Savory Sweet Life
The springtime (and summertime for some provinces) vegetable is delicious and loved by our bodies — except for our noses maybe, since pee tends to smells funky after eating a bunch.
These six to 11-inch sticks are high in vitamin A, iron and fibre, and studies have shown eating asparagus can help with digestive health and boost our immune systems. One hundred grams of asparagus has about 20 calories (amazing!), and it can be roasted, boiled, baked, grilled or fried — talk about versatility.
While green asparagus is quite popular, its cousin white asparagus is just as appreciated. White asparagus is white because it's grown underground and can easily be used as a replacement in any of the recipes below.
And in case you missed it, last week we packed beets.
Here's what you need to buy this week, while the other necessary ingredients (like pepper, salt and oils) are likely already in your kitchen.
- Asparagus
- Lemon
- Parmesan cheese
- Balsamic vinegar
- Eggs
- Onions
- Celery
- Leeks
- Ciabatta bread
- Apples
- Chicken breasts
- Spinach
- Garlic
- Arborio rice
- Lemon
- Peas
- Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Pack It; 5 Asparagus Recipes
Monday: Baked Asparagus With Lemon, Butter And Parmesan(01 of75)
In 25 minutes, you too can have your very own baked asparagus topped with zesty lemon and cheese. Get the recipe from Natasha's Kitchen here.
Tuesday: Grilled Asparagus With Balsamic Syrup(02 of75)
Great as a side or office snack, this grilled asparagus recipe is topped with a homemade balsamic syrup. Get the recipe from Savory Sweet Life here.
Wednesday: Creamy Asparagus Soup(03 of75)
This silky asparagus soup is perfect for weekend brunch — and even includes a poached egg. Eat it both hot and cold. Get the recipe from Jamie Oliver here.
Thursday: Sauteed Apple, Asparagus And Spinach Chicken Salad(04 of75)
This simple salad recipe is made with four ingredients. Yes, four! Get the recipe from Ripped Recipes here.
Friday: Risotto with Asparagus, Peas, Parsley(05 of75)
If you're looking for a new side dish recipe or something to make for lunch, we recommend this risotto with a lemony finish. Get the recipe from Food 52 here.
Monday: Kale and Roasted Beet Salad(06 of75)
Great as a snack or office lunch, this salad recipe is made with beets, pecans and maple syrup. Get the recipe from The Shiksa in the Kitchen here.
Tuesday: Homemade Beet Chips(07 of75)
Skip the bag of potato chips and reach for a less salty alternative. These beet chips are made with both yellow and red beets for a colourful mix. Get the recipe from The Italian Dish here. (credit:The Italian Dish)
Wednesday: Rosemary-Roasted Beets and Carrots(08 of75)
Carrots go great with beets (shout out to the root vegetable family), and this recipe is topped with rosemary. Get the recipe from Real Simple here. (credit:Real Simple )
Thursday: Beet Juice(09 of75)
This gluten-free beverage makes an excellent "snack" right after a morning workout, thanks to its assistance in increasing blood flow. Get the recipe from Minimalist Baker here. (credit:Minimalist Baker)
Friday: Beetroot Tikkis(10 of75)
Tikkis are a common Indian snack eaten as appetizers, and this recipe combines beetroot and potatoes. Get the recipe from Veg Recipes From India here. (credit:Veg Recipes From India)
Monday: Baby Red Potato Salad(11 of75)
Consider this the healthier version of potato salad. With 107 calories per serving and fat-reduced mayo, make this salad a side dish or mid-day snack. Get the recipe from Skinny Taste here.
Tuesday: Butternut Squash And Sweet Potato Soup(12 of75)
A comforting classic, this soup uses pre-cut veggies and buttermilk. Get the recipe from Nigella here.
Wednesday: Spicy Smoked Sweet Potato Salad(13 of75)
This recipe is made in a smoker, but it also works if you put the ingredients in the oven. For a vegan version, skip the bacon and mayo. Get the recipe from the Cooking Channel here.
Thursday: Creamy Bacon Potato Soup Recipe(14 of75)
This super easy recipe takes about 25 minutes to make. To make things extra comforting, garnish this soup with cheddar cheese. Get the recipe from Tidy Mom here.
Friday: Spicy Baked Sweet Potato Fries(15 of75)
We don't suggest eating fries every single day as a snack, but we do suggest making these beauties as a side. Get the recipe from Nosh On It here.
Monday: Creamy Avocado Yogurt Dip(16 of75)
Instead of making a quac dip, try this yogurt blend avocado dip to eat with your favourite veggies or chips. Get the recipe from Two Peas & Their Pod here. (credit:Two Peas And Their Pod )
Tuesday: Avocado Chicken Salad Bites(17 of75)
We love this idea of using wonton wrappings instead of tortilla chips. Get the recipe from Buttercream Blondie here. (credit:Buttercream Blondie)
Wednesday: Easy Avocado Breakfast Bake(18 of75)
When we say this easy, we mean super easy. All you need is an avocado, an egg and 25 minutes in the morning. Get the recipe from Wellness Mama here. (credit:Wellness Mama )
Thursday: Avocado Green Smoothie(19 of75)
This smoothie is made with spinach, avocado and pineapples. Get the full recipe Alida's Kitchen here.
Friday: Dark Chocolate Avocado Cookies(20 of75)
Hear us out: It's Friday and you deserve a treat! These cookies made with green avocados come out chocolatey and delicious. Get the recipe from The Nutritious Kitchen here. (credit:The Nutritious Kitchen)
Monday: Coconut Chia Pudding(21 of75)
The perfect summer concoction, this recipe include mangoes, fresh mint and coconut milk. Get the recipe from Tales of a Kitchen here.
Tuesday: Chia Cherry Crunch Bites(22 of75)
This is probably the healthiest thing you can eat in ball-form. These cherry bites have everything from superfoods to protein powder. Get the recipe from Running To The Kitchen here. (credit:Running To The Kitchen )
Wednesday: Homemade Mary’s Gone Crackers(23 of75)
Made with rice (yes, rice) these crackers are vegan, organic and gluten-free. Get the full recipe from my Whole Food Life here.
Thursday: Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding(24 of75)
OK, save this one for dessert! If you're craving pie and miss fall, this recipe is just for you. Get the recipe from Fannetastic Food here.
Friday: Banana, Chia, Spinach Smoothie(25 of75)
Don't get scared of the word spinach — this smoothie packs great taste and nutrients.Get the recipe from What's Gaby Cooking here. (credit:What's Gaby Cooking)
Monday: Senbei- Japanese Rice Crackers(26 of75)
Seaweed isn't the main ingredient in this recipe, but these easy crackers (with seaweed) make the perfect mid-afternoon snack. Get the full recipe from Ivy Manning here. (credit:Ivy Manning)
Tuesday: Salty Sweet Seaweed Butter Cookies(27 of75)
You may think adding seaweed to cookies is very uncookie like, but this recipe lets you play with both sweet and salty flavours. Get the full recipe from Homemade Trade here. (credit:Homemade Trade )
Wednesday: Beef Seaweed Soup(28 of75)
A hearty option for someone who likes their meat and seaweed boiled to perfection. Get the full recipe from Eugenie Kitchen here. (credit:Eugenie Kitchen)
Thursday: Seaweed Salad With Amaranth And Sesame(29 of75)
This recipe, made with dried seaweed and toasted amaranth seeds, is packed with protein and is gluten-free. Get the full recipe from The Kitchn here. (credit:The Kitchn )
Friday: Crispy Nori Seaweed Chips(30 of75)
It may not taste like your average potato chip, but we all know this "chip" is way healthier. Get the full recipe from Otaku Food here. (credit:Otaku Food)
Monday: Chili Lime Popcorn(31 of75)
If you love eating chili and lime on corn on the cob, you'll love this homemade seasoning recipe. Get the full recipe from Kitchen Heals Soul here. (credit:Kitchen Heals Soul)
Tuesday: Herbs And Sea Salt Popcorn(32 of75)
This salted popcorn is made with smoked sea salt — fancy! Get the full recipe from 80 Twenty here. (credit:80 Twenty )
Wednesday: Cinnamon Popcorn(33 of75)
A sweet take on a salty snack. Get the full recipe from Taste.com.au here.
Thursday: Coconut Curry Popcorn(34 of75)
If you have a curry craving, you may be able to fulfill it (temporarily) with this popcorn recipe. Get the full recipe from Babble here. (credit:Babble )
Friday: Dark Chocolate Chipotle Popcorn(35 of75)
Not only will this recipe tickle your taste buds, but you're vegan friends will like it as well. Get the full recipe from Domesticate Me here. (credit:Domesticate Me )
Monday: Cauliflower Popcorn(36 of75)
This snack recipe is gluten-friendly, a little chewy with, of course, the right amount of crunchiness. Get the full recipe from The Balanced Platter here. (credit:The Balanced Platter )
Tuesday: Mini Cauliflower Pizza(37 of75)
A low-carb option even kids will love — seriously, they probably won't realize they're eating vegetables. Get the full recipe from Real House Moms here. (credit:Real House Moms)
Wednesday: Cauliflower And Cheddar Soup(38 of75)
Blend your cauliflower into a soup to make the perfect afternoon snack or even lunch. Get the full recipe from Two Peas and Their Pod here.
Thursday: Parmesan-Roasted Cauliflower(39 of75)
A great winter snack that adds serious flavour to the veggie, this recipe includes onions, garlic and cheese.Get the full recipe from Bon Appetit here. (credit:Bon Appetit )
Friday: Buffalo Roasted Cauliflower(40 of75)
This one is for the vegetarians and vegans who want to fit in on wing night. And yes, you too will get to deal with messy fingers when you're done. Get the full recipe from Closet Cooking here. (credit:Closet Cooking )
Monday: Raw Chili Sweet Potato Chips(41 of75)
Now, because raw food doesn't consist of "cooking" anything, these sweet potato chips are dehydrated instead. Get the full recipe from Queen of Quinoa here. (credit:Queen of Quinoa )
Tuesday: Raw Raspberry Bars(42 of75)
If you have a sweet tooth, try these raw raspberry bars made with jam, coconut and cashews. Get the full recipe from The Rawtarian here. (credit:The Rawtarian)
Wednesday: Raw Vegan Nori Rolls(43 of75)
If you're a big fan of sushi, try this raw nori roll recipe made with cauliflower rice, guacamole and fresh vegetables. Get the recipe from The Raw Food Sisters here. (credit:The Raw Food Sisters )
Thursday: Raw Caramel Candy Apple(44 of75)
Everyone's favourite childhood carnival treat made the healthiest way possible. Get the recipe from This Rawsome Vegan Life here. (credit:This Rawsome Vegan Life)
Friday: Chia And Sprouted Quinoa Crackers(45 of75)
This cracker recipe combines quinoa and chia seeds — talk about a superfood combination. Get the full recipe from The Raw Food Kitchen here. (credit:The Raw Food Kitchen)
Monday: Dark Chocolate Blueberry Muffin(46 of75)
Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, these dark chocolate muffins are made with dark cocoa powder and brown sugar. Get the full recipe from How Sweet It Is. (credit:How Sweet It Is)
Tuesday: Dark Chocolate Popcorn(47 of75)
Say goodbye to butter and say hello to (healthy) chocolate. Get the recipe from The Kitchn here. (credit:The Kitchn)
Wednesday: Dark Chocolate And Nut Clusters(48 of75)
An easy recipe for those of you who always have a chocolate craving while on the go. Get the recipe from Real Simple here. (credit:Sang An/Real Simple)
Thursday: Dark Chocolate Dipped Cherries(49 of75)
If you can get your hands on some cherries, try this quick and easy snack idea. Get the recipe from Whole Living here. (credit:RAYMOND HOM/Whole Living )
Friday: Dark Chocolate Bark(50 of75)
On the day of love, treat your valentine to a homemade treat with this dark chocolate bark made with almonds and sunflower seeds. Get the recipe from Kitchen Daily here. (credit:Kitchen Daily )
Monday: Coconut Curry Soup(51 of75)
Any lovers of curry will fall in love with a coconut curry soup. This combination of coconut milk and noodles is perfect for dinner (and lunch). Get the full recipe from chef Michael Smith here. (credit:Michael Smith )
Tuesday: Beef Pho Noodle Soup(52 of75)
Pho is a traditional Vietnamese soup often made with broth, noodles, meat and vegetables. Get the full recipe from Viet World Kitchen here. (credit:Viet World Kitchen)
Wednesday: Mushroom Cream Soup(53 of75)
This flavourful mushroom soup is made with mixed mushrooms and onions. Get the recipe from Jamie Oliver here. (credit:Jamie Oliver )
Thursday: Butternut Squash Soup(54 of75)
Butternut squash is also another must-have soup. This recipe includes a total of five ingredients. Yes, five! Get the full recipe from Lick My Spoon here. (credit:Lick My Spoon)
Friday: Chicken And Lentil Soup(55 of75)
This hearty lentil soup is not only tasty on those cold winter nights, but it is packed with healthy ingredients as well. Get the full recipe from Skinny Taste here. (credit:Skinny Taste)
Monday: Apple Spice Granola(56 of75)
This yummy homemade granola mixed with rolled oats, coconut flakes and almonds is the perfect addition to your morning yogurt or oatmeal. Get the full recipe by Beth of Tasty Yummies here. (credit:Tasty Yummies )
Tuesday: Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies(57 of75)
Chewy, sweet and gluten-free. These cookies will make your afternoon tea break (or early morning coffee run) taste a little better. Get the full recipe here.
Wednesday: Sweet Onion Dip(58 of75)
Hump day means dip day, for us at least. This roasted sweet onion dip is quick and requires minimal ingredients. For dippers, try gluten-free crackers or veggies. Get the full recipe here.
Thursday: Cherry Vanilla Power Bars(59 of75)
If you're looking for a quick snack for work or after the gym, these power bars are made with flaxseeds, almonds and dried cherries and cranberries. Get the full recipe here. (credit:Elana's Pantry )
Friday: The "Sweet Tooth"(60 of75)
Not only does this look incredibly mouthwatering, this stuffed sweet potato recipe from With Style and Grace features dried cranberries and roasted Brussels sprouts as well. Get the full recipe here.
Monday: Chicken Lettuce Wraps(61 of75)
Cooked chicken wrapped with sprouts, carrots and a dash of peanut miso sauce. Get the full recipe here.
Tuesday: Moroccan Chicken Stew(62 of75)
Infused with beans, tomatoes, and zucchinis, this hearty stew is perfect for those cold winter days. Get the full recipe here. (credit:Women's Health Magazine)
Wednesday: Indian-Spiced Chicken Pita Wraps(63 of75)
After grilling or pan-frying your chicken breast slices with spices, stuff them in a whole wheat pita with an Indian-inspired yogurt sauce. Get the full recipe here.
Thursday: Hummus Crusted Chicken(64 of75)
Hummus and chicken? Yes. This recipe involves seasoning your chicken slice with salt and pepper and covering it with hummus before baking. Get the full recipe here. (credit:Gimme Some Oven )
Friday: Chicken And Asparagus Rolls(65 of75)
Made with chicken cutlets or breasts, this recipe is the ideal option for someone who loves their veggies as well. Get the full recipe here. (credit:Martha Stewart )
Monday: Greek Salad Bites(66 of75)
On Monday (hopefully with leftovers from a Greek salad you made on the weekend), try this salad bite recipe, combing delicious feta cheese and sour cream on a chopped cucumber slice. Get the recipe here.
Tuesday: Homemade Tzatziki(67 of75)
Tzatziki can be healthy (and nutritious) if you make it at home. This recipe includes low-fat Greek yogurt and diced cucumbers and onions. For work, bring some whole wheat pita chips or bread for dipping purposes.Get the recipe here. (credit:Food Network )
Wednesday: Dakos(68 of75)
This one may be a little messy, but it is the perfect snack to make at home. The combination of Kalamata olives and tomatoes makes the perfect Greek-style bruschetta. Get the recipe here. (credit:Lemon And Olives )
Thursday: Hummus(69 of75)
Hummus is traditionally a Middle Eastern dip but it is quite popular in some Greek recipes. This recipe can be made with Greek yogurt as well — how healthy! Get the recipe here. (credit:Chef In You )
Friday: Mini Chicken Souvlaki Bites(70 of75)
Keeping with our trend of bite-sized options, we also have this Greek souvlaki bite recipe made with fresh oregano and chicken breast. Get the recipe here. (credit:Maypurr.com)
Monday: Microwaved Sweet Potato(71 of75)
If you have a mini-oven or microwave at work, pop in a sweet potato for a couple of minutes, split it open and add a splash of orange juice on top. The best part? You can eat it right out of the skin. (credit:Shutterstock)
Tuesday: Roasted Snap Peas(72 of75)
On Tuesday, make sure you get a dose of your green veggies. We love this sesame roasted snap pea recipe that will only take 10 minutes to prep the night before. Get the full recipe here. (credit:TheKitchn)
Wednesday : Glazed Carrots(73 of75)
Instead of bringing carrots and dip, try this recipe for glazed carrots with cardamon and ginger that will give you an extra kick during your lunch hour. Get the recipe here. (credit:Kitchen Daily )
Thursday: Kale Chips(74 of75)
Kale may have been so 2013, but it's still a nutritious leafy green you can eat all year round. Even though we've seen tons of variations of kale chips, this zesty flavoured one seemed particularly appealing. Get the recipe here. (credit:A Spicy Perspective )
Friday: Roasted Cauliflower Poppers(75 of75)
2014 is all about cauliflower and if you're not a fan of eating it raw, we suggest roasting it with coconut oil and sea salt. Get the recipe here. (credit:Whole Lifestyle Nutrition )
Monday: Baked Asparagus With Lemon, Butter And Parmesan
In 25 minutes, you too can have your very own baked asparagus topped with zesty lemon and cheese. Get the recipe from Natasha's Kitchen here.
Tuesday: Grilled Asparagus With Balsamic Syrup
Great as a side or office snack, this grilled asparagus recipe is topped with a homemade balsamic syrup. Get the recipe from Savory Sweet Life here.
Wednesday: Creamy Asparagus Soup
This silky asparagus soup is perfect for weekend brunch — and even includes a poached egg. Eat it both hot and cold. Get the recipe from Jamie Oliver here.
Thursday: Sauteed Apple, Asparagus And Spinach Chicken Salad
This simple salad recipe is made with four ingredients. Yes, four! Get the recipe from Ripped Recipes here.
Friday: Risotto with Asparagus, Peas, Parsley
If you're looking for a new side dish recipe or something to make for lunch, we recommend this risotto with a lemony finish. Get the recipe from Food 52 here.
Or follow us on Twitter