Really easy Mediterranean Asparagus With Balsamic Drizzle And Pine Nuts. Trimmed asparagus spears are baked in olive oil until tender but crispy and then finished with a quick homemade Balsamic drizzle. This healthy vegan recipe is kid-friendly and makes a delicious dinner side.
Let's admit it, roasted vegetables are the most delicious vegetables and asparagus is not an exception.
This Mediterranean Asparagus recipe is a really easy and delicious side dish you can make in no time.
Roasted Asparagus is already yummy by itself. Add a homemade Balsamic reduction, top with toasted pine nuts and you've got a beautiful and festive side dish for special occasions.
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💭 Here'e Why This Recipe Works
- quick and easy. This Mediterranean Asparagus with balsamic drizzle is ready in just 20 minutes. It's a foolproof recipe that always comes out delicious.
- healthy. Asparagus is one of the healthiest spring vegetables. It's packed with nutrition. Just half a cup of cooked asparagus packs a 57% of recommended daily intake of Vitamin K, essential nutrient for bone health. It's also a good source of fiber and antioxidants that may protect the cells from the harmful effects of free radicals. In addition, asparagus is low in sodium.
- great for any occasion. Because this Mediterranean asparagus with Balsamic Drizzle is so quick and easy, you can make it for a weeknight dinner or for special occasions.
Ingredients
Here's an overview of the specific ingredients for this recipe. For the exact ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.
Ingredient Notes
- asparagus. I love buying fresh asparagus in Costco. They are usually sold in big bags. That way you'll have enough of this healthy vegetable to prepare multiple dishes. When buying the asparagus, make sure it is a vibrant green color and stalks look firm.
- avocado oil. You don't necessarily have to use avocado oil. Extra virgin olive oil is also a great choice. I love using avocado oil for cooking because it is a good source of monounsaturated fat which is linked to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. In addition, avocado oil is suitable for high heat cooking. (Make sure it says so on the label.) You can find this oil in any grocery store in the Cooking Oils aisle.
- pine nuts. These nuts are highly nutritious. They're a great source of plant-based protein, iron and magnesium. If you use them a lot, I suggest buying them in bulk on Amazon.
🔪 Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with a parchment paper. Rinse the asparagus, wipe it dry and slice 1 inch off the bottom of the bottom tough part of the asparagus and cut the stalks into 1 inch pieces.
- Drizzle the asparagus with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of pepper and roast for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, spread the pine nuts in a single layer in a small baking dish. Place it in the oven and toast the pine nuts for 4 to 5 minutes or until toasted.
- While the Mediterranean asparagus is roasting, prepare the easy Balsamic glaze. Add Balsamic vinegar in a small sauce pan and cook over medium low heat until it reduces by half and slightly thickens, about 8-12 minutes.
- Remove the Mediterranean roasted asparagus from the oven and transfer with tongs to a serving platter. Sprinkle with the toasted pine nuts and drizzle with the Balsamic glaze. Enjoy.
👩🏻🍳 CHEF'S TIP
It's important not to over-bake the asparagus. It only needs a maximum of 15 in the oven to become nice and tender.
If you like asparagus on the crispier side, reduce to baking time to 10 minutes.
📖 Variations
- Sprinkle the Balsamic roasted asparagus with some toasted garlicky breadcrumbs like I did in my Crunchy Tomato Salad;
- Sprinkle with chopped cherry tomatoes, lemon zest, halved Kalamata olives, vegan Feta cheese or vegan Parmesan cheese;
- For a spicy kick, sprinkle the asparagus with some red pepper flakes.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, both white and purple asparagus can be prepared in the same way as the green asparagus. One thing to keep in mind though - white asparagus stalks are thicker, therefore the bottom ⅔ of the stalk needs to be chopped off.
Also, white asparagus might take slightly longer to cook, so if after 15 minutes of baking, it's not tender yet, give it another 5 or so minutes.
The secret to Balsamic roasted asparagus that is tender yet not slimy is not to over-bake it. 15 minutes at 400F is the optimal time, however you if you like the asparagus to be firmer, start checking it with a knife at 10 minutes mark.
Yes. Fill a large skillet with enough water to cover the asparagus. Add the asparagus and boil on a medium-high heat until it's tender, about 2-5 minutes depending on its size.
Drain the water, add asparagus back to the skillet and pan fry for another minute in some olive oil, a bit of dried oregano and a teaspoon or so of lemon juice. Balsamic drizzle is optional.
Asparagus has a delicate flavor and taste. That is why it pairs beautifully with other vegetables. I recommend choosing veggies that has similar texture hence they'll require the same cooking time. Fennel, squash, zucchini and mushrooms are all great choices.
Leftover Asparagus ideas
Balsamic roasted Mediterranean Asparagus can be used in a variety of dishes. If you have leftovers, store them in a fridge and then throw them into cooked pasta or risotto. Make Roasted asparagus soup or Mediterranean asparagus salad paired with some vegan Feta, fresh tomatoes and radishes. Delicious!
🍲 Storing Suggestions
Mediterranean Asparagus with Balsamic Drizzle and Pine Nuts should be stored in the shallow airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored it will keep for 3-4 days.
🍅 Similar Recipes
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For a quick overview of the recipe, please check out my Balsamic Roasted Asparagus web-story.
Recipe
Mediterranean Asparagus With Balsamic Drizzle And Pine Nuts
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb fresh asparagus
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ c pine nuts
- ½ c Balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with a parchment paper. Rinse the asparagus, wipe it dry and slice 1 inch off the bottom of the bottom tough part of the asparagus and cut the stalks into 1 inch pieces.
- Drizzle the asparagus with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil (or olive oil), sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of pepper and roast for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, spread the pine nuts in a single layer in a small baking dish. Place it in the oven and toast the pine nuts for 4 to 5 minutes or until toasted.
- While the asparagus is roasting, prepare the easy Balsamic glaze. Add Balsamic vinegar in a small sauce pan and cook over medium low heat until it reduces by half and slightly thickens, about 8-12 minutes.
- Remove the Mediterranean roasted asparagus from the oven and transfer with tongs to a serving platter. Sprinkle with the toasted pine nuts and drizzle with the Balsamic glaze. Enjoy.
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