This is a simple lemon roasted asparagus recipe that’s the perfect spring side dish to almost any meal.
I feel like I’m surrounded by complexity lately.
Life stuff, work stuff, everything just seems way more complicated than it needs to be most of the time.
Like going to the bank.
I seriously don’t think I’ve stepped foot inside my bank in at least 6 months up until yesterday.
But when a transaction more complicated than the ATM could handle was necessary, I found myself face to face with a real live teller instead of the drive up machine.
All I wanted to do was complete the transaction, walk out and be on my merry way to finish the rest of my lunch time errands around town.
Except I got the pitch.
You know, the one where they ask you ever so casually if you’ve heard about their “xyz” program because your assets (which I’m convinced could be anything from $1-$100,000,000) qualify you.
You try to politely say you’re not interested with a smile on your face but they persist.
Next up is the guilt trip angle.
You know you could be making x% interest by switching.
At this point you’re tempted to start explaining why you’re not interested but realize there’s no way to do that without divulging way more financial information than you want some random stranger behind a bank counter to know so you just again decline, a little more sternly this time.
While holding your transaction receipt hostage, you’re now informed that the account manager is actually free right now and would be happy to speak with you about your options.
Of course he is.
You hold your ground, ask for your receipt now showing your annoyance and say once again how you’re really not interested at this time.
She caves, finally hands over the receipt and you breathe a sigh of relief until you’re about 175 degrees turned around ready to walk out and you see the “account manager” walking towards you from his desk.
He opens his mouth to speak and now you’re pissed.
So before the words can even come out, you say “I am NOT interested at this time, thank you” and continue walking.
Your face is red, frustration is coursing through your veins, you get in your car and wonder, how the heck a simple bank transaction just turned into the most complicated situation of your day so far.
I miss simplicity.
And since one of the few things I can actually control in my life is the food I put in my mouth, I’m starting there with this easy lemon roasted asparagus recipe.
Simple spring ingredients.
Simply roasted.
Simply uncomplicated.
One of the best ways to enjoy asparagus. Well, maybe second to air fryer bacon wrapped asparagus. It’s just hard to beat bacon, you know?
Equally as easy is my Instant Pot asparagus recipe. Literally takes just minutes!
Need more ideas? Check out how to cook asparagus like a pro for all the details on cooking this delicious spring vegetable every which way you can imagine.
Lemon Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 bunch thin asparagus, ends trimmed
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- salt & pepper to taste
- dash of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Arrange lemon slices on a baking sheet.
- Lay asparagus on top of lemons and drizzle with olive oil.
- Season with salt & pepper and red pepper flakes.
- Roast for about 7 minutes then turn to hi-broil and broil for another 3-5 until asparagus tips are crunchy and lemons have started to brown.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
Oh yess!!!! love asparagus!
I second what Rachel said. They make you call the CC company to activate a card or whatever, and they pitch at you for ten minutes.
I’m making this tonight…with a portobello & quinoa dish. Yum!
Incredibly gorgeous photos, Gina! Love that you kept it simple too – asparagus’s flavor shines with just a lil’ lemon and spice. Thanks for sharing!
UUUUUUUUUGH yes I totally know the bank scenario! The worst for me, though, is car shopping. Let’s just say the last time I did that was when I was about 8.5 months pregnant and not in the mood to deal with it all. Scarred for life!
This looks yummy and so easy! Im trying this tonight – thanks!
Asparagus and lemon is my absolute fave combination! Add a little shredded parmesan to the mix and I could eat asparagus for breakfast, lunch, dinner AND dessert. Your photographs are stunning!
Oh man, good for you keeping your cool. I’m not sure I could have hung on that long and still been polite. Simplicity is the key to life!! I love this recipe, one of my absolute favorite ways to enjoy asparagus. Your photos are soo beautiful, especially that very first one!!
It reminds me of the times you have to call your CC company for something and it’s pitch after pitch after pitch. Or the guys that basically hound you from the mall kiosks. Rude and obnoxious.
This is one of my favorite ways to have asparagus. Love simplicity
I know! Exactly the reason I prefer to do most of my transactions online where I don’t have to speak to anyone! Somedays I think I would be content as a hermit
Love the roasted asparagus! It is my favorite way to prepare asparagus. Great photos!