Awesome Pesto Asparagus

Bring vibrancy and flavor to your table with Awesome Pesto Asparagus, a quick and easy side dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious! This recipe pairs perfectly roasted asparagus, seasoned to perfection with olive oil, salt, and pepper, with a homemade basil pesto that’s bursting with fresh, herbaceous flavors. The pesto's blend of fragrant basil, buttery pine nuts, sharp Parmesan, zesty lemon juice, and savory garlic creates a luxurious coating for the tender asparagus. Ready in just 20 minutes, this versatile dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or as a crowd-pleasing addition to your spring and summer menus. Boost your meals with this delightful way to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound asparagus
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 0.25 cup pine nuts
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0.5 cup olive oil (for pesto)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Trim the tough ends off the asparagus and place the stalks on a baking sheet.

Step 3

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the asparagus, then sprinkle with 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 4

Spread the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.

Step 5

While the asparagus is roasting, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine 2 cups of fresh basil, 0.25 cup of pine nuts, 0.5 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

Step 6

Pulse the ingredients a few times to combine, then slowly drizzle in 0.5 cup of olive oil while the processor is running. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7

Once the asparagus is done roasting, remove it from the oven and transfer to a serving platter.

Step 8

Drizzle or toss the roasted asparagus with the freshly made pesto until evenly coated.

Step 9

Serve immediately as a bright and delicious side dish. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	75 grams (75.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	268

Total Fat 28.30g	36%
Saturated Fat 4.30g	22%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 2.30g	1%
Dietary Fiber 1.30g	5%
Total Sugars 0.40g
Protein 1.30g	3%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 52mg	4%
Iron 1mg	8%
Potassium 144mg	3%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 94.6%

Protein: 1.9%

Carbs: 3.4%