Asparagus is looking absolutely brilliant in the shops right now – crisp, bright and full of flavour. Whether you love it simply grilled, baked into a comforting dish, or tossed through a fresh salad, this seasonal favourite is one of the easiest vegetables to elevate your weeknight meals. Here are three simple, delicious asparagus recipes perfect for spring and early summer cooking.

1. Lemon Butter Sautéed Asparagus

Ingredients:

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper
Lemon zest, to serve

Method:

Heat butter and olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add asparagus and sauté for 4–6 minutes until bright and just tender.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Squeeze over lemon juice, season well, and toss to coat.
Finish with lemon zest.

Perfect with grilled fish or roast chicken.

2. Creamy Asparagus and Mushroom Bake

Ingredients:

1 bunch asparagus, cut into 3 cm pieces
250 g mushrooms, sliced
1 small onion, diced
1 cup cream
½ cup grated parmesan
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper

Method:

Preheat oven to 180°C.
Sauté onion and mushrooms in olive oil until soft.
Add asparagus and cook for 2 minutes.
Pour over cream, season, and simmer briefly.
Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and parmesan.
Bake 15–20 minutes until golden.

A comforting side dish that works beautifully with roast meats.

3. Asparagus, Feta and Mint Summer Salad

Ingredients:

1 bunch asparagus
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup feta, crumbled
¼ cup fresh mint leaves
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp white wine vinegar or lemon juice
Salt and pepper

Method:

Blanch asparagus in boiling water for 2 minutes; refresh in cold water.
Slice into 3–4 cm pieces.
Combine asparagus, tomatoes, feta and mint in a bowl.
Whisk olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper into a dressing.
Toss to coat and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Light, refreshing and perfect for warm evenings.