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This oven-roasted garlic parmesan asparagus is a flavorful, easy-to-make side dish that’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free. A perfect addition to any meal!
Are you not sure what recipe to prepare with asparagus?
You’ll love this oven-roasted garlic parmesan asparagus recipe! It wonderfully blends zesty, smoky, and cheesy flavors—all without any dairy.
Roasting the asparagus really brings out its natural sweetness, and if you’re looking for some added crunch, toss in some walnuts!
This dish makes a fantastic side for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday gathering.
Trust me, it’s sure to impress your family and friends!
WHAT ALLERGENS/INGREDIENTS IS THIS RECIPE FREE FROM?
This Recipe is:
- Dairy-Free
- Egg-Free
- Gluten-Free
- Soy-Free
- Oil-Free
- Nut-Free (if omitting walnuts and use my nut-free vegan parmesan recipe)
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS AND WHY IS GOOD FOR YOU
This recipe is:
Rich in Nutrients – Asparagus is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, and antioxidants.
Flavorful Without Oil – The lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and smoked paprika create a bold taste without needing oil.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal effort!
Customizable – Add tahini for richness and walnuts for crunch, or keep it simple for a lighter version.
HOW TO PREPARE THIS OVEN-ROASTED GARLIC PARMESAN ASPARAGUS
(Please read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes).
This recipe is incredibly simple! Toss fresh asparagus with a tangy, smoky, garlicky marinade, sprinkle with vegan parmesan, and roast to perfection. The result? A tender-crisp, flavor-packed side dish that’s easy and healthy!
Let’s explore kitchen tools, the required ingredients, and the steps with helpful pictures if needed.
USEFUL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:
- Mixing bowl – To combine the ingredients for the seasoning mix.
- Whisk – To combine the seasoning mixture.
- Baking Sheet – For roasting the asparagus.
- Parchment Paper – To prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
- Pastry Brush (Optional) – For brushing the seasoning mix evenly.
Now, let’s review the list of ingredients and potential substitutions in some cases.
INGREDIENTS NOTES
Here is a list of everything you will need to prepare this recipe:
- Asparagus – Fresh and crisp, trimmed for even roasting.
- Lemon Juice – Adds brightness and enhances flavor. Swap with apple cider vinegar for a tangy alternative.
- Balsamic Vinegar – Brings a deep, slightly sweet tang. Use red wine vinegar or white balsamic vinegar for a milder taste.
- Tahini (Optional) – Adds a creamy, rich depth. Can be omitted for a lighter version.
- Nutritional Yeast – Provides a cheesy, umami taste. Can be substituted with additional vegan parmesan.
- Garlic Powder – For a rich, savory depth. Fresh minced garlic can be used instead.
- Onion Powder – Enhances the overall flavor. Swap with finely grated fresh onion or shallots.
- Smoked Paprika – Adds a subtle smoky touch. Use regular paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
- Salt & Black Pepper – To season to perfection.
- Water (If Needed) – Helps thin the seasoning mixture.
- Vegan Parmesan – A cheesy, savory topping. Substitute with more nutritional yeast or finely ground cashews mixed with garlic powder. For nut-free recipe visit this post.
- Walnuts (Optional) – Adds crunch and a nutty flavor. Omit for a nut-free version.
DIRECTIONS WITH PICTURES
To prepare this sauce, follow these steps:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Trim the asparagus and place it in a mixing bowl.
Whisk together lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, tahini, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Toss the asparagus in the mixture until well coated. You can also spread the mixture with a pastry brush.
Arrange asparagus on the baking sheet and sprinkle with 1 tbsp Vegan Parmesan.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until tender yet crisp. Sprinkle with more Vegan Parmesan before serving. Garnish with walnuts and fresh lemon juice if desired. Enjoy!
RECIPE TIPS & VARIATIONS
- Want extra crispiness? Roast for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- No vegan parmesan? Swap it for more nutritional yeast for a cheesy boost.
- Make it spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Serving suggestion – Pair with roasted potatoes or grain bowls or as a topping for pasta dishes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can roast the asparagus and reheat it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Roasted asparagus doesn’t freeze well, but you can prep the seasoning mix ahead of time for quick use!
MORE VEGGIE RECIPES TO TRY!
PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD
EASY OVEN-ROASTED GARLIC PARMESAN ASPARAGUS (VEGAN RECIPE)
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Parchment Paper
- 1 Pastry Brush (Optional)
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of asparagus ends trimmed
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp tahini (optional for a richer taste)
- 1 tsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp water (if needed for thinning)
- 2-3 tbsp Vegan Parmesan (see recipe on the notes)
- 2 tbsp walnuts (finely chopped, optional, for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the asparagus – Rinse and trim the woody ends.
- Make the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, Whisk together lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, tahini (if using), nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add a little water if needed to thin the mixture.
- Coat the asparagus: Place the asparagus on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle or brush the seasoning mix over it. Toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle with Vegan Parmesan – Add 1 tbsp of Vegan Parmesan over the asparagus before baking.
- Roast for 12-15 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.
- Finish with more Vegan Parmesan – Once out of the oven, sprinkle another tablespoon or two of Vegan Parmesan over the top while it's still warm.
- Garnish and serve—Optionally, sprinkle with chopped walnuts and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Choosing Asparagus: Look for firm, bright green spears with tight tips. Thinner asparagus will cook faster, while thicker ones may need an extra minute or two in the oven.
- Trimming Asparagus: Snap one asparagus spear near the bottom to find the natural breaking point, then trim the rest at a similar length.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore crispness.
- Tahini Variation: The tahini adds richness, but you can omit it for a lighter version or replace it with a teaspoon of olive brine for extra depth.
- Vegan Parmesan recipe: check my recipe here and the nut-free version here.
- Baking Tip: Arrange asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting.
- Texture Preference: If you like a more charred flavor, broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
DID YOU MAKE THIS OVEN-ROASTED GARLIC PARMESAN ASPARAGUS?
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