Asparagus and New Potatoes with Lemon Zest and Fresh Mint
Tender new potatoes and crisp asparagus are tossed with a bright lemon-mint dressing for a simple, elegant side dish. This general-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs halved new potatoes, divided olive oil, divided salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, halved new potatoes
- 10 oz, tough ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces asparagus
- 3 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 1/2 tsp, divided salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh mint
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Place halved new potatoes in a medium pot, cover with cold water, and add 1/4 tsp salt; bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 12-15 minutes until tender.
- Step 2: While potatoes cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until bright green and slightly tender, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Drain potatoes and return to the pot. Add 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp chopped mint, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; toss gently to coat.
- Step 4: Add cooked asparagus to potatoes and toss to combine. Cook for 1 minute to warm through and meld flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Asparagus and New Potatoes with Lemon Zest and Fresh Mint take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Asparagus and New Potatoes with Lemon Zest and Fresh Mint?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep halved new potatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Asparagus and New Potatoes with Lemon Zest and Fresh Mint?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Asparagus and New Potatoes with Lemon Zest and Fresh Mint for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Asparagus and New Potatoes with Lemon Zest and Fresh Mint vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.