Like many of us growing up, kids can be finicky about eating vegetables-especially green ones. But this Quick and Easy Roasted Asparagus is a green that even my two little girls enjoy.
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase an item through one of these links we earn a small commission at no cost to you.
When I’m stuck on what side dish to make for dinner, this is my go-to. It’s healthy, it goes with most meals, and everybody loves it. Made with 5 simple ingredients, you really can’t go wrong!
Chopping the asparagus:
Some people say that to remove the tough woody ends of the asparagus you should hold each spear at the ends and bend. Wherever it breaks is where you should chop. That method always seemed so labor intensive, so here’s what I do. Take the asparagus and hold the bunch in the middle. Then chop off about where you see the white or discolored parts end (see picture below) usually about 1/3 of the bottom part of the asparagus. This is the no frills method 🙂
After chopping your asparagus, spread it out evenly in a single layer on a baking sheet. I line my baking sheet with foil for easy clean up. Coat your asparagus with a little oil of your choosing. I actually use avocado oil cooking spray. The spray gives a nice even coat. I like avocado oil for this recipe because it can be used in high heat cooking like roasting.
Next, give a generous sprinkle of all your spices evenly across the asparagus. I used pink Himalayan salt and fresh ground pepper. You can really taste a difference when using a high quality salt, I encourage you to do so. And the fresh pepper imparts such a great flavor, way better than plain pepper. When the ingredients are few, you want each one of them to shine.
Roast your asparagus in a 400 degree, preheated oven. It usually takes about 20 minutes in my oven, give or take. You’ll know your asparagus is ready when it turns bright green and is fork tender.
Sometimes I will make an extra batch or two to have on hand for quick lunch additions during the week. I’ll chop up the leftover asparagus and put it in salads or omelettes.
“Mom” Tip:
Any time you can involve your children in the making of a meal, I say go for it. They are more likely to try a food that they helped prepare. I let my 7 year old help cut off the ends of the asparagus when we make this side dish. She does really well with it. Depending on the age and maturity level of your child, this might be a good task to get them involved in the kitchen. If not, you can let them sprinkle the salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the asparagus, or even rub the spears with oil.
I hope you think this Quick and Easy Roasted Asparagus is as delicious as we do! If you make it tag @happily.athome on Instagram and show me your spears!!
Quick and Easy Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus (about 1 bunch)
- avocado oil spray or 1-2 T avocado oil
- 1/4 tsp salt, good quality if possible
- 1/8 tsp pepper, fresh ground if possible
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Line a baking sheet with foil if desired for easy clean up.
- Remove tough, woody ends from asparagus. Spread spears in an even layer on baking sheet.
- Spray a light, even layer of avocado oil over your asparagus or drizzle avocado oil over asparagus and rub to coat evenly.
- Next, sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly all over the asparagus.
- Roast in your pre-heated oven for 20 minutes, or until bright green and fork tender.
