Heart-Healthy Simple Baked Asparagus
Delight in the fresh and vibrant flavors of our Heart-Healthy Simple Baked Asparagus! This easy recipe transforms tender asparagus spears into a wholesome, flavorful side dish with just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. Drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil, infused with zesty lemon, and seasoned with aromatic garlic powder, thyme, and oregano, this dish is a nutritional powerhouse that’s perfect for heart-health-conscious eaters. The quick bake in the oven ensures crisp-tender asparagus with a tantalizingly bright citrus aroma and herbaceous kick. Ready in under 25 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or as an elegant accompaniment to any meal. Enjoy this guilt-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly recipe that’s sure to impress your taste buds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small lemon
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the asparagus by washing it thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or sand. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Trim the woody ends of the asparagus, which is typically about 1 to 1.5 inches from the base. Discard the tougher ends.
Place the trimmed asparagus on a large baking sheet in a single layer for even cooking.
Drizzle the asparagus with extra-virgin olive oil. Gently toss to coat all spears evenly.
Zest the lemon, avoiding the white pith, and sprinkle the zest over the asparagus.
Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the asparagus, ensuring all spears receive a touch of citrus.
Sprinkle garlic powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper evenly over the asparagus.
Use clean hands or tongs to gently toss the asparagus again, ensuring all flavors are well combined.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender yet still slightly crisp.
Remove from the oven and serve immediately. The asparagus should be vibrant green and fragrant. Enjoy this dish as a heart-healthy side or a light appetizer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
242 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.4 g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.1 g | 11% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 497 mg | 22% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.1 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.4 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.6 g | ||
| Protein | 11.2 g | 22% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 151 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 10.7 mg | 59% | |
| Potassium | 1059 mg | 23% | |
*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.
