38 asparagus recipes for fresh spring lunches and summer pastas

This one-pot green veg gnocchi bake is elevated with a speedy homemade toasted walnut pesto for an easy, nourishing weeknight dinner that contains 12 different plant foods

Save the sweet, tender asparagus tips to use as a topping for this silky green soup – it looks pretty and gives a nice textural contrast

Make a tasty dressing using the pan juices to soften the crispy pitta chunks in this salad of chicken, asparagus, roasted peppers and capers

These flatbreads, loaded with courgette, peas, asparagus and ricotta, are a great way to use up any leftover veg. Some crispy chorizo, pancetta or even a few slithers of smoked salmon would work well, too

This asparagus idea is crumbed instead of battered, which helps retain a wonderful texture. The saffron yogurt is a simple version of an aïoli but Middle Eastern style

Shakshuka, traditionally a North African dish, is typically comprised of spices, eggs and tomatoes, but here we've decided to mix things up a little... make it green and healthy with asparagus tips and broad beans

Spotlight seasonal asparagus in this recipe with a nutty brown butter pastry crust, punchy capers and gruyère - perfect for weekend entertaining

Emmer is an ancient wholegrain which works well in this creamy risotto with spring greens, pecorino and white wine.

Wrap salmon in parcels with asparagus, dill and capers to create plenty of buttery juices to go with this nutritious, protein-packed meal

This asparagus, saffron and almond pilaf is a lovely spring dish and a great alternative way to use asparagus. It is officially in season on 24 April, but might be in the shops a bit earlier depending on the weather.

Make the most of seasonal asparagus in this vibrant springtime risotto, finished with lemon zest, chives and a mountain of parmesan

The best recipe for slow-cooked risotto primavera. First cook the ham hock then shred the meat and create this indulgent (but quite easy) barley risotto. The spring veg work a treat with the ham. Worth every bit of effort

Freekeh is made from cracked, roasted green wheat. It works well for risotto as the grains keep their bite when cooked

Serve this easy entertaining dish as a nibble on a platter or pile onto dressed leaves for a simple starter

This spring tart is a great option for a midweek meal for the family, or to make for a vibrant picnic dish

Trends expert Gurd Loyal shares a recipe that’s having a moment online and in the restaurant world – right now it’s this hyper-regional French tart.

Make the most of seasonal sea trout in this vibrant fish tray bake packed with soft baby new potatoes, fresh spring asparagus and covered in a creamy dill mustard sauce

Ready in under an hour, this hearty minestrone soup is packed with an abundance of spring veggies and topped with crispy pancetta. Plus, it's low in calories too

This asparagus quiche may have four types of cheese in it (and streaky bacon), but thanks to its crustless nature it still comes in at under 450 calories

A spicy, vibrant chorizo crust perks-up haddock fillets, which are served alongside a medley of roasted asparagus and red pepper

This simple sea bass recipe is super fresh, healthy and perfect for a quick summer evening meal. When roasted, these cherry tomatoes burst and create their own vibrant sauce, giving extra sweetness to this dish

It’s the crunchy fennel seed pangrattato topper that really makes this dish sing. A simple yet delicious asparagus spaghetti recipe, it's ready and on the table in less than 30 minutes

An easy way to make a speedy lasagne. Made with open layers this is a clever way to cut down on unnecessary calories. By not baking there's no need for the béchamel sauce and as it's a fish filling, it doesn't need cheese. Serve with more asparagus or salad on the side for this quick midweek meal for two.

A simple but sophisticated starter or side dish, and perfect as a selection of small plates, this classic combination of fresh asparagus, creamy mozzarella and tangy prosciutto is stylish but easy and quick to make.