacy. Asparagus was highly valued in Roman cuisine and was often served at lavish feasts.
Asparagus cultivation continued throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, although it was not as widespread as during the Roman era. It remained a popular vegetable among European nobility and aristocracy.
European settlers introduced asparagus to the Americas during the colonial period. It was initially cultivated in gardens and became more widely available as agricultural practices advanced.
Asparagus cultivation became more widespread in the 19th and 20th centuries with advancements in farming techniques and transportation. It transitioned from being a luxury vegetable to a more commonly consumed one.
Today, asparagus is commercially cultivated in many countries around the world, with major producers including China, Peru, and Mexico. It is also grown in regions across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Asparagus Quiche by Recipe Girl: This quiche recipe turns out perfect and pretty every time. It’s perfect for breakfast or brunch or a special occasion.
Spicy Smashed Avocado and Asparagus with Dill Havarti Grilled Cheese by FoodieCrush: Roasted asparagus and spicy smashed avocado are fun additions to this grilled cheese, that features a dill-flavored havarti and seedy whole wheat bread.
Asparagus and Gouda Tart by Recipe Boy: This simple, savory tart highlights asparagus and cheese!
Spaghetti Squash with Asparagus, Ricotta, Lemon, and Thyme by The Kitchn: This favorite vegetarian supper using spaghetti squash in place of pasta highlights asparagus!
Asparagus, Bacon, Egg Casserole by The Kitchen Girl: The mouthwatering combo of bacon, asparagus, and white cheddar cheese makes a delicious, low carb breakfast, brunch or light dinner entree.
Shaved Asparagus Salad by Wonky Wonderful: This is a fun new way to enjoy fresh raw asparagus. With just a few simple ingredients this lemon asparagus salad will be your new favorite healthy side dish.
Asparagus Panzanella by Rachel Cooks: This is a unique springtime take on a traditional summer salad. You’ll love this delightful salad of crisp asparagus, homemade croutons, fresh mint, and feta cheese!
Raw Asparagus Salad with Walnuts and Parmesan by Alexandra Cooks: Serving asparagus raw with great accompaniments, the flavor of the asparagus really has the chance to shine.
Asparagus Pizza by Closet Cooking: This is a pizza with fresh asparagus and basil pesto, asparagus, prosciutto and plenty of melted cheese!
Ham and Cheese Asparagus by Julia’s Album: Dress up asparagus with Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and ham and then roast everything in the oven.
Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast by Healthy Fitness Meals: These are chicken breasts stuffed with asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese and baked in the oven.
Grilled Chicken and Asparagus Pesto Pasta by Recipe Runner: This recipe has simple ingredients, but tons of flavor thanks to grilling and the pesto lemon sauce. Serve it warm or cold for a delicious and healthy weeknight dinner!
Asparagus, Tomato and Feta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette by Cooking Classy: This salad uses few ingredients but they’re all powerful in flavor creating an incredible salad that you won’t be able to stop eating!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus by EatWell 101: This recipe has so much flavor and is so easy to throw together!
Asparagus and Chicken Enchiladas by Recipe Girl: This simple recipe has been a delicious family favorite for many years.
Creamy Salmon and Asparagus Pasta by Salt & Lavender: This pasta is simple to make, and you will love the lemony garlic cream sauce. It’s ready in about 30 minutes!
Asparagus Risotto by Recipe Girl: This is a fabulous recipe to make as a main dish or as a side dish to a protein.
Creamy Lemon Asparagus Pasta by The View From Great Island: Cozy, comforting, yet light and springy at the same time ~ this easy pasta recipe is incredibly delicious!
Asparagus, Peas and Smoked Gouda Frittata by Averie Cooks: This spring frittata is packed with healthy green vegetables. The asparagus soften but retain enough crunch to be satisfying.
Cream of Asparagus Soup by Diethood: This recipe is light and fresh, made with just a handful of ingredients, and is ready in 30 minutes.
Chicken and Asparagus Stir Fry by Dinner at the Zoo: This stir fry includes chicken breast pieces and fresh asparagus, cooked to perfection and coated in a savory sauce.
Fun Facts About Asparagus:
- Asparagus are rich in vitamin C, which is good for the immune system.
- Asparagus roots can grown 20 feet deep, and an asparagus stalk can grow several inches in a single day under the right conditions.
- There are also purple and white varieties of asparagus.
- Asparagus are related to onions, leeks and garlic.
- Some people note that when eating asparagus, it gives them an odor in their urine. This is due to the breakdown of sulphur-containing compounds in asparagus.