Description

This Roasted Asparagus with Lemon, Butter, and Parmesan is a simple and flavorful side dish featuring tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with avocado oil, seasoned with garlic powder and sea salt, then topped with fresh lemon zest and parmesan cheese. Perfectly suited for a quick, healthy addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Asparagus

1 pound asparagus (trimmed)

Seasoning and Toppings

2 to 3 tsp avocado oil
¼ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp garlic powder
3 to 4 Tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese
Zest of 1 lemon
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set the oven’s temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is hot enough for roasting the asparagus evenly.
Prepare Asparagus: Trim the woody, rough ends off the asparagus spears with a knife and discard them. Arrange the spears in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Brush the asparagus with 2 to 3 teaspoons of avocado oil to lightly coat each spear.
Season: Use your hands to rub the avocado oil over the asparagus so each spear is coated evenly. Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of sea salt and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder evenly over the asparagus for flavor.
Roast: Place the baking sheet on the center rack of the preheated oven. Roast the asparagus for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on thickness—10 to 15 minutes for thin spears and 15 to 20 minutes for thicker spears—until cooked to your preference, tender but still slightly crisp.
Add Final Touches: Immediately after removing the asparagus from the oven, sprinkle freshly ground black pepper, the zest of one lemon, and 3 to 4 tablespoons of freshly grated parmesan cheese evenly over the spears while they are still hot.
Serve: Serve the roasted asparagus warm, accompanied by fresh lemon wedges for extra brightness, as a delicious side dish for any main meal.

Notes

Adjust roasting time based on the thickness of the asparagus to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
Avocado oil is used for its high smoke point and mild flavor; other oils like olive oil can be substituted if preferred.
Freshly grated parmesan yields the best flavor and texture compared to pre-grated cheese.
Use fresh lemon zest for a vibrant citrus aroma; avoid the bitter white pith.
This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings, just make sure the asparagus is in a single layer for even roasting.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Roasted Asparagus, Lemon Asparagus, Parmesan Asparagus, Healthy Side Dish, Easy Vegetable Recipe