Deliciously Healthy Roasted Asparagus

I have been loving the arrival of spring asparagus at the grocery stores. Asparagus is a quintessential spring vegetable, packed with flavor and nutrients. This simple yet mouthwatering recipe for roasted asparagus will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. Plus, it's completely vegetarian, making it a perfect addition to your Meatless Monday meal planning or any day of the week.

Why I Love This Recipe

Nutrient-packed: Asparagus is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, potassium, and fiber.

Quick and easy: With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep work, this recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Versatile: While roasted asparagus is delicious on its own, you can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or toppings. Try sprinkling some toasted almonds or pine nuts for added crunch, or drizzle with a balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients:

1 bunch of fresh asparagus
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of lemon zest
1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Nutritional yeast for topping

Instructions:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F. While the oven is heating up, prepare the asparagus.

Prepare the asparagus: Rinse the asparagus under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Then, trim off the tough ends of the asparagus spears by snapping them off at their natural breaking point. This ensures that you're left with only the tender and flavorful parts of the asparagus.

Season the asparagus: Place the trimmed asparagus spears on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus, followed by the minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Using your hands or a pair of tongs, toss the asparagus until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

Roast the asparagus: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast the asparagus for 12-15 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus spears, so adjust accordingly.

Serve and enjoy: Once the asparagus is done roasting, remove them from the oven and place them on a serving platter. If desired, sprinkle nutritional yeast over the roasted asparagus for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately as a side dish or a light meal. Enjoy!