Mediterranean Diet Simple Baked Asparagus

Elevate your weeknight meals with this Mediterranean Diet Simple Baked Asparagus recipe—an easy, healthy side dish brimming with fresh flavors! Tender asparagus spears are coated in heart-healthy extra-virgin olive oil, aromatic minced garlic, and a vibrant splash of lemon juice and zest, then roasted to perfection in just 12 minutes. Finished with a sprinkle of parsley and optional grated Parmesan, this dish embodies Mediterranean simplicity while offering a nutrient-packed addition to your table. Perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner spreads, this gluten-free, low-carb recipe is a quick and flavorful way to savor the best of seasonal produce.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:12 mins

Total Time:22 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Fresh asparagus spears
• 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Lemon
• 0.5 teaspoon Sea salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Rinse the asparagus under cold water and trim the tough ends. You can do this easily by holding each end of the asparagus and bending it slightly; it will naturally break at the right point.

Step 3

Place the prepared asparagus spears on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Step 4

Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus, and then sprinkle the minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper evenly over the top.

Step 5

Zest the lemon and add the zest over the asparagus. Then, cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice of one half over the asparagus. Reserve the other half for additional seasoning if needed after baking.

Step 6

Gently toss the asparagus with your hands to coat each spear evenly with the oil and seasonings.

Step 7

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp. Thicker spears may take a little longer to cook.

Step 8

Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the asparagus to a serving platter.

Step 9

Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese while the asparagus is still hot, allowing it to melt slightly.

Step 10

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm. Use the reserved lemon half to add extra lemon juice for additional brightness if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(565.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	401.7

Total Fat 30.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 8mg	0%
Sodium 1331.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 26.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.7g	0%
Total Sugars 8.0g
Protein 15.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 263.8mg	0%
Iron 8.1mg	0%
Potassium 1108.5mg	0%

*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: 62.6%

Protein: 13.6%

Carbs: 23.8%