What's Cooking: Asparagus

When this lovely green is on the table, you know spring is in the air.

Article By: Lisa Chernick

Roll up your sleeves and dig into some of the best recipes of the season. Inspired by top-notch ingredients and practical techniques, we've put together menus and serving ideas for the food you want to cook right now.

A sure sign of spring is the arrival of tender new vegetables at the market and a renewed enthusiasm for cooking them. At WeightWatchers.com, asparagus is a staff favorite. We all have our top recipes and tips for preparing the tender, versatile stalks. Here are three seasonal menus that feature asparagus recipes we really like for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Can't-go-wrong brunch
Make this asparagus frittata the centerpiece of a great weekend spread for friends and family.

Asparagus, Bacon and Cheese Strata

Glazed Pear Muffins

Roasted Herb Potato Wedges

Spiced Citrus Salad

Friends for lunch
In search of a healthy side dish for your next afternoon party? This brightly flavored vegetable salad is just the ticket.

Balsamic Asparagus and Cherry Tomato Salad

Baked Sweet Potato Chips

Curried Egg Salad Sandwiches

Blondies

Easy weeknight dinner
Quick and delicious meals are so right on a busy night. These light, flavorful pastas are quite popular in our office.

Mixed Greens with Vinaigrette

Asparagus Risotto

Penne with Asparagus and Bacon

Strawberries with Cream Filling

More Great Ways with Asparagus
Here's a bonus batch of recipes to add to your menus.

Farotto with Asparagus, Feta and Dill

Grilled Asparagus Salad

Grilled Sesame Asparagus

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Roast Asparagus with Shaved Parmesan

Spring Frittata

Spring Vegetable and Barley Risotto

Stir-Fried Asparagus and Sugar Snap Peas

Asparagus tips
1. Rather than guessing where to slice off the tough ends of the stalks, snap them off with your hands instead. The stalk will naturally break at the correct spot, leaving you with tender vegetables from top to bottom.

2. Try this quick and easy asparagus "recipe": Put in microwave-safe dish, add some orange juice, and microwave until tender!

3. Broil or roast asparagus spears with cooking spray and kosher salt or sea salt. Feeling decadent? Top them with grated Parmigiano Reggiano: it melts in seconds under the broiler.

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