Brighten up your table with Lemon Roasted Asparagus—a simple and flavorful side dish that’s as elegant as it is easy to prepare. Fresh asparagus spears are tossed with olive oil, zesty lemon juice, minced garlic, and a touch of salt and pepper before being roasted to tender perfection in just 15 minutes. This recipe is elevated further with a sprinkle of lemon zest for vibrant citrus aromatics, and for a decadent finish, optional parmesan cheese melts into a crisp, golden topping. Perfect as a healthy weeknight side or a stunning addition to your holiday spread, this dish combines bold flavors with minimal effort. Serve with a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing burst of brightness!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Rinse the asparagus and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. Trim the woody ends by snapping or cutting the bottom 1-2 inches of each spear.
Place the asparagus spears on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus and toss until evenly coated.
Peel and mince the garlic cloves, then sprinkle over the asparagus.
Zest the lemon and sprinkle the zest over the asparagus. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice from one half over the asparagus, reserving the other half for serving, if desired.
Season with salt and black pepper, tossing lightly to ensure even distribution.
Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and slightly caramelized at the tips.
If desired, sprinkle grated parmesan over the asparagus during the last 2 minutes of roasting.
Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Optional: Garnish with additional lemon wedges for squeezing.
Calories |
409 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.3 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.2 g | 31% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 9 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 1331 mg | 58% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.4 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.5 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.0 g | ||
| Protein | 14.6 g | 29% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 258 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 10.6 mg | 59% | |
| Potassium | 1037 mg | 22% | |
*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.