Sautéed Asparagus and Peas with Lemon Zest and Fresh Dill
Tender asparagus and sweet peas simmered in a bright lemon-dill sauce, finished with fresh herbs for a vibrant, vegetable-forward side. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs fresh or thawed frozen peas, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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
- 12 oz, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces asparagus
- 1 cup, fresh or thawed frozen peas
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp, chopped dill
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz trimmed asparagus and 1 cup fresh peas, stirring to coat. Cook for 5 minutes until asparagus is crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp fresh dill, 1/4 cup vegetable broth, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the vegetables.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Asparagus and Peas with Lemon Zest and Fresh Dill take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Sautéed Asparagus and Peas with Lemon Zest and Fresh Dill?
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 fresh or thawed frozen peas from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Asparagus and Peas with Lemon Zest and Fresh Dill?
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 Sautéed Asparagus and Peas with Lemon Zest and Fresh Dill 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.
What goes well with Sautéed Asparagus and Peas with Lemon Zest and Fresh Dill?
Mediterranean vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect with grilled chicken—easy and elegant. The peas kept their sweetness.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The lemon and dill made such a bright, fresh flavor for dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Slightly bland without extra salt, but the dill really saved it. Took 10 minutes longer than expected.
