Awesome Pesto Asparagus
Bring vibrancy and flavor to your table with Awesome Pesto Asparagus, a quick and easy side dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious! This recipe pairs perfectly roasted asparagus, seasoned to perfection with olive oil, salt, and pepper, with a homemade basil pesto that’s bursting with fresh, herbaceous flavors. The pesto's blend of fragrant basil, buttery pine nuts, sharp Parmesan, zesty lemon juice, and savory garlic creates a luxurious coating for the tender asparagus. Ready in just 20 minutes, this versatile dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or as a crowd-pleasing addition to your spring and summer menus. Boost your meals with this delightful way to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 cup olive oil (for pesto)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Trim the tough ends off the asparagus and place the stalks on a baking sheet.
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the asparagus, then sprinkle with 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Spread the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
While the asparagus is roasting, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine 2 cups of fresh basil, 0.25 cup of pine nuts, 0.5 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
Pulse the ingredients a few times to combine, then slowly drizzle in 0.5 cup of olive oil while the processor is running. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Once the asparagus is done roasting, remove it from the oven and transfer to a serving platter.
Drizzle or toss the roasted asparagus with the freshly made pesto until evenly coated.
Serve immediately as a bright and delicious side dish. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
455 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.2 g | 58% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.6 g | 38% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 418 mg | 18% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7.4 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.6 g | ||
| Protein | 8.8 g | 18% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 182 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 4.0 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 391 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
