Lemon Roasted Asparagus🥗 Side

Name: Lemon Roasted Asparagus
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 bunch asparagus, woody ends trimmed; Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling; Sea salt to taste; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; Lemon wedges, for squeezing

This asparagus dish is simple to prepare and absolutely tasty! It takes only a quarter of an hour from start to finish, making it an ideal accompaniment for springtime meals.

By Priya Patel, Recipe Curator

Prep: 3 minCook: 12 minServes: 2

vegetarian vegan spring quick easy side dish asparagus

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When asparagus season arrives, you'll want the simplest preparation possible to showcase those tender spears at their peak. This roasted version lets the vegetable shine with just a whisper of olive oil and a bright squeeze of fresh lemon at the finish. The high oven temperature caramelizes the natural sugars in the asparagus, creating golden tips with a satisfying crisp-tender bite that's worlds away from mushy steamed versions.

The key to perfect roasted asparagus lies in spreading the spears in a single layer without overcrowding—this allows proper air circulation and ensures they roast rather than steam. Watch them carefully after the ten-minute mark, especially if you're working with slender stalks, which can go from perfectly tender to overcooked in just a minute or two. Thicker spears will need the full fifteen minutes to become properly tender while developing those delicious browned edges.

While this version is delicious as written, you can easily dress it up for company by sprinkling toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds over the finished dish, or shaving fresh Parmesan on top while the asparagus is still hot. The lemony flavor also pairs beautifully with garlic—just toss a few smashed cloves onto the baking sheet before roasting for an extra layer of flavor that complements everything from grilled fish to roast chicken.

Ingredients

1 bunch asparagus, woody ends trimmed
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Sea salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Lemon wedges, for squeezing

Nutrition (Per 2 servings)*

Calories

Protein

Carbs

Fat

Fiber

150mg

Sodium

* AI-estimated values only — not a substitute for professional nutrition labeling.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the asparagus on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until lightly crisp and tender.
Squeeze with lemon juice, season to taste, and serve.