31 A+ AIP Asparagus Recipes
Asparagus is often known as the world’s healthiest food. And it’s easy to see why! This slender veggie is packed with vitamins C and E, not to mention full of folate and dietary fiber. It’s also super easy on the digestive system, making it perfect for an AIP lifestyle!
Although it has a notoriously short growing season, I always try and use as much asparagus as I can when it’s around in farmers’ markets or the grocery store.
In honor of these lovely summer days, I’ve put together my favorite asparagus-forward recipes- from simple preparations on the grill to elaborate mains and side dishes, all perfect for summer!
One of my favorites is the asparagus salad with fennel – where a veggie peeler creates beautiful ribbons of both vegetables for an elegant main course salad.
And here’s a bonus tip: not only are these recipes good for AIP, but most are also Keto and Paleo-friendly too!
Here are just a few of the AIP Asparagus Recipes we’ve included:
- AIP Easy Roasted Asparagus
- Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
- Lemon Asparagus Saute with Bacon
- Creamy Asparagus Mash
- Steak Medallions with Ginger Asparagus Mushroom Saute
- Shrimp and Asparagus “Risotto”
If you click or tap any of the links above, it will instantly take you to the recipe below. Or download the entire list by clicking on the green button below.
AIP Asparagus Recipes – Baked, Grilled, or Roasted
AIP Easy Roasted Asparagus
– Healing Autoimmune
Ingredients: asparagus, olive oil, salt.
This is a basic recipe to use as a guide for roasting asparagus, and this can be so helpful if you are not a seasoned or experienced cook or are just starting on your own culinary journey. Asparagus is a super-healthy vegetable that can be used as a side or as a snack on its own, and this straightforward AIP recipe gives you the option to cook the veg for as long as suits your taste.
Grilled Asparagus
– Primal Palate
Ingredients: asparagus, coconut oil, salt, black pepper (omit).
Asparagus is absolutely packed with vitamins and nutrients, so even though it is a seasonal vegetable, it is worth getting hold of some as it is a powerhouse of goodness! This low carb recipe shows the easiest way to cook the veg, letting you use it as a snack or as a delicious side dish for grilled meats.
Grilled Asparagus with Coconut Aminos
– Plated with Style
Ingredients: asparagus, lard or coconut oil, sea salt, garlic, coconut aminos.
This grilled asparagus dish makes the perfect AIP side with roast or grilled meats and is even more tasty because of the addition of the coconut aminos, giving this vegetable a hint of Asian flavor which is both sweet and salty. If you let the asparagus spears soak in the marinade for fifteen minutes you will find the flavors of the aminos and garlic permeate into the spears, making them even tastier.
Easy Oven-Roasted Asparagus
– Detoxinista
Ingredients: asparagus, coconut oil, garlic, sea salt, black pepper (omit).
There are loads of recipes out there for grilling asparagus, but I find that every grill is different so you might end up with burnt offerings! The best way to avoid this disaster is to bake the asparagus in the oven, coated with oil and a few simple seasonings like salt, pepper and garlic. Serve this with grilled chicken or pork chops for a delicious, filling AIP-compliant meal.
Roasted Asparagus with Bitter Lemon Pesto
– Petra8Paleo
Ingredients: asparagus, coconut oil, garlic, Himalayan salt, cilantro, avocado, lemon.
Asparagus was made not only to be a side dish, but also to be used with a dip! Because it has a naturally earthy flavor it goes really well with fresh lemon, so this bitter lemon pesto, which is AIP-compliant too, will make a great partner for your asparagus spears. Served on a platter with a dish of pesto makes an awesome sharing platter for a flavorful appetizer with friends!
Perfect Grilled Lemon Asparagus
– Perchance to Cook
Ingredients: asparagus, olive oil, salt, lemon juice, pepper (omit).
If you are looking for a healthy side to go with fish dishes, lemon asparagus is well worth a try! The asparagus goes slightly crunchy on the outside and the lemon gives that citrus tang that goes really well with salmon or grilled fish. To make this totally AIP-compliant, just omit the pepper and you have an impressive and tasty side for your next dinner with friends.
Roasted Asparagus with Turmeric Dressing
– Unbound Wellness
Ingredients: asparagus, coconut oil, lemon juice, sea salt, Turmeric Dressing.
If you are used to serving asparagus with a hollandaise dressing, why not change things up a bit and serve it with this delicious turmeric dressing which adds flavor and color! It has the tastes of lemon and ginger and would liven up what can be quite a simple dish. To get the best from your asparagus, snap the stems and discard the bottom part which can be very tough.
Roasted Asparagus
– Elana’s Pantry
Ingredients: asparagus, olive oil, celtic sea salt.
This is a basic recipe to use as a guide for roasting asparagus, and this can be so helpful if you are not a seasoned or experienced cook or are just starting on your own culinary journey. Asparagus is a super-healthy vegetable that can be used as a side or as a snack on its own, and this straightforward AIP recipe gives you the option to cook the veg for as long as suits your taste.
Ginger Roasted Asparagus
– Whole Health Dana
Ingredients: asparagus, coconut oil, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, sea salt, black pepper (omit).
Asparagus is one of the vegetables which fit into so many eating plans and this recipe is compliant with paleo, vegan and AIP if you omit the black pepper. The ginger adds a lovely warming note to the flavor and this would be the perfect side to serve with steak or fish. Remember that fresh ginger can be frozen then you just need to grate off what you need and this saves on waste.
AIP Asparagus Recipes – Appetizers & Snacks
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
– Autoimmune Wellness
Photo Credit: Autoimmune Wellness
Ingredients: avocado oil, coconut aminos, honey, garlic powder, ginger, asparagus, bacon.
With notes of Asian cooking in this AIP recipe thanks to the ginger, garlic and coconut aminos, these delicious asparagus spears would be a great side to serve at your next Asian inspired meal. The asparagus also goes really well with bacon and I often enjoy this dish as a light lunch on its own, or as a great appetizer. Prosciutto can be used instead of bacon if you have difficulty sourcing healthy bacon.
Ribboned Asparagus and Fennel Salad
– Autoimmune Wellness
Photo Credit: Autoimmune Wellness
Ingredients: asparagus, fennel bulb, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, sea salt.
This autoimmune-friendly salad is freshness on a plate! With the flavors of the asparagus and fennel, this salad is full of bright taste and has the added zing of the lemon juice, making this whole dish taste of spring. When you are preparing the asparagus, bend the stem and where it naturally breaks is the point where it is freshest.
Grilled Asparagus Prosciutto
– Cook Eat Paleo
Photo Credit: Lisa from Cook Eat Paleo
Ingredients: asparagus, prosciutto.
Here is another wonderful Paleo and Keto appetizer that you can make in minutes! The asparagus has a strong flavor which is complemented by the salty prosciutto, and if you leave the asparagus with a bit of a bite (al dente) it is an even better taste experience. This would even be great served as a side dish for grilled chicken or beef.
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
– Damn Delicious
Ingredients: prosciutto, asparagus, olive oil.
Wrapped asparagus spears make the perfect AIP appetizer as they are quick and easy to prepare but taste so good! You get a lovely salty flavor from the ham that complements the earthy and sweet asparagus really well. These are also ideal for party food and you can either spread some AIP-friendly mustard on the ham before wrapping, or serve them with a dip.
Simple Garlicky Asparagus Spears
– Delicious Obsessions
Ingredients: asparagus, garlic, black pepper (omit), salt, coconut oil, lime or lemon.
I just love garlic with asparagus and this AIP recipe makes the best side dish ever! It will go with any steak, chicken or fish dishes, and you can make it AIP-friendly by omitting the ground black pepper. This is a basic recipe and often these are the best dishes as there are no complex flavors overtaking the natural goodness of the asparagus.
Garlic Herb Asparagus
– Eat Your Beets
Ingredients: asparagus, avocado oil, sea salt, Primal Palate Garlic & Herb Seasoning Blend, lemon zest.
Asparagus has a distinctive flavor that shouldn’t be masked, but a simple seasoning of garlic and herbs can really enhance the taste, making it a great side dish to serve with roast meats and fish. On the AIP it is important to eat real and natural foods and asparagus is one that is packed with vitamins and minerals which make this side really good for you.
Broiled Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Spears
– Nom Nom Paleo
Ingredients: asparagus, prosciutto, kosher salt, pepper (omit), avocado oil or fat of choice, balsamic vinegar.
In expensive restaurants, this is the way asparagus is often served, wrapped in prosciutto ham, so this paleo recipe gives you the chance to make your own ‘luxury’ side for a dinner party. These also make great snacks for picnics or for a healthy lunchbox snack. The crispy, salty ham and the tender asparagus taste even better when drizzled with the aged balsamic vinegar.
Ginger Garlic Asparagus
– Amy Myers MD
Ingredients: asparagus, animal fat or coconut oil, ginger, garlic, lemon juice.
Asparagus is a good source of an element called chromium, which can be helpful with regulating blood sugar, so this AIP recipe for ginger garlic asparagus could be served on a diabetic diet as well as it being AIP and paleo-compliant. The asparagus can be cooked in a pan or skillet, but it is advised that you don’t overcook it as it can become quite mushy and not good to eat.
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
– Zesty Paleo
Ingredients: asparagus, bacon.
Here is another adaptable AIP recipe that you can enjoy! Bundles of asparagus wrapped in tasty bacon and cooked until the bacon is crisp and the veg is tender. This recipe is for oven-cooked asparagus, but the same dish can be made on the grill if you like the charring marks it leaves. This can be served as an appetizer, a side with steak or chicken or just on its own.
AIP Asparagus Recipes – Dinner
Lemon Asparagus Saute with Bacon
– Paleo Flourish
Ingredients: asparagus, lemon, bacon, salt, olive oil or bacon fat.
This Paleo side dish is so quick and easy to make, yet with the asparagus becoming ever more popular, it will go down a treat with family and friends. Asparagus has a really fresh taste which goes really well with the salty bacon and the citrus hit from the lemon lifts the flavor of the whole dish. This would go well with meat or fish dishes, especially grilled salmon.
Creamy Asparagus Mash
– Paleo Flourish
Ingredients: asparagus shoots, onion, coconut oil, coconut cream, fresh parsley, lemon juice, salt.
The asparagus gives this dish such a vibrant color and it would be great as an alternative to your regular mash. This dish is lighter and would be good to serve on a warm day as it can be enjoyed hot or cold. The lemon juice adds a note of freshness to the mash and stops the asparagus from oxidizing and turning brown. This green paleo mash would be a great side on St. Patrick’s Day!
Steak Medallions with Ginger Asparagus Mushroom Saute
– Paleo Flourish
Ingredients: beef medallions, asparagus, button mushrooms, onion, parsley, ginger, coconut oil, salt.
It is always a good idea to season steak first before you cook it, then the action of cooking helps infuse the steak with the flavors. There is a freshness to the sauté from the asparagus and parsley which complements the beef really well. This is a simple paleo recipe that lets you emphasize the flavor of the beef. If you don’t have button mushrooms then just use whatever ones you have.
Instant Pot Roasted Asparagus Soup
– Fed and Fulfilled
Photo Credit: Fed and Fulfilled
Ingredients: asparagus, coconut oil, sea salt, garlic powder, Herbs de Provence, leek, garlic, cauliflower, bone broth, dried thyme, oregano, sage, coconut milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley.
Don’t know about you but there is something so comforting about a warming bowl of thick and tasty soup that just makes everything feel better! This amazing asparagus soup has cauliflower as a thickening agent and it helps to make the soup hearty but not too filling. It also has a lovely freshness because of the lemon and this brings out the flavor of the asparagus. Feel free to thin the soup with bone broth if you don’t like it as thick as this.
Shrimp and Asparagus “Risotto”
– AIP Sisterhood
Photo Credit: AIP Sisterhood
Ingredients: rutabaga, white sweet potato, bone broth, onion, dry white wine, asparagus, shrimp, salt.
Risotto used to terrify me – the thought of adding the liquid slowly and stirring continually while it absorbs – who has time for that on a normal day! Now I have found this method and it takes much less time and effort but still gives you a tasty and delicious “risotto” without the waiting about! Don’t worry about adding the white wine as the alcohol will cook out, making it safe for AIP and Paleo diets and kid-friendly too!
Roasted Asparagus Avocado Soup
– Cook Eat Paleo
Photo Credit: Lisa from Cook Eat Paleo
Ingredients: asparagus, garlic infused olive oil, chicken or vegetable stock, avocado, lemon juice, coconut oil, sea salt, pepper (omit).
If you like your homemade soup thick and creamy with a smooth texture, you will love this paleo recipe! The avocado replaces heavy cream in this dairy free recipe and helps to add to the beautiful color of the soup. You can substitute coconut oil for the ghee. This recipe also gives clear instructions on how to turn this into a vegan dish.
Prosciutto Scallops with Seared Asparagus
– Meatified
Photo Credit: Rach from Meatified
Ingredients: scallops, prosciutto, asparagus, oil of your choice, seasoning of your choice.
If you are really going all-in to impress at a dinner party, you might want to consider this amazing scallop recipe as your main course. This is a low-carb recipe but with all the luxury of bacon-wrapped scallops, served with asparagus spears which are cooked to perfection. I wouldn’t serve this with any extra dressings or sauces as that might take away from the great flavors on the plate.
Parchment Paper Baked Salmon with Asparagus Lemon and Dill
– The Healthy Foodie
Photo Credit: Sonia from The Healthy Foodie
Ingredients: asparagus, salmon filets, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, pepper (omit), dill, lemon.
Here is another low carb recipe that uses simple seasonings to let the flavor of the fish shine through. Dill is a traditional partner for salmon and it adds a subtle aniseed flavor. Cooking fish in parchment helps to keep it so moist and juicy and seals in all the flavor. This would be a very impressive meal for friends, especially if you serve the parchment parcels on the table and allow the guests to reveal their meal.
Mushroom Asparagus “Risotto”
– Kari Owens
Ingredients: coconut milk, gelatin, shiitake mushrooms, salt, garlic powder, broth, cauliflower, asparagus.
If you have never tried asparagus, making a recipe like this AIP “risotto” can be a great introduction as the flavors are mingled together and you have a combination of textures. You can use whatever broth you have – homemade chicken, beef or turkey work best here. The cauliflower rice gives the risotto a similar feeling to traditional risotto rice and the mushrooms help to make this a filling meal.
AIP Asparagus Recipes – Other
Asparagus with Bacon & Onion
– Fast Paleo
Ingredients: asparagus, bacon, yellow onion, salt, pepper (omit).
Although this is a simple dish of asparagus, onion and bacon, the flavors are the stars of the show! You have salty bacon, sweet onion and tender asparagus which would make the perfect side for roast beef, or you could toss it together in the pan and enjoy it as it is for a light but flavorful AIP lunch. Don’t be tempted to cook the asparagus stems and tips together as the tips take a lot less cooking time!
Super Easy Asparagus Stir Fry with Garlic
– Oh Snap! Let’s Eat!
Ingredients: asparagus, garlic, sea salt, cooking oil/fat.
Here is another quick and easy recipe that gives even the most novice cooks the chance to make this delicious asparagus side for their next dinner party. The asparagus cooks well when stir-fried and with the simple seasonings involved, the flavor of the vegetable shines through. This is another great AIP and paleo side dish that will impress!
Simple Roasted Asparagus with Apple & Onion
– Veggie Primer
Ingredients: olive oil, asparagus, sweet onion, apple, sea salt, black pepper (omit), lemon.
This is an amazing vegan AIP dish which can be served as a side with meat or on its own with some cauliflower rice. The sweetness of the apples and onions complements the earthy flavor of the asparagus, making this dish a real taste sensation! A sweet apple works best here – you could use Gala or Pink Lady, and if you want things even sweeter you can use red onion.
Chicken, Asparagus & Plantain Breakfast Balance Bowl
– Unbound Wellness
Ingredients: chicken breast or thigh, green plantain, asparagus, arugula, coconut oil or avocado oil, salt, avocado cilantro lime sauce.
Although there is quite a lot of preparation and cooking involved in this recipe, the separate ingredients can be cooked beforehand and frozen, then all you need to do is defrost and add the sauce and you are ready for a protein-packed breakfast. The avocado cilantro creamy dressing tastes amazing and can be used on other AIP dishes like tacos and chicken fajitas.