Sautéed Spring Pea and Asparagus with Lemon Zest
Bright, tender vegetables cooked quickly to preserve their fresh flavor, finished with a zesty lemon finish for a light springside. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs Asparagus, Fresh peas, Lemon 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
- 200g Asparagus
- 150g Fresh peas
- 1/2 Lemon
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Almonds
Instructions
- Step 1: Trim asparagus ends and cut into 1-inch pieces; bring a large pot of salted water (with 1/2 tsp salt) to a boil, add 200g asparagus and 150g peas, and cook for 2 minutes until vibrant and crisp-tender, then drain immediately.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add drained vegetables and cook for 3 minutes, stirring gently, until heated through.
- Step 3: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, zest of 1/2 lemon, and juice of 1/2 lemon, then transfer to a plate and sprinkle with 2 tbsp sliced almonds.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Spring Pea and Asparagus with Lemon Zest 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 Spring Pea and Asparagus with Lemon Zest?
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 Sautéed Spring Pea and Asparagus with Lemon Zest?
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 Spring Pea and Asparagus with Lemon Zest 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 Spring Pea and Asparagus with Lemon Zest?
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
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 10-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.