20+ Best Vegan Asparagus Recipes (2024)

By: Amy Katz · Published: · Last modified: · This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

With this comprehensive collection of Vegan Asparagus Recipes, discover the best ways to enjoy this delicious vegetable. You'll find everything from soups and salads to side dishes and main courses. Plus tips for prepping and storing!

20+ Best Vegan Asparagus Recipes (1)

Nothing says spring like fresh asparagus. While these days it's easier to find this popular vegetable in supermarkets practically year round, peak season in the United States occurs in April and May.

Asparagus spears can be thin or thick. Both cook relatively quickly, no matter what method you use.

The easiest way to prep asparagus for cooking is to snap off the woody ends by gently bending each spear. Then you can use them to make a variety of Vegan Asparagus Recipes.

Here I'm sharing my favorite ways to enjoy this tender green veggie, including salads, soups, side dishes, and main dishes.

Jump to:
  • Why you'll love these vegan asparagus recipes
  • Flavor profile
  • Vegan salads
  • Vegan soups
  • Vegan sides
  • Vegan main dishes
  • Asparagus FAQs
  • Conclusion
  • More vegan recipe collections
  • 💬 Comments

Why you'll love these vegan asparagus recipes

  • They showcase the versatility of fresh asparagus.
  • They are naturally vegan and can be made gluten-free.
  • They include the best vegan asparagus recipes for salads, soups, side dishes, and mains.
20+ Best Vegan Asparagus Recipes (2)

😋 FREE Instant Flavor Guide!

No more boring meals for you!

Flavor profile

The flavor of asparagus can be described as mild and grassy with notes of bitter and sweet. Try it with some of the following ingredients:

  • Citrus like fresh lemon juice and lemon zest
  • Herbs like mint, basil, and thyme
  • Asian ingredients like soy sauce or tamari, garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, and sesame oil

Vegan salads

For using in salads, asparagus can be blanched, roasted, or kept raw. These easy vegan asparagus recipes showcase these different options.

20+ Best Vegan Asparagus Recipes (3)

Asparagus Avocado Salad

Asparagus Avocado Salad is quick to make with only 5 simple ingredients. It's a delicious blend of textures and flavors. Crisp asparagus and creamy avocado combined with fresh mint and lime create a delightful salad that's both refreshing and satisfying.

Roasted Asparagus Green Salad from Wholefood Soulfood Kitchen is a beautiful mix of leafy greens and warm roasted asparagus with a lemony dressing. Sunflower and pumpkin seeds, cucumber, and radishes add additional flavor and crunch.

This Fresh Spring Salad from Strength and Sunshine is crisp and crunchy thanks to asparagus, sugar snap peas, and radishes. And it's full of fresh flavor from arugula, lemon, and fresh herbs.

Vegan soups

The texture of asparagus works particularly well in creamy vegan soups. And reserving some of the tips makes a wonderful garnish.

Creamy Vegan Asparagus Soup from Debra Klein is silky and comforting. Instead of dairy it features cauliflower and parsnips which are roasted and blended. Top it with some extra asparagus for even more flavor and texture.

You will love the combination of flavors in this Creamy White Bean, Asparagus & Dill Soup from Connoisseurus Veg. It's easy to make on the stove in 30 minutes or less.

Asparagus Spinach Soup from Veggie Chick is not only a feast for the eyes, but for the palate as well. It's rich and creamy thanks to raw cashews.

Asparagus and mushrooms are a match made in heaven in this creamy and hearty Asparagus Mushroom Soup from Get Set Vegan. The sauteed vegetables on top make it feel extra fancy, but it's easy to make in 30 minutes.

If you love the convenience of making soup in your pressure cooker, this Vegan Instant Pot Asparagus Soup from Piping Pot Curry is for you. A squeeze of lemon at the end brings out the fresh flavor of the asparagus.

Vegan sides

These asparagus side dishes pop thanks to seasonings and sauces. They're easy to prepare, even on busy weeknights.

20+ Best Vegan Asparagus Recipes (11)

Quick Sesame Marinated Asparagus

Chilled Sesame Asparagus is easy to make with only a handful of ingredients in under 30 minutes. This recipe features a delicious sesame vinaigrette that's inspired by Asian flavors and perfectly complements the asparagus without overwhelming its natural taste.

The key to preparing Balsamic Roasted New Potatoes with Asparagus from Wallflower Kitchen is to roast the potatoes halfway though and then add the asparagus so that they both come out tender and perfectly cooked. A splash of balsamic adds a subtle sweetness.

Oven Baked Asparagus Fries from Veggies Don't Bite are crispy, crunchy, and a family-friendly way to eat your vegetables. They are cooked in the oven instead of deep fried and are delicious with a variety of sauces for dipping.

Clean Plate Mama elevates simple roasted vegetables to another level in this Easy Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Tahini Sauce recipe. This easy side dish goes well with just about everything.

Asparagus with Dijon Mustard from Cook Eat World shows how a simple vinaigrette complements and elevates the flavors of pan-fried asparagus. If you're a fan of mustard, you won't want to miss this dish.

Roasted Asparagus with Pico de Gallo from Fit Meal Ideas features the vegetable cooked without oil. Then it's topped with a fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onion, and serrano pepper.

Vegan main dishes

Asparagus is distinctive enough to be the star of the dinner table. Try it in pasta, stir fry, tacos, one-pot meals, and more.

20+ Best Vegan Asparagus Recipes (17)

Lemony Creamy Vegan Pasta with Asparagus

With just 4 simple ingredients, it's easy to create a deliciously creamy vegan pasta dish that's both oil-free and dairy-free. Ready in just 20 minutes, Vegan Lemon Cream Pasta with Asparagus is an easy yet luxurious meal that's perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Asparagus is a wonderful addition to this Shiitake Asparagus Tofu Stir-fry from Plant-Based on a Budget. And you can make this satisfying meal in less than 15 minutes!

Vegan Asparagus Risotto from Zardyplants is made with Italian herbs, lemon, and vegan parmesan cheese. While it's a complete meal on its own, it's wonderful served with portobello mushroom steaks.

Comforting and substantial, this One-Pot Lentil Quinoa with Asparagus and Peas from VNutrition is seasoned with lemon and Dijon mustard. This complete vegan meal is high in protein.

20+ Best Vegan Asparagus Recipes (21)

Easy Sheet Pan Vegan Fajitas

Tex-Mex Vegan Roasted Fajitas feature a blend of asparagus, mushrooms, and bell peppers tossed in a homemade seasoning mix for a flavorful and satisfying dish. Enjoy them with tortillas, beans, and your favorite toppings.

Asparagus Coconut Curry from Where Is My Spoon features sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas. This flavorful curry is seasoned with garlic, ginger, and garam masala.

Asparagus is the perfect addition to these Vegan Tacos with Refried Cannellini Beans from Eat Love Eat. Serve them with pickled red onions and your favorite toppings.

This Pesto Quinoa Bowl from ShortGirlTallOrder features roasted asparagus, corn, and mushrooms. Make the pesto yourself or use store-bought for this complete meal in a bowl.

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Lemon Asparagus Orzo One-Pot Meal

Preparing this delicious Vegan Lemon Asparagus Orzo with Chickpeas is a breeze! You only need one pot, 5 simple ingredients, and 30 minutes. It's a complete and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights and make-ahead dinners.

Asparagus FAQs

What are the 5 best ways to cook asparagus?

While asparagus can be enjoyed raw, most people prefer it cooked. Some of the best ways to cook it is to blanch it, saute or stir fry it, roast it, steam or boil it, or grill it.

Why do people cut off the end of asparagus?

The ends of the spears are tough and woody, so it's best to remove them for most recipes.

How long can you keep asparagus in the refrigerator?

Fresh asparagus will keep up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the rubber bands on and cut off the very bottoms. Place the ends in a cup of water like you would a bouquet of flowers. (A 2-cup Pyrex measuring cup works great for this.) Loosely cover with a plastic bag and place in the refrigerator.20+ Best Vegan Asparagus Recipes (26)

Is it OK to freeze fresh asparagus?

Fresh asparagus can be frozen for later use. First blanch it to preserve the color and texture. This method is the same as for blanching green beans, but only requires 1 to 2 minutes of boiling before transferring the spears to an ice bath. Next freeze the spears in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you're ready to use it, cook it from frozen. Do not defrost it first.

Conclusion

Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that's easy to incorporate into a variety of vegan dishes. You can add it to salads, blend it into soups, serve it as a side, or create a complete main dish meal around it.

I hope you pick up some asparagus the next time you're at your local supermarket or farmers market so you can enjoy these easy vegan asparagus recipes.

More vegan recipe collections

  • Vegan Orzo Recipes
  • How To Use Tomato Paste in Vegan Recipes
  • Breakfast Chia Pudding
  • Vegan Air Fryer Recipes

And for even more recipes, join the Vegan Mediterranean Diet Recipes Facebook group for support, inspiration & fun!

More Vegan Recipe Roundups and Guides

  • Blanching Green Beans to Preserve Color and Crunch
  • Vegan Pasta Recipes
  • Vegan Green Bean Recipes
  • Vegan Potato Recipes

About Amy

Amy Katz is a vegan recipe developer, photographer, and Certified Vegan Nutrition Health Coach. She loves sharing delicious plant-based Mediterranean diet recipes that home cooks of all levels can enjoy. Her easy vegan recipes have been featured on HuffPost, LIVESTRONG, Healthline, Parade, VegNews, BuzzFeed, MSN, Greatist, Country Living, Insider, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more. She lives in Orange County, California with the love of her life, Brad, and their adorable black cat, Ozzy.

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20+ Best Vegan Asparagus Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Why do you soak asparagus in water? ›

I soak all asparagus first in cold water. I trim the ends and then rinse the stalks and let them sit in cold water for five minutes. It hydrates the asparagus, and they cook more quickly, for they are already wet with some moisture within them.

How do you cook asparagus so it doesn't get soggy? ›

Overcooking It

Because it only takes a few minutes to cook, keep a close eye on it to avoid soggy, limp stems as the outcome. To avoid overcooking, take it out of the oven or off the stove a minute or so before you think it's done. Another way to prevent overcooking is to shock the asparagus in an ice bath.

Should you rinse canned asparagus? ›

Before cooking canned asparagus, it's essential to drain and rinse it thoroughly. This step removes any excess liquid or brine, resulting in a better taste and texture. Simply open the can, pour the contents into a colander, and rinse the asparagus under cold water.

Why you shouldn't cut the ends off asparagus? ›

It is not necessary to trim asparagus. On some spears, especially fresh, pencil-thin stalks, the woody ends may tenderize once cooked. But on larger stalks, the ends of the asparagus are often woody and dense—Which makes them difficult to chew, no matter how soft the asparagus is after cooking.

What is the trick to asparagus? ›

Snapping. Snapping off woody asparagus bottoms gives you spears of slightly different lengths, but guarantees no tough ends when you sit down to eat. To snap, hold a spear with both hands and find the natural bending point near the bottom of the stalk. Then snap.

Does asparagus get more tender the longer you cook it? ›

Does asparagus get softer the longer you cook it? Yes, it does. But you don't want to cook it too long or it will be soggy. That's fine when using in a soup, but not so much as a roasted side.

What is the best way to cook asparagus? ›

Fill a pot with a few inches of water and insert a steamer basket or insert. Lay the asparagus in the steamer and cook until it's bright green and crisp-tender, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Then submerge the asparagus in a large bowl of ice water to quickly stop the cooking.

How do restaurants do asparagus? ›

So here's the simple method I borrowed from restaurant kitchens: Parcook the spears, then quickly saute them in a small amount of olive oil. With a quick sprinkling of salt and pepper, it's done. I knew I'd come up with a winner when my husband asked what I had done to make the asparagus taste so good.

What is the most popular way to eat asparagus? ›

Asparagus develops a rich flavor when roasted, making this one of the most popular ways to eat the vegetable. Wash and trim spears, lightly peel the base of tougher stalks, and pat dry. Place on a baking sheet and mist or drizzle with olive oil, rolling each spear to coat.

What is the healthiest way to eat asparagus? ›

Try adding shredded, raw asparagus to pasta dishes and salads. Alternatively, enjoy the spears lightly steamed or sautéed in a frittata, or as a stand-alone side dish. Asparagus is a nutritious choice, regardless of whether it's cooked or raw. Try eating a combination of the two for maximum health benefits.

What is the pink stuff on canned asparagus? ›

These flakes are called rutin and occur naturally in canned asparagus. The asparagus is perfectly safe to eat as long as it was prepared and processed correctly. Why is my brine pink?

What is the white stuff on canned asparagus? ›

Actually they are called rutin crystals and they are harmless and fairly common in canned and pickled asparagus.

Which is better canned or fresh asparagus? ›

* Note: when asparagus is raw, it takes up more volume. The frozen and canned versions are denser, which explains why they're significantly higher in some nutrients.

Should I soak asparagus in water before cooking? ›

Fine grit can lurk in asparagus tips. To get rid of it, fill a bowl with cold water and soak the asparagus for a few minutes, then rinse off. That should rid the stems of any unpleasant sandiness.

Should you soak asparagus before cooking it? ›

You do not want sandy stalks in your salad, so rinse asparagus well in cold water. You may even want to soak the stalks in a few changes of fresh water, agitating them a bit in each to get rid of any stubborn stuck-on bits. When you're ready to cook, skip the bend-and-snap, which can lead to wasted asparagus.

How long should you soak asparagus before cooking? ›

Soak in cold water for about 15 minutes, gently agitating every so often to loosen any sandy soil trapped in tips or "fins"; then lift asparagus from the water, leaving grit behind. TRIMMING: For thin spears, hold stalk with one hand at base, the other hand about two inches away; then bend spear.

Should asparagus be soaked before planting? ›

Soak asparagus roots for several hours or overnight in water prior to planting. Begin by planting the crown about 2 inches deep and plan to add top soil over the crowns as the bed matures. Plant asparagus roots about a foot apart, being sure the crowns are not touching one another in the planting trench.

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