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Zesty Lemon Garlic Asparagus is the ultimate quick and easy side dish! Topped with creamy feta, juicy tomatoes, and a drizzle of Mediterranean flavors, it’s ready in under 15 minutes. Whether roasted in the oven or pan-fried to perfection, this garlic-lemon flavored asparagus brings vibrant flavors and a satisfying crunch to your table. Perfect on its own or as a centerpiece in a salad, it pairs wonderfully with dishes like our Garlic Butter Baked Salmon for a complete Mediterranean feast!
Why This Lemon Garlic Asparagus Stands Out?
Inspired by our beloved Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken Salad, this Mediterranean-Style Asparagus recipe is all about bold flavors, versatility, and simplicity. Cooked and drizzled with an incredible lemon, garlic, and herb dressing, every bite is bursting with Mediterranean goodness.
Whether you serve it as a side dish, a snack, or even the star of a salad, this asparagus is a guaranteed hit at any table. Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, it’s crispy on the outside, tender inside, and topped with creamy feta and juicy tomatoes. You’ll be licking your plates clean—no exaggeration!
Lemon Garlic Asparagus: Key Ingredients
The secret to this Bright and Zesty Asparagus Recipe is all in the ingredients. Fresh garlic delivers bold, aromatic flavor, zesty lemon juice brings brightness, and olive oil ensures a golden, crisp finish. Simple staples, unforgettable results!
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Always choose fresh, firm lemons that feel heavy for their size—they’ll have the juiciest pulp and the brightest flavor. Bottled juice won’t do justice to this dish, as the zestiness from fresh juice is unmatched!
- Olive Oil: Opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil with a rich, fruity aroma. It makes a huge difference in both flavor and texture, enhancing the asparagus’ crispness and ensuring the Mediterranean flavors shine through.
- Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for maximum fragrance and flavor. Look for firm, unblemished bulbs, and mince them finely to evenly distribute their garlicky goodness across the dish.
- Feta Cheese: Opt for authentic Greek feta for its creamy, tangy flavor that takes the dish to another level. Crumble it freshly over the asparagus to preserve its texture, or try pairing it with avocado and cucumber, like in this Avocado Feta Cucumber Salad, for a perfectly balanced bite every time.
*Note: Please see Recipe Card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Additions And Substitutions
When it comes to Garlic-Lemon Falvored Asparagus, quick and effortless is the way to go. Don’t have every ingredient on hand? No worries—simple substitutions will still pack in all the zesty, herby goodness!
- Make It Cheesy: Swap the feta for parmesan for a nuttier, saltier kick. Grate it fresh over the asparagus after cooking for best results.
- Add Some Heat: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or a touch of chili powder for a subtle spicy twist that complements the zesty flavors.
- Brighten It Up: Add a handful of halved cherry or grape tomatoes in the final minutes of cooking to bring a burst of sweetness and vibrant color. They’re the perfect touch, much like the cherry tomatoes that shine in our Caprese Pasta Salad.
Making Perfect Lemon Garlic Asparagus: Step-By-Step
Let’s jump right in! With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll be serving up perfectly zesty and tender Lemon Garlic Asparagus in no time. Grab your skillet or sheet pan, and let’s make something delicious together!
- Prepare The Asparagus: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus, grease a baking sheet, and arrange the asparagus in a single layer with space between each spear.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together the oil, juice, vinegar, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour half the dressing over the asparagus and toss to coat evenly.
*Pro Tip: A quicker way when cooking a large bunch like this is to snap the end off one first, then line them all up on your chopping board and slice through the rest at the same length
- Roast the Asparagus: Roast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the asparagus is crisp on the outside and tender in the center.
- Finish and Serve: Top the asparagus with tomatoes and feta cheese, then drizzle with the remaining dressing. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zing!
Complete your meal with even more delicious ideas from our kitchen! Pair this Asparagus With A Lemon Garlic Twist with our rich and creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Bites or the indulgent Creamy Garlic Tuscan Butter Shrimp. For a hearty option, try it alongside our Juicy Boneless Chicken Thighs or Crispy Pork Carnitas. And if you’re in the mood for something comforting, don’t miss our Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese. Whatever you choose, your dinner table is guaranteed to impress!
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes, but fresh asparagus is recommended for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture during roasting.
The asparagus should be crisp-tender, with a slightly golden exterior. Check by piercing the thick end with a fork—it should be tender but not mushy.
Absolutely! You can sauté the asparagus in a skillet over medium heat, tossing frequently, until crisp-tender and slightly caramelized.
Not necessarily! You can substitute it with white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for a different flavor twist.
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Lemon Garlic Asparagus
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch cracked pepper to taste
- 1 pound asparagus spears woody ends removed
To Serve:
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 2 lemon wedges to serve
Instructions
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking oil spray. Arrange asparagus on 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 8-10 minutes or until the asparagus is crisp on the outside and tender in the centre.
- 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 until cooked to your liking (about 8 minutes while tossing occasionally).
- Drizzle with the remaining sauce and top with the feta and tomatoes. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Snap off the woody dry ends of the asparagus. A quicker way when cooking a large bunch like this is to snap the end off one first, then line them all up on your chopping board and slice through the rest at the same length.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried this out last night using the oven method. Very easy to make and the flavors were great. Pared it with some pan seared scallops over risotto and wife and teen daughter loved it.
This looks amazing, and I can hardly wait to cook this dish. My family and I love asparagus. Thank you!
Good Afternoon, I have some carrots and zucchini that I need to use up along with my asparagus. If I add the squash and carrots, do you think that combo (with the asparagus) will taste good with the feta cheese? Thanks, love your recipes. Thanks for sharing!
That sounds delicious to me! I love asparagus and that would be a great combination. Thanks for following along with me!