Brighten up your plate with this Whole30 Sauteed Asparagus with Lemon and Garlic—a quick, healthy side dish that's bursting with fresh, zesty flavors! Tender-crisp asparagus is sautéed to perfection in olive oil, infused with the aroma of freshly minced garlic, and finished with a refreshing squeeze of lemon juice and zest. With just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients and a cook time of under 10 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as an elegant addition to your Whole30 meal prep. It's low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with nutrients, making it an ideal complement to grilled proteins or as a stand-alone veggie-forward dish. Enjoy this vibrant, citrus-kissed asparagus hot off the skillet for a deliciously light and satisfying experience!
Start by washing and trimming the asparagus. Remove the tough ends by snapping each piece towards the bottom where it naturally breaks. You should be left with tender, flavorful spears.
Finely mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
Zest the lemon using a microplane or fine grater, then cut it in half to juice it.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the asparagus spears to the skillet. Stir to coat them in garlic and oil.
Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is vibrant green and tender-crisp. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the asparagus.
Add the lemon zest, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Toss well to combine and ensure the asparagus is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Remove from heat.
Transfer the asparagus to a serving platter. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the delightful flavors.
Calories |
379 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.8 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.6 g | 23% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1193 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.9 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.1 g | 43% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.3 g | ||
| Protein | 11.5 g | 23% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 147 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 10.8 mg | 60% | |
| Potassium | 1064 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.