A light and bright side dish that is super easy to prepare. Roasted Lemon Asparagus takes just 12 minutes in the oven and only uses 5 ingredients (including seasoning). An impressive but simple side dish that is easy to cook in bulk and can even be done on the BBQ. Cooking asparagus in the oven is a game changer.
Would you like to save this recipe?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Roasted vegetables are the best way to enjoy vegetables in my opinion and this is one of my favourite roasted veggie side dishes. Crispy on the outside and tender in the middle.
Lemon asparagus is perfect for the warmer months to eat along side grilled salmon or chicken, this is a healthy way to have a veggie boost, and still with plenty of flavour.
If you are looking for more ways to use asparagus, try our super quick Air Fryer Asparagus, tasty Asparagus Salad, comforting Asparagus Soup or simple Asparagus Frittata.
Jump to:
Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Asparagus - To ensure that this is the BEST asparagus salad, make sure you are making this with in-season asparagus. Not only will it have the best flavour and texture, but it will be cheap too. Try to go with medium thickness spears - not the really thick ones. To get the perfect asparagus, look for spears that are firm and a nice bright green colour. The tips should be dry and held tightly to the stalk. Thinner asparagus spears are younger and therefore more tender.
- Lemon - Make sure you have a juicy lemon. You could add some lemon zest too if you wanted extra lemon flavour.
- Oil - Use a good quality olive oil.
- Salt and pepper - Generously season.
More ingredient substitutions and variations can be found in the recipe card.
How to Roast Asparagus - Step by Step
Prep: Preheat your oven to 190°C/170°C(fan)/375°F/Gas 5.
- Step 1: Chop the woody ends off the asparagus.
- Step 2: Lay the asparagus on a baking sheet and add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Add some slices of lemon on top.
- Step 3: Put into the oven for 12 minutes, until the asparagus is tender.
How to Pick Asparagus
Before you even get to making this recipe, you want to make sure that you pick the perfect asparagus.
Try to pick the thinner asparagus, as the thicker ones can be more woody and overripe. You want them to be firm, and not limp and a nice bright green colour. Make sure the spears aren't wet and mushy - you are looking for them to be closed.
To keep your fresh asparagus at its freshest, check out this detailed guide for tips on how to store asparagus.
Dannii's Top tips
- Make this roasted asparagus recipe a little more indulgent by by sprinkling over grated Parmesan just before serving.
- You could also add some fresh crushed garlic before roasting.
- You can prepare it in advance by mixing everything together, putting it on a baking tray and keeping it in the fridge until it is ready to go in the oven.
- For a little bit of spice, you can sprinkle this lemon asparagus with some red chilli flakes before serving.
- Put the asparagus in a single layer on the baking tray so it can get nice and crispy. If they are too close together, then everything will just steam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, and that's what makes it such a great dish for serving up at a dinner party. Mix everything together and lay it on your baking sheet and then keep it in the fridge until you are ready to put it in the oven. Note that it may need a few minutes extra to cook if coming out of the fridge.
Roasted asparagus is a great batch cook dish, as it will store in the fridge for 2-3 days. Roast up a big tray of it and then keep in the fridge to add to meals throughout the week. It's a good addition to salads and pasta dishes for easy work lunches. Or even just to snack on.
This will take about 12 minutes in the oven, but it does depend on how big your asparagus spears are. Every oven cooks differently too.
More Side Dish Recipes
If you've tried this roasted asparagus recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Roasted Lemon Asparagus
Ingredients
- 24 Asparagus spears
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 Lemon - (juice only)
- 1 pinch Sea salt
- 1 pinch Ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C/170°C(fan)/375°F/Gas 5. Chop the woody ends off of 24 Asparagus spears.
- Lay the asparagus on a baking sheet and add2 tablespoon Olive oiljuice of 1 Lemon and 1 pinch Sea salt1 pinch Ground black pepper and mix well. Add some slices of lemon on top.
- Put into the oven for 12 minutes, until the asparagus is tender.
Recipe Tips
- Make this roasted asparagus recipe a little more indulgent by by sprinkling over grated Parmesan just before serving.
- You could also add some fresh crushed garlic before roasting.
- You can prepare it in advance by mixing everything together, putting it on a baking tray and keeping it in the fridge until it is ready to go in the oven.
- For a little bit of spice, you can sprinkle this lemon asparagus with some red chilli flakes before serving.
- Put the asparagus in a single layer on the baking tray so it can get nice and crispy. If they are too close together, then everything will just steam.
Nutritional Information
Would you like to save this recipe?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
kim says
Yum! Loved this recipe! It was easy and so tasty! Will definitely be making again!
Danielle Wolter says
What a wonderful, simple summer dish! I love the freshness of the lemon with asparagus!
Mahy says
Fantastic dish that is an absolutel must-have for anyone in love with asparagus. Yum!
Nart at Cooking with Nart says
I was looking for an asparagus recipe and because this one looked really good and said it takes just 12 minutes, I tried it. It was really, really good!
Anjali says
Roasted asparagus is one of my favorite side dishes in the spring & summer! Love the addition of lemon in this recipe!
Andrea Metlika says
This looks so good. Roasted asparagus is the best and the addition of lemon is fabulous.
Romina says
This is my favourite way to make asparagus! I love it topped with parmesan or feta.
Jamie says
The lemon in this adds such a bright flavor that pairs wonderfully with the asparagus! It was the perfect side to our dinner. Delicious!
Alison says
I love that asparagus season is here! This recipe is simple and delicious!
Caitlyn Erhardt says
This was so delicious and had great flavor. Thanks for a great recipe!