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Easy Zesty Lemon Herb Roasted Asparagus

zesty lemon herb roasted asparagus - featured image
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A quick and healthy roasted asparagus recipe with bright lemon and fresh herbs, perfect for weeknight dinners or as a flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 medium lemon
  • Finely grated zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or rosemary as a substitute)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Trim the asparagus by bending each spear until it snaps naturally, discarding the woody ends (about 1-2 inches).
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, thyme, sea salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir until well mixed.
  4. Add the asparagus spears to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the herb-lemon mixture.
  5. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a lined rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they have space to roast rather than steam.
  6. Roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through with tongs for even cooking and caramelization. Thinner spears may take closer to 12 minutes; thicker ones up to 15 minutes.
  7. Once roasted, squeeze fresh lemon over the asparagus and sprinkle additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

If garlic browns too quickly, add it after the first 5 minutes of roasting or toss it with the asparagus after roasting to avoid bitterness. Use dried herbs at one-third the amount if fresh herbs are unavailable. Do not overcrowd the pan to prevent steaming. For a smoky flavor, grill the asparagus instead of roasting.

Nutrition

Keywords: asparagus, roasted asparagus, lemon herb asparagus, healthy side dish, easy vegetable recipe, gluten-free, vegan, quick dinner

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/easy-zesty-lemon-herb-roasted-asparagus-recipe-perfect-for-healthy-dinners/