Lemon-Garlic Roasted Asparagus with Toasted Pine Nuts
Tender asparagus roasted until crisp-tender, finished with a bright lemon-garlic glaze and toasted pine nuts for a vibrant, simple side dish. This Mediterranean-inspired quick recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs asparagus, olive oil, garlic 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 pound, trimmed asparagus
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1, zest and 1 tablespoon juice lemon
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
The sheet pan we’d roast this on → Best Sheet Pans in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place trimmed asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; toss to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Roast for 12–15 minutes until tender-crisp, then remove from oven and toss with 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon lemon juice; return to oven for 2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
- Step 3: Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon lemon zest and 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (toasted in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until golden).
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Roasted Asparagus with Toasted Pine Nuts take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Lemon-Garlic Roasted Asparagus with Toasted Pine Nuts?
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 Lemon-Garlic Roasted Asparagus with Toasted Pine Nuts?
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 Lemon-Garlic Roasted Asparagus with Toasted Pine Nuts 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 Lemon-Garlic Roasted Asparagus with Toasted Pine Nuts 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.
