Skip to main content

Roasted Asparagus

This simple roasted asparagus dish celebrates the delicate flavour of seasonal greens. By roasting the spears at a high temperature, the tips become crisp and the stalks develop a subtle, sweet nuttiness that boiling simply cannot achieve. It is a sophisticated way to serve this favourite spring vegetable, requiring very little preparation for a high-impact result.

As a versatile vegetarian side, these spears are wonderful served alongside a Sunday roast, tossed into a warm grain salad, or served simply as a light starter. The addition of tangy aged balsamic vinegar and salty Parmesan shavings provides a perfect balance to the earthy asparagus. For the best texture, ensure you use large spears and peel the lower stalks if they feel particularly woody.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Roasted Asparagus

  • 24 large asparagus spears (about 900g ), trimmed and peeled

  • Extra-virgin olive oil

  • Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • Aged balsamic vinegar

  • Parmesan, for shaving

Preheat oven to 204°C. Arrange asparagus spears in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle oil over asparagus and turn to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Roast, turning occasionally, until lightly browned and just tender, 18-20 minutes.

Transfer asparagus to a platter. To serve, drizzle vinegar over hot asparagus and use a vegetable peeler to shave Parmesan over the spears.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.