Asparagus is a quintessential spring vegetable, but it’s so versatile you can enjoy it year-round — and there are many reasons why you should. Low-cal and full of fiber, per data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), asparagus supports weight loss and has well-studied anti-cancer properties, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research.
Asparagus is also rather well-known for containing asparagusic acid, which breaks down into sulfur compounds and accounts for the distinctive odor of urine after a person eats this vegetable, according to Cleveland Clinic. The ability to detect the odor is genetic, so not everyone will notice it, and there is nothing harmful about it or any reason it should deter you from enjoying asparagus.
You can find asparagus in a number of different colors, including purple, white, and traditional green. While you may get a slightly different balance of nutrients from the different colors, all varieties are good for you and can be a healthy addition to your diet. Asparagus is sold canned as well as fresh, and either option is nutritious, but the texture of fresh asparagus is crisper, which some people prefer.
Asparagus can be enjoyed so many ways: pickled, grilled, sautéed, roasted, and shaved, to name a few. This recipe for asparagus tacos is a great way to enjoy this vegetable.
Ingredients
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
Place asparagus on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Gently toss to evenly coat and season with salt and pepper. Arrange asparagus on one side of the baking sheet.
Place salmon on the other side of the baking sheet and sprinkle evenly with taco seasoning. Bake until asparagus is tender-crisp and salmon flakes easily, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool. Use a fork to gently flake the fish into large sections.
Warm the tortillas, one at a time, in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, about 1 minute per side.
To assemble tacos, place a tortilla on a clean surface and top with ¼ cup spinach, 2 to 3 spears of asparagus, salmon, hot sauce (if using), yogurt, and onion (if using). Serve warm.
Written By: Kelly Kennedy, RDN
How to Cook Asparagus Tacos: A Step-by-Step Guide
Medically Reviewed by: Roxana Ehsani, RD, LDN