Name: Lemon Garlic Asparagus Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley; 1 tsp dried oregano; 2 tsp garlic; 1 tsp salt; cracked pepper; 1 lb asparagus spears; For Serving:; ½ cup grape tomatoes; ½ cup feta cheese; Lemon Wedges

This tantalizing lemon garlic asparagus dish combines the tangy freshness of lemon with the savory depth of garlic for a dish that is as nutritious as it is delicious. Asparagus is a great source of fiber and vitamins A, C, E and K. The addition of grape tomatoes and feta cheese gives this dish a Mediterranean flair, making it a perfect side dish for any occasion.

Photos of Lemon Garlic Asparagus Recipe

All the ingredients used in this recipe are commonly found in most households or local supermarkets. However, one ingredient you might not have on hand is fresh asparagus. When choosing asparagus, look for bright green stalks with compact, purple-tinged tips. Avoid those that look wilted or have excessively thick stalks, as they can be tough and woody.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Asparagus Dish

Olive oil: A healthy fat that's used as a cooking medium and for dressing. It adds a nice flavor to the dish.

Lemon juice: Adds a tangy freshness that enhances the flavor of the asparagus.

Red wine vinegar: Gives a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.

Fresh parsley: Used for garnishing and to add a fresh herb flavor.

Dried oregano: Adds an earthy, mild flavor.

Garlic: Gives a strong, spicy flavor that complements the asparagus.

Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Cracked pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity to the dish.

Asparagus spears: The star of the dish. Asparagus is high in fiber and rich in vitamins.

Grape tomatoes: Adds a sweet, juicy component to the dish.

Feta cheese: Gives a tangy, creamy element that contrasts beautifully with the other flavors.

Lemon wedges: For serving. Guests can squeeze these over their asparagus for an extra lemony kick.

One reader, Karlotta March says:

This lemon garlic asparagus dish is a burst of flavor! The tangy lemon and savory garlic perfectly complement the tender asparagus. It's a delightful and refreshing side dish that pairs well with any meal. The addition of feta and tomatoes adds a lovely touch. I highly recommend trying it!

Karlotta March

Techniques Required for Lemon Garlic Asparagus Dish

How to roast asparagus in the oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the sheet, then whisk together the oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour half of the mixture over the asparagus and toss to coat. Roast for 8 to 10 minutes until the asparagus is crisp on the outside and tender in the center.

How to pan-fry asparagus on the stove-top: Toss the asparagus in half of the dressing and pan-fry over medium heat, tossing occasionally, until cooked to the desired doneness, about 8 minutes. Drizzle with the remaining sauce and top with feta and tomatoes.

How to serve the lemon garlic asparagus dish: Top the roasted or pan-fried asparagus with grape tomatoes and feta cheese. Drizzle with the remaining lemon dressing and serve with lemon wedges.

How To Make Lemon Garlic Asparagus

This lemon garlic asparagus recipe is full of Mediterranean flavors. It also has generous portions of feta and tomatoes, and extremely quick to make too!

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4tbspolive oil
2tbsplemon juicefreshly squeezed
1tbspred wine vinegar
1tbspfresh parsleychopped
1tspdried oregano
2tspgarlicminced
1tspsalt
cracked pepperto taste
1lbasparagus spearswoody ends removed

For Serving:

½cupgrape tomatoeshalved
½cupfeta cheesecrumbled
Lemon wedgesto serve

Instructions

Oven Method:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking oil spray. Arrange asparagus on the sheet in a single layer.
Whisk together oil, juice, vinegar, herbs, garlic, salt and pepper. Pour half over the asparagus and toss to evenly coat.
Roast for 8 to 10 minutes or until the asparagus is crisp on the outside and tender in the center.
Top asparagus with the tomatoes and feta cheese. Drizzle with remaining lemon dressing. Serve with lemon wedges.

Stove-Top Method:

Toss asparagus in half of the dressing and pan fry over medium heat, while tossing occasionally, until cooked to desired doneness. This should take about 8 minutes.
Drizzle with the remaining sauce and top with the feta and tomatoes.
Serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Calories: 204.39kcal
Fat: 17.75g
Saturated Fat: 4.74g
Monounsaturated Fat: 10.73g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.63g
Carbohydrates: 8.27g
Fiber: 3.17g
Sugar: 3.88g
Protein: 5.66g
Cholesterol: 16.69mg
Sodium: 439.62mg
Calcium: 135.00mg
Potassium: 333.29mg
Iron: 2.98mg
Vitamin A: 80.15µg
Vitamin C: 17.73mg

Helpful Technique for Preparing Lemon Garlic Asparagus

When preparing asparagus, it's important to remove the tough, woody ends. You can do this by holding the asparagus spear at both ends and bending it gently until it snaps. The asparagus naturally breaks where the woody part ends and the tender part begins. This ensures every bite of your lemon garlic asparagus dish is perfectly tender and enjoyable.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Asparagus Dish

Prep ahead: Chop and measure all your ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pan wonders: Look for recipes that allow you to cook multiple components in a single pan to minimize cleanup.

Efficient tools: Use kitchen gadgets like a food processor or mandoline to speed up prep work.

Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes and save time on improvisation.

Multi-task: While one dish is cooking, use that time to prep other components of the meal.

Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and tools as you cook to keep your workspace organized.

Substitute Ingredients For Lemon Garlic Asparagus Recipe

olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this dish.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide the same tangy acidity as lemon juice, adding brightness to the dish.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar offers a rich, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the asparagus and garlic in the dish.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro can provide a vibrant, herbaceous flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in the dish.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can add a similar earthy and slightly floral note to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic, adding a subtle depth to the dish without overpowering the asparagus.
asparagus spears - Substitute with broccolini: Broccolini has a similar texture and flavor profile to asparagus, making it a suitable alternative for this dish.
grape tomatoes - Substitute with sliced bell peppers: Sliced bell peppers can provide a similar pop of color and a slightly sweet, crisp texture to the dish.
feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese can offer a tangy and creamy element, complementing the flavors of the dish while adding a rich, velvety texture.
lemon wedges - Substitute with lime wedges: Lime wedges can provide a similar citrusy brightness, enhancing the flavors of the dish in place of lemon wedges.

Presenting Lemon Garlic Asparagus Dish

Elevate the asparagus spears: Gently arrange the asparagus spears on the plate in a diagonal or circular pattern, creating a visually appealing presentation that showcases the vibrant green color and natural shape of the asparagus.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce pops of color to the dish by strategically placing the grape tomatoes around the asparagus, adding a burst of red that complements the green asparagus and enhances the overall visual appeal.
Create a balanced composition: Sprinkle the feta cheese over the asparagus and tomatoes, ensuring an even distribution that adds a touch of creaminess and contrast to the dish without overpowering the natural flavors of the asparagus.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a final touch of elegance by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the dish, infusing it with a subtle hint of freshness and elevating the overall presentation with a touch of vibrant green.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate, allowing the dish to breathe and creating a visually striking presentation that highlights the natural beauty of the ingredients.

Storing and Freezing Lemon Garlic Asparagus Dish

To store leftover lemon garlic asparagus, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When ready to reheat, place the asparagus in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, or briefly reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated to your liking.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked asparagus. After cooling completely, transfer the asparagus to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
Freeze the asparagus for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, place the container in the refrigerator overnight or for several hours until fully defrosted.
Keep in mind that freezing may slightly alter the texture of the asparagus, making it softer than when freshly cooked. However, it will still retain its flavor and can be used in various dishes like pasta, quiches, or frittatas.
To maintain the best quality and texture, consume the frozen asparagus within the recommended time frame and reheat it gently to avoid overcooking.

How To Reheat Lemon Garlic Asparagus Leftovers

The best way to reheat leftover lemon garlic asparagus is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle a little extra olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top, then toss to coat. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
Another option is to reheat the asparagus in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly crispy, about 3-5 minutes. You can add an extra clove of minced garlic for an extra burst of flavor.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the asparagus in the microwave. Place the asparagus in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as the asparagus can quickly become mushy in the microwave.
For a cold option, try adding leftover lemon garlic asparagus to a salad. Chop the asparagus into bite-sized pieces and toss with your favorite greens, some cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Drizzle with a simple lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing and healthy lunch option.
If you have a lot of leftover asparagus, consider making a frittata or quiche. Chop the asparagus into small pieces and mix with beaten eggs, a splash of milk, and some shredded cheese. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake until set and golden brown on top. This is a great way to use up leftover vegetables and makes for a delicious breakfast or brunch option.

Interesting Fact About Lemon Garlic Asparagus

Asparagus is a member of the lily family and is related to onions, leeks, and garlic.

Is Making Lemon Garlic Asparagus at Home Cost-Effective?

This lemon garlic asparagus dish is quite cost-effective for a household. Asparagus is a seasonal vegetable, making it affordable, and the additional ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens. The dish offers a burst of flavors and nutrients, making it a great addition to any meal. I would rate this recipe an 8 for its simplicity, taste, and health benefits. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$12, making it a budget-friendly and delicious option for a family meal.

Is This Asparagus Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?

This lemon garlic asparagus dish is a healthy and flavorful side dish that packs a nutritional punch. Asparagus is a low-calorie vegetable rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as folate and minerals like iron and calcium. The olive oil used in the recipe provides healthy monounsaturated fats, while the lemon juice and red wine vinegar add a tangy flavor and help to enhance the absorption of iron from the asparagus. Garlic, parsley, and oregano not only add depth to the dish but also offer various health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.

To make this dish even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Use a high-quality, extra-virgin olive oil to maximize the health benefits of the monounsaturated fats
Increase the amount of lemon juice and reduce the olive oil to lower the overall calorie content
Add more garlic to the recipe, as it is known for its potent anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties
Experiment with other herbs and spices, such as rosemary or thyme, to increase the antioxidant content of the dish
Serve the asparagus with a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken or tofu, to create a well-balanced meal

Editor's Opinion on Lemon Garlic Asparagus Dish

This lemon garlic asparagus dish is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The asparagus is perfectly roasted to bring out its natural sweetness, while the tangy lemon and garlic dressing adds a refreshing zing. The addition of juicy grape tomatoes and creamy feta cheese provides a burst of freshness and richness. Whether prepared in the oven or on the stovetop, this dish is a versatile and elegant addition to any meal. The balance of flavors and the simplicity of the recipe make it a standout choice for a side dish or a light, flavorful appetizer.

Enhance Your Lemon Garlic Asparagus Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and chives

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Juicy grilled corn on the cob with a sprinkle of chili lime seasoning

Mixed Green Salad: Fresh mixed green salad with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette

Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Caramelized roasted sweet potatoes with a touch of cinnamon and honey

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Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Lemon Garlic Asparagus

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and crispy for a delicious start to any meal.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with these elegant and refreshing skewers featuring fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a burst of sweet and tangy flavor.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Delight in a velvety smooth cheesecake, swirled with a sweet strawberry compote and topped with fresh strawberries. The combination of creamy filling and fruity topping creates a perfect balance of flavors.

Why trust this Lemon Garlic Asparagus Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with asparagus as the star. The combination of lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic infuses the dish with vibrant flavors. The addition of red wine vinegar and feta cheese elevates the taste profile, while the burst of freshness from grape tomatoes adds a delightful contrast. The meticulous instructions ensure perfect doneness, making it a reliable choice for any cook. Trust in the harmony of these ingredients to create a memorable asparagus dish that will surely impress your palate.

Share your thoughts on the Lemon Garlic Asparagus Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

How long does it take to roast the asparagus in the oven?

It takes about 8 to 10 minutes to roast the asparagus in the oven until it is crisp on the outside and tender in the center.

Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?

Yes, you can use other types of cheese such as goat cheese, Parmesan, or even shredded mozzarella if you prefer.

Can I prepare the lemon garlic asparagus dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the lemon garlic asparagus dish ahead of time by roasting the asparagus and storing it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the asparagus in the oven or microwave and then add the tomatoes, feta, and remaining lemon dressing.

Can I substitute the asparagus with another vegetable?

While asparagus works best for this recipe, you can also use green beans or broccoli as a substitute if desired.

How should I store any leftovers of the lemon garlic asparagus dish?

Store any leftovers of the lemon garlic asparagus dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.