Description
This Oven Roasted Asparagus with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan is a vibrant and flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. Tender asparagus spears are roasted to perfection alongside pine nuts, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes, then finished with a bright lemon dressing and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Nuts
- 1½ pounds fresh asparagus (trimmed)
- 3 tablespoons pine nuts
- 3 garlic cloves (very thinly sliced)
- ¾ cup (6 ounces) sun-dried tomatoes (California Sun Dry Sundried Tomatoes, julienne cut with herbs works well)
Oils and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (juice of 2 lemons, divided)
Cheese and Garnish
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 400°F and line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
- Prepare Ingredients on Pan: Arrange the trimmed asparagus, pine nuts, sliced garlic cloves, and sun-dried tomatoes evenly on the foil-lined sheet pan.
- Make the Dressing and Toss: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Pour this mixture over the asparagus and other ingredients on the pan, then toss gently to ensure even coating.
- Roast the Asparagus: Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes, depending on the thickness of the asparagus, until the spears are just tender but not overcooked.
- Add Final Touches: Once roasted, remove the asparagus from the oven and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest evenly over the dish.
- Combine and Serve: Toss gently once again to distribute the cheese and zest evenly, then serve while warm.
- Enjoy: Savor this delicious and healthy side dish alongside your favorite entrée.
Notes
- For best results, choose medium-thick asparagus spears to ensure even roasting.
- Julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes with herbs add extra flavor but plain ones work as well.
- You can lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet before adding for enhanced nuttiness.
- This dish pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or as part of a vegetarian meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold or gently reheated.
