Asparagus with lemon, garlic and dill is a versatile vegetable side dish that pairs well with a wide variety of main courses. Whether you’re grilling up some juicy steak, roasting a tender chicken, or serving a flavorful fish dish, this asparagus recipe is the perfect accompaniment. Its bright, fresh flavors add a vibrant touch to any meal. This asparagus is made with 5 simple ingredients, making it a perfect Five Ingredient Friday recipe.

Asparagus, with its tender spears and delicate flavor, is a quintessential spring vegetable that deserves to be celebrated in all its glory. While grilling is a popular way to prepare asparagus (and you can totally grill this recipe too), baking it in the oven with lemon, garlic and dill offers a simpler, fuss-free alternative that yields equally delicious results (to me it seems way easier to just roast the asparagus on a sheet pan). Let’s dive into this recipe that showcases the natural flavors of asparagus while adding a zesty twist with lemon and garlic (it’s sooooo good!!)

Ingredients You’ll Need:

1 bunch of fresh asparagus, ends trimmed
2 cloves of garlic, minced
Fresh dill, chopped (about 3-4 tablespoons), or use a teaspoon of dried dill
Zest of 1/2 lemon
Juice of 1/2 lemon
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste (I use a generous pinch or two of kosher salt)

Directions:

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent the asparagus from sticking.
Prepare the Asparagus: Rinse the asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Cut off the tough ends of the asparagus spears
Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
Coat the Asparagus: Place the trimmed asparagus spears on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle/spoon the marinade over the asparagus, making sure to coat each spear evenly. Use your hands or a brush to ensure that the asparagus is well coated with the marinade.
Bake the Asparagus: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the asparagus for 14-20 minutes, or until the spears are tender and slightly caramelized, with crispy tips.
Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the asparagus from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors of spring!

With its simplicity and vibrant flavors, baked asparagus with lemon, garlic, and dill is the perfect way to celebrate asparagus season. Whether you’re hosting a gathering with friends and family or simply enjoying a quiet meal at home, this dish is sure to brighten up your table. So embrace the season, embrace the flavors of spring, and savor every delicious bite of this delightful dish!