Description
A bright, crisp-tender lemon asparagus side dish inspired by Southern roots and perfected with simple, fresh ingredients. Great for weeknights or holiday dinners.
Ingredients
1 lb fresh asparagus (woody ends trimmed)
1 medium lemon (zested and juiced)
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted herb butter
Salt, to taste (preferably flaky sea salt)
Fresh ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Shaved parmesan (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Wash asparagus and snap off the woody ends. Pat dry.
2. In a large pan, heat olive oil (or herb butter) over medium heat.
3. Add asparagus and sauté for 4–5 minutes. Toss gently with tongs.
4. Sprinkle in garlic and lemon zest. Cook another minute.
5. Squeeze in lemon juice and season generously with salt and pepper.
6. Cook 1–2 more minutes until asparagus turns bright green yet still firm.
7. Remove from heat and garnish with parmesan if using.
8. Serve hot with a swoop of citrusy sauce across a platter.
Notes
Use lemon-infused olive oil for extra flavor.
Swap fresh lemon for white wine vinegar if lemons are unavailable.
Try shallots or garlic powder if fresh garlic is not on hand.
Tastes great roasted, grilled, or air-fried.
Reheats well in a toaster oven and works great chilled in grain salads.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: lemon asparagus, spring vegetables, easy side dish, healthy asparagus