Tofu Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

This tofu steak recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a flavorful and satisfying plant-based meal. It features crispy tofu steaks seasoned with a spicy smoked steak marinade and grilled to perfection for a lovely smoky flavor. It can be a challen…

This tofu steak recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a flavorful and satisfying plant-based meal. It features crispy tofu steaks seasoned with a spicy smoked steak marinade and grilled to perfection for a lovely smoky flavor. It can be a challenge to find a vegan steak that is flavorful and satisfying. This recipe...

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The post Tofu Steak with Chimichurri Sauce appeared first on My Pure Plants.

Cauliflower Risotto with Spiced Lamb and Apricots

Risotto that’s bursting with Moroccan flavor and lower in carbs!

featuredRisotto that's bursting with Moroccan flavor and lower in carbs!

Creamy Harissa Tahini Pasta

This harissa tahini pasta takes only 20 minutes to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is packed with flavors. The tahini creates a rich and creamy sauce, while the harissa adds a spicy kick. Serve it with some roasted asparagus and sauté spin…

This harissa tahini pasta takes only 20 minutes to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is packed with flavors. The tahini creates a rich and creamy sauce, while the harissa adds a spicy kick. Serve it with some roasted asparagus and sauté spinach for a quick and delicious meal. It is not always easy to find...

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Summer Pasta Salad

This refreshing Summer Pasta Salad is perfect for hot days when you crave something light yet satisfying. Packed with seasonal vegetables and vibrant flavors, it’s the ultimate summer side dish sure to become a staple at your cookouts. Why I Love This Recipe The Ingredients * For a full list of measurements and instructions, see the recipe card below* How to Make…

The post Summer Pasta Salad appeared first on Weelicious.

This refreshing Summer Pasta Salad is perfect for hot days when you crave something light yet satisfying. Packed with seasonal vegetables and vibrant flavors, it’s the ultimate summer side dish sure to become a staple at your cookouts.

Why I Love This Recipe

  • Simple Yet Delicious: The combination of sweet corn, crunchy asparagus, and juicy cherry tomatoes creates a delightful medley of flavors that capture the essence of summer in every bite.
  • Versatile: This easy pasta salad recipe is perfect as a side dish for picnics and barbecues, or as a light lunch or dinner.
  • Compliments Many Mains: The simple flavors in this pasta salad pair well with almost any main dish. Try it with your favorite burgers, Crock Pot Ribs, Southern Style Pork Tenderloin, or grilled marinated chicken.
  • Easy to Make: This dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a hassle-free option for any event.

The Ingredients

Summer Pasta Salad Ingredients
  • Small Shaped Pasta: For this pasta salad opt for macaroni, fusilli, penne, farfalle or any other small shaped pasta that you love.
  • Corn: One of my favorite summertime vegetables, corn is full of fiber as well as high in beta-carotene, vitamin B1 and C. Plus, it’s absolutely delicious!
  • Asparagus: Another spring and summer veggie favorite! Don’t forget to remove the stems by snapping the stalks at their natural break.
  • Cherry tomatoes: Tomatoes add sweetness and some juicy texture to this pasta salad. 
  • Olive oil: Brings everything together by coating the pasta and veggies, adding a rich flavor and enhancing the overall taste and texture of your delicious summer pasta salad.
  • Lemon juice: Adds a little bit of acidity to brighten up the flavors.
  • Parmesan cheese: This ingredient is optional if you need a dairy free pasta salad, but I love how much flavor and creaminess it adds to the dish.
  • Fresh basil: For garnish and to add some color to the salad!

* For a full list of measurements and instructions, see the recipe card below*

How to Make Summer Pasta Salad

Boiled macaroni noodles in bowl.

Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 tbsp salt to the water and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Chopped asparagus in a bowl and corn off the cob in a bowl.

Step 2: Place the corn and asparagus in a steamer pot over boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes. Alternately, you can just boil the corn and asparagus for 1-2 minutes. When the corn is cool, cut it off the cob and dice the asparagus into small pieces.

Summer pasta salad ingredients in a bowl.

Step 3: Throughly combine all the ingredients in a bowl and season with more salt, pepper. Add fresh herbs if desired. 

Summer pasta salad.

Step 4: Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve cold with favorite main dish.

Tips and Tricks

  • Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente pasta to avoid a mushy salad.
  • Chill Before Serving: There’s nothing better than a cold pasta salad. For best results, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
  • Add Your Twist: Feel free to customize with additional vegetables or herbs, such as bell peppers, red onions, cucumbers or parsley.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare this dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator to save time on the day of your event. The flavors will deepen, making the salad even more delicious.
Summer pasta salad in serving bowl.

More Favorite Summer Salads

This pasta salad recipe might seem too simple, but that’s the beauty of it. Each ingredient gets to shine while complimenting the others really well. This recipe is one of our go-to dishes during the summer, and I think you’ll love it too! Let me know what you think by leaving a comment and rating below!

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Summer pasta salad in serving bowl.
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Summer Pasta Salad

Packed with seasonal vegetables and vibrant flavors, Summer Pasta Salad is the ultimate summer side dish sure to become a staple at your cookouts.
Course Lunch, Main Dish, Side
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 379kcal

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces pasta (fusilli, macaroni or other small pasta shape)
  • 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 ears of corn, yellow or white
  • 1 pound asparagus, stems removed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, if desired
  • basil, for garnish

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 tbsp salt to the water and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Place the corn and asparagus in a steamer pot over boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes. Alternately, you can just boil the corn and asparagus for 1-2 minutes.
  • When the corn is cool, cut it off the cob and dice the asparagus into small pieces.
  • Throughly combine all the ingredients in a bowl and season with more salt, pepper. Add fresh herbs if desired. 

Notes

  • Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente pasta to avoid a mushy salad.
  • Chill Before Serving: There’s nothing better than a cold pasta salad. For best results, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
  • Add Your Twist: Feel free to customize with additional vegetables or herbs, such as bell peppers, red onions, cucumbers or parsley.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare this dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator to save time on the day of your event. The flavors will deepen, making the salad even more delicious. 
  • Storage: Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 379kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 1.349mg | Potassium: 380mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 726IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 3mg

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Loaded Veggie Pizza Chicken

A classic pizza taste without the guilt and the grease!

Make a slice of healthy heaven with this loaded veggie pizza chicken!A classic pizza taste without the guilt and the grease!

grilled feta with asparagus chimichurri

My superpower? Dropping recipes so late on the Friday of a holiday weekend, absolutely nobody will see them. Well, except you. I’m here for us last-minute planners, we indecisive “I want to make something new this weekend, but noth…

My superpower? Dropping recipes so late on the Friday of a holiday weekend, absolutely nobody will see them. Well, except you. I’m here for us last-minute planners, we indecisive “I want to make something new this weekend, but nothing has jumped out at me.” I hope we can stop scrolling now.

grilled feta with asparagus chimichurri-02
grilled feta with asparagus chimichurri-07

I haven’t been able to get Jessica Merchant’s chimichurri and pistachio grilled feta out of my head since it crossed my social media threshold a couple weeks ago. I’ve been on a green chimichurri kick (how 90s!) for the last month when I realized, after making some in preparation for the grilled chicken episode of The Recipe with Kenji and Deb that I never needed to let leftover parsley go to waste again. A bundle so easily makes a batch of one of the greatest of all the great fresh green sauces and I’ve been putting it on everything since… but feta. Until now.

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Air Fryer Asparagus

This Air Fryer Asparagus might be the easiest recipe I’ve ever developed. It takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish and is so good!

The post Air Fryer Asparagus appeared first on Budget Bytes.

This Air Fryer Asparagus might be the easiest recipe I’ve ever developed, and you know what? I’m not mad about it! Sometimes the simplest method truly is the best, and this crispy asparagus is proof of that. It takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish, and it’ll change the way you think about this sometimes polarizing veggie. Did you know asparagus takes 3 YEARS to fully mature so it looks and tastes the way you see it at the grocery store?! For that reason alone, let’s respect this ingredient, keep it simple, and truly let its flavor shine!

overhead view of asparagus on a black plate with lemon wedges.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Asparagus

Here’s what you’ll need to make air fryer asparagus:

  • Asparagus: I never have trouble finding a bunch at my local grocery store. However, prices can vary throughout the year, so take advantage of them while they are in season and sometimes on sale. Asparagus is in season during the spring and early summer from the end of March through late May or early June.
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil helps keep the asparagus spears from burning. It also helps to evenly distribute the seasonings.
  • Seasoning: A mix of garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper adds just a touch of flavor that pairs well with just about any meal.
  • Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (totally optional) adds a pop of freshness!

What Else Can I Add to Air Fryer Asparagus?

I love the simplicity of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, but feel free to get creative. Try:

Tips for Making Air Fryer Asparagus

  • Trim only the bottom 1/2-1 inch of the asparagus spears. These woody ends are tough and can be unpleasant to eat. Some people like to use a vegetable peeler to peel off the skin at the bottom. I find that method works often, but the ends are usually still too tough for my liking.
  • Try to leave a bit of space between the spears so they crisp up rather than steaming. You may want to cook the asparagus in batches.
  • Don’t overcook the asparagus. Overcooked asparagus will go limp and soggy and turn a greyish color. When cooked asparagus turns a brilliant bright green, that typically means it’s done!
  • Serve this asparagus as soon as it has finished cooking for the best taste and crisp texture.

What to Serve with Air Fryer ASparagus

This crispy asparagus goes so well with simple, wholesome meals like Parmesan Risotto, Chicken Cordon Bleu, or Honey Sriracha Tofu.

close-up view of asparagus tips on a black plate with lemon wedges.
overhead view of asparagus on a black plate with lemon wedges.
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Air Fryer Asparagus

This Air Fryer Asparagus might be the easiest recipe I've ever developed. It takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish and is so good!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost $4.07 recipe / $1.02 serving
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings 4 (about 5 stalks each)
Calories 41kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch asparagus (1 lb.) $2.99
  • 1 tsp olive oil $0.06
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder $0.06
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper $0.12
  • 1 lemon, to juice and zest (optional) $0.79

Instructions

  • Cut off the woody ends of asparagus and preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 4 minutes.
  • Combine garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning blend.
  • Toss asparagus with olive oil and seasoning blend.
  • Air fry at 400°F for 3 minutes, stopping halfway through to shake.
  • Remove asparagus and spritz with a squeeze of lemon juice. Sprinkle with lemon zest if desired. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 41kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 294mg | Fiber: 3g
asparagus spears in an air fryer.

how to make Air Fryer ASparagus – step by step photos

a bunch of asparagus with the ends cut off on a cutting board.

Cut off the woody ends of 1 lb of asparagus and preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 4 minutes.

spices and oil in separate glass bowls.

Combine 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the seasoning blend.

hands tossing asparagus in a white bowl.

Toss asparagus with 1 tsp of olive oil and then the seasoning blend.

raw seasoned asparagus in an air fryer.

Place in the air fryer and air fry at 400°F for 3 minutes, stopping halfway through to shake.

cooked seasoned asparagus in an air fryer.

Remove asparagus and spritz with a squeeze of lemon juice. Sprinkle with lemon zest if desired. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Enjoy!

The post Air Fryer Asparagus appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Looking for a delicious and easy vegetable side dish? This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is the answer! The crispy bacon wrapped around this spring vegetable is out of this world tasty! In less than 30 minutes you’ll have a flavorful, low carb vegetable side that everyone will love. If you’ve been following me for…

The post Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus appeared first on Weelicious.

Looking for a delicious and easy vegetable side dish? This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is the answer! The crispy bacon wrapped around this spring vegetable is out of this world tasty! In less than 30 minutes you’ll have a flavorful, low carb vegetable side that everyone will love.

air fryer bacon wrapped asparagus on a blue serving platter.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I have a deep love for my air fryer. When I tell you we use it twice a day, I’m not exaggerating. Air Fryers are so versatile you can make tons of easy recipes in the air fryer. It’s the best way to get crispy yet tender vegetables that will make everyone in your house a veggie lover. We use ours to reheat leftovers, make snacks like Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas or even to roast a whole chicken! This time of year, our favorite recipe in the air fryer is this crispy and delicious bacon wrapped asparagus.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Using the air fryer is the easiest and fastest way to make bacon wrapped asparagus. It’s one of the best ways to get crispy yet tender asparagus in about 25 minutes start to finish! We’ve been sautéing asparagus with lemon for years, but once I got my air fryer several years ago, we didn’t look back. 
  • Pairs Well with Many Main Dishes: Bacon wrapped asparagus is a great side dish for many mains. Serve this recipe with mains like Simple Broiled Salmon, Pretzel Fried Chicken, Pan Seared Beef Tenderloin or this Southern Style Pork Tenderloin.
  • Get Kids to Eat Their Veggies: Anything that’s wrapped in bacon is most likely going to be a hit with kids (and adults). In addition, air frying the asparagus gives the spears the perfect crispy texture that kids love too. No soggy, limp asparagus here!

The Ingredients

bacon on a plate next to a bundle of asparagus.

If you couldn’t tell by the name, you only need two ingredients to make this recipe.

  • Asparagus: I go for thicker asparagus spears for this recipe. It helps the bacon have time to get crispy without burning your asparagus. I have tips below if you can only find thin asparagus though!
  • Bacon: Opt for a standard cut over thick cut bacon. If you use thick cut you’ll most likely end up with undercooked bacon and burnt asparagus.

How to Make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

hands snapping an asparagus spear at its natural break.

Step 1: Break or cut off the woodsy ends of asparagus. They have a natural break if you snap them at the ends. 

bacon slices cut in half on a plate.

Step 2: Cut or slice bacon in half so you have 16 pieces. 

uncooked bacon wrapped asparagus in air fryer basket.

Step 3: Starting in the middle of the asparagus, wrap the bacon around the asparagus towards the bottom allowing the top and bottom to peak out. Place asparagus in air fryer tray leaving a little space between the pieces.

cooked bacon wrapped asparagus in air fryer basket.

Step 4: Air fry at 400°F for 15-18 minutes or until bacon is starting to get crispy and asparagus is tender. 

Tips for Success

  • Choose thick asparagus. For this recipe, thicker stalks of asparagus work best. If you can only find thin stalks, you can make asparagus bundles. Wrap bacon around 3-4 asparagus spears (depending on how big they are) and air fry until bacon is cooked through and asparagus are tender.
  • Use thin strips of bacon. A standard cut bacon is the best option for bacon wrapped asparagus in the air fryer. Thick cut bacon won’t cook through and get crispy before the asparagus spears burn.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. If your air fryer isn’t big enough for each asparagus spear to have a little space around it, you may want to air fry these in batches for the best crispy results.
  • Check on the asparagus. Every air fryer cooks slightly differently. Keep an eye on your asparagus to make sure everything is cooking to your liking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare bacon wrapped asparagus ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bacon-wrapped asparagus ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Just make sure they are tightly wrapped or covered to prevent them from drying out.

How do I store and reheat leftover air fryer bacon wrapped asparagus?

In my opinion, bacon wrapped asparagus is best when enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in your air fryer at 400°F for a few minutes until they’re warm and crispy. You could also reheat them in the oven at the same temperature. Just remember to avoid the microwave to keep that delightful crispiness intact!

air fried bacon wrapped asparagus on blue serving platter.

More Easy Recipes with Asparagus

Air frying bacon wrapped asparagus is so easy and delicious you’ll be making this spring time veggie all the time. If you love this recipe, leave a rating and comment below!

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Bacon Wrapped Air Fried Asparagus

Bacon Wrapped Air Fried Asparagus is one the simplest vegetable side you can make! The crispy bacon wrapped around this spring vegetable is out of this world tasty!
Course Appetizer, Side
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 206kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Break or cut off the woodsy ends of asparagus. They have a natural break if you snap them at the ends. 
  • Cut or slice bacon in half so you have 16 pieces. 
  • Starting in the middle of the asparagus, wrap the bacon around the asparagus towards the bottom allowing the top and bottom to peak out. 
  • Place asparagus in air fryer tray leaving a little space between the pieces and cook on 400 degrees for 15-18 minutes or until bacon is starting to get crispy and asparagus is tender. 

Notes

Choose thick cut asparagus: For this recipe, thicker stalks of asparagus work best. If you can only find thin stalks, you can make asparagus bundles. Wrap bacon around 3-4 asparagus spears (depending on how big they are) and air fry until bacon is cooked through and asparagus are tender.
Use thin strips of bacon. A standard cut bacon is the best option for bacon wrapped asparagus in the air fryer. Thick cut bacon won’t cook through and get crispy before the asparagus spears burn.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. If your air fryer isn’t big enough for each asparagus spear to have a little space around it, you may want to air fry these in batches for best crispy results.
Check on the asparagus. Every air fryer cooks slightly differently. Keep an eye on your asparagus to make sure everything is cooking to your liking.
Make it Vegetarian: While the bacon is the star of the show in this recipe, you could absolutely leave it out if you wanted this recipe to be vegan or vegetarian. Toss the asparagus in a bit of olive oil with salt and pepper, air fry it for the same amount of time and you’ll still have a delicious result.

Nutrition

Serving: 4pieces | Calories: 206kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 294mg | Potassium: 316mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 874IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 3mg

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