7 Ways With Asparagus

At just 3 calories per spear, the sky's the limit when it comes to asparagus recipes. The season's short though, so you'll want to try this tasty vegetable every which way. Grill it, splash it with truffle oil, toss it with pasta, or bathe it in Asian flavors. Trust us: you can't go wrong.

Kids and adults will both like this fun twist on the standard Asian stir fry. Thin wheat noodles or vermicelli are boiled for a few minutes and then crisped in the oven to form a crunchy bed for a simple sauté of shrimp and asparagus.

Recipe: Asparagus and Shrimp Stir Fry on Noodle Pillows

Cooked asparagus, deli turkey, and lettuce are wrapped up in a warm tortilla with for a quick on-the-go meal. But it's the special sauce, made with roasted bell peppers, cayenne, and mayo, that will make this sandwich a favorite.

Recipe: Asparagus-Turkey Wraps with Roasted-Pepper Mayonnaise

Serve this lightened cream soup as a first course or make it the centerpiece of a spring soup-and-salad supper. A hint of lemon flavor comes from the addition of freshly grated lemon peel, and the soup is lightly seasoned with nutmeg and thyme.

Recipe: Cream of Asparagus Soup

Four ingredients, plus a sprinkle of salt and pepper, will net you an appetizer that does any party proud. Fresh asparagus is drizzled with a tiny amount of truffle oil and sprinkled with Manchego, a spunky Spanish cheese.  Fresh Parmesan cheese works great, too.

Recipe: Truffled Asparagus Crostini

When you need a fast but elegant weeknight supper, this pasta dish will deliver every time. Cook fresh asparagus in the same water as the noodles, and then toss in the spices and prosciutto. Best of all, clean up is a breeze.

Recipe: Fettuccini with Prosciutto and Asparagus

Cooked asparagus is quickly chilled and then tossed with a simple soy-sesame vinaigrette for a tangy side dish to serve at pot luck gatherings or with cold cuts and sandwiches.

Recipe: Chilled Sesame Asparagus

Grilling enhances the flavor of asparagus, but don't stop there. Add a splash of sesame oil, soy and sesame seeds to make asparagus stand out as a special side to grilled steaks, pork chops, or seafood.

Recipe: Grilled Asparagus Rafts