Citrus-Glazed Asparagus with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
A vibrant spring salad featuring tender asparagus coated in a zesty lemon vinaigrette and topped with fresh herbs for a light, refreshing meal. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs asparagus, olive oil, lemon into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 101 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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
- 12 oz asparagus
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 2 tbsp fresh chives
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 12 oz trimmed asparagus with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 12-15 minutes until tender and edges are slightly browned.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp honey, and 1/4 tsp lemon zest until smooth and emulsified.
- Step 3: Remove asparagus from oven, drizzle with vinaigrette, and toss to coat. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Glazed Asparagus with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Citrus-Glazed Asparagus with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette?
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 asparagus from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Glazed Asparagus with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette?
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 Citrus-Glazed Asparagus with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette 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 Citrus-Glazed Asparagus with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better salads dishes though.
- ★★☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
