Zesty Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus
A quick and flavorful side dish featuring tender roasted asparagus with bright lemon zest and mellow roasted garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Rinse the asparagus and trim off the tough woody ends (about 1 to 2 inches).
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.
- Zest the lemon avoiding the white pith, then juice it to get about 2 tablespoons of juice.
- In a mixing bowl, combine asparagus, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes, shaking or turning the asparagus around the 10-minute mark for even cooking.
- Check that asparagus is bright green, tender but slightly crisp, with some caramelization on the tips.
- Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with chopped parsley or basil. Adjust seasoning with salt or lemon juice if needed.
Notes
If garlic browns too quickly, add it halfway through roasting to avoid bitterness. Toss asparagus gently but thoroughly for even flavor. Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure crisp roasting. For a dairy-free version, omit cheese toppings. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of the rec
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 230
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 0.7
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: asparagus, lemon garlic asparagus, roasted asparagus, easy side dish, healthy vegetables, quick asparagus recipe