Roasted Asparagus

Learn how to make roasted asparagus in the oven! Full of flavor, this simple side dish comes together with just a few ingredients and is ready in 15 minutes or less. Pair it with all your favorite main courses for a nutritious meal you’ll love.  

this recipe

I am so excited to bring you another post in our All the Healthy Things “Just the Basics” series. These posts are focused on helping you master basics in the kitchen and, hopefully, inspiring you with a few new ideas along the way. 

If you are new to cooking, or just need a refresher on the basics, these posts are designed to help you feel more confident in the kitchen. Once you have a handle on a few basic concepts and techniques, you can easily build upon them to create new and exciting recipes dishes without a second thought.

If you have ever wondered how some people just seem to know how to cook without a recipe or can quickly throw together a meal in a moment’s notice, it’s likely because they have a good grasp of the basics. I want that for you! It’s my hope that every just the basics post helps you feel more comfortable so that you can enjoy your time spent in the kitchen even more!

If you haven’t already be sure to check out the other how-to guides in the series. 

Here are a few of our most popular posts: 

• How to Bake Sweet Potatoes
• How to Roast Butternut Squash
• How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree
• The Best Whole Roasted Chicken

The Best Oven Roasted Asparagus Recipe 

If you’ve never tried roasted asparagus, I highly recommend you do so ASAP! Roasting is my probably my favorite way to make asparagus, and I know you’re going to love it, too. 

All you need is five simple ingredients and just a few minutes of prep time. Then, the oven does all the hard work, making the asparagus perfectly tender.

It pairs perfectly with a variety of protein sources and can even be prepared in advance to enjoy the next day or two. This recipe is so good it’ll become your new favorite way to enjoy asparagus!

How to Trim Asparagus 

I like to trim the bottom of my asparagus spears because they can have a woody flavor and be difficult to chew. 

• Line the spears up on a chopping board. 
• Use a sharp knife to cut off the thick, woody parts at the bottom. Cutting off 1 to 2 inches is usually plenty! Look for the place where the stalks begin to turn light green, and slice there. 

Should You Snap the Ends Off Asparagus? 

If you don’t want to slice the ends off the asparagus, you can snap the spears instead! Just grab both ends and bend until the asparagus snaps. Typically, the stalks naturally break where the woody part ends, making it an easy trimming method.  

How to Store Fresh Asparagus

It’s best to use fresh asparagus the same day you buy it. However, if you need to store it, you can. Follow the tips below to keep it fresh: 

• Trim the ends. 
• Fill a glass jar with about an inch of water, and place the stems in the jar. 
• Loosely cover the asparagus with a plastic bag. 
• Transfer the jar to the fridge for up to 4 days, changing the water as it gets cloudy. 

How to Season Asparagus

For this recipe, I kept the seasonings simple. However, you can easily mix and match any herbs, spices, or flavor enhancers you like best. Some of my favorite variations include: 

• Parmesan Cheese
• Fresh Mint 
• Fresh Parsley
• Red Pepper Flakes
• Butter
• Balsamic Reduction or Balsamic Vinegar
• Toasted Almond Slices 

Recipe Ingredients 

Asparagus: you’ll need 1 pound of asparagus for this recipe. Look for spears that are bright green with tightly closed tips. 

Olive Oil: I prefer the flavor of olive oil, but avocado oil will also work. 

Lemon Juice and Zest: fresh lemon juice and lemon zest add a nice, bright flavor that brightens up the dish. 

How to Roast Asparagus in the Oven 

Step One: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees, and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. 

Step Two: Next, toss the asparagus in oil, salt, and pepper coating the spears completely. 

Step Three: Transfer the seasoned asparagus to the prepared sheet pan. Spread the spears out evenly in a single layer. 

Step Four: Roast the asparagus in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. They should still be slightly crisp and have a bit of a bite to them! 

Step Five: Remove the asparagus from the oven. Then, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and lemon zest before serving. Enjoy warm! 

How Long Should I Bake Roasted Asparagus? 

When roasted in the oven at 425 degrees, it should not take longer than 12 to 15 minutes for the spears to roast. You’ll know the asparagus is finished when the stalks are dark green in color and fork-tender but still have a little bite.

Serving Suggestions

This easy oven roasted asparagus pairs well with a variety of main courses. Some of my favorite dishes to serve it with include:

• Buffalo Chicken Tenders
• Oven Baked Ribs
• Simple Pan Seared Salmon
• Honey Mustard Salmon
• Chipotle Chicken Sandwich
• Spinach Bacon Quiche

How to Store and Reheat

This roasted asparagus recipe is best served right away. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on a sheet pan in the oven at 400 degrees. 

More Delicious Side Dish Recipes

• Sheet Pan Harvest Roasted Vegetables
• How to Roast Butternut Squash
• Brown Butter Maple Roasted Carrots
• Roasted Garlic Lemon Broccoli
• Oven Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini
• Honey Mustard Roasted Brussels Sprouts

I hope you give these Oven Roasted Asparagus a try! They are so easy to make and delicious! If you do give this recipe a try, let me know! 

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