Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Walnut Dressing

Oven Roasted Asparagus is drizzled with a tasty lemon walnut dressing for simple, delicious and heart-healthy side dish. With spring getting closer, this Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Walnut Dressing is the perfect addition to your dinner table.

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Oven Roasted Asparagus Recipe

As I’ve gotten older, I have realized how important it is that I be more mindful about my health, particularly my heart health. The truth is, my blood pressure has gone up a little over the last few years and that’s something I’m not super happy about.

I’m not in any danger health-wise, but its still not great to be reminded: “Hey, you’re getting older! Oh, and by the way, you aren’t as healthy as you used to be!”

I’m pretty good at maintaining my base weight, plus or minus a couple of pounds depending on what time of year it is, but I’m not always consistent with my exercise. I love being active, but like everyone, I get busy. With work and kids or just day to day life stuff.

Nuts, like Fisher’s entirely preservative-free varieties, are something I’m always trying to incorporate more of into my diet. I love the flavor and nutritional value that nuts add to a recipe. Fisher has nine products certified by the American Heart Association (AHA) as heart healthy.

It is important to me to be fueling my body with healthy ingredients, even if I’m not spending a significant time that day being particularly active. Nuts are a great heart healthy snack and they’re pretty easy for this busy mom;  they don’t take a lot of preparation or trips to the grocery store for extra ingredients. Gotta love Snacks that Take 5 Minutes or Less!

So, aside from snacking, I have experimented with other ways to include nuts in my diet. One of which, is making this super quick and tasty lemon walnut dressing.

I love roasted asparagus. It is one of my favorite vegetables to serve during the spring. It is super easy to prepare and tastes yummy! Roasted asparagus went from yummy to WOW when I topped it with this lemon walnut dressing.

You could use this lemon dressing recipe for a lot of other grilled or roasted vegetables — broccoli, zucchini, onion slices, and more — but I also think it makes a great, healthier alternative to a dip for a veggie platter. Whole grape tomatoes, raw carrot sticks, celery, and more can be dipped in this lemon walnut dressing for a boost of flavor and nutrition.

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Oven Roasted Asparagus Ingredients

To make this oven roasted asparagus with lemon walnut dressing, you’ll need:

• Asparagus
• Olive oil
• Water
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon juice
• Fisher walnut halves
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Minced shallot
• Grated Parmesan cheese

How to Roast Asparagus in the Oven

Roasting asparagus couldn’t be simpler, nor could the lemon sauce that gets drizzled over it! Here’s how to roast asparagus perfectly every time:

1. Wash and dry the asparagus. Snap off the woody ends.
2. Place prepared asparagus on baking sheet and toss with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast the asparagus at 425 degrees F until fork tender, but with a bite.
4. Meanwhile, pulse the lemon dressing ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
5. Once the oven roasted asparagus is finished cooking, drizzle with lemon walnut dressing and sprinkle with Parmesan.

How Long to Roast Asparagus

Depending on the size and thickness of your asparagus, it’ll need to roast at 425 degrees F for roughly 8 to 15 minutes. You don’t want to over cook the asparagus, otherwise it’ll be incredibly mushy and have no bite to it.

Can I Prep Roasted Asparagus in Advance?

You can snap the ends off the asparagus and blend up the lemon walnut dressing ahead of time. However, you should wait to roast the asparagus until just before you’re ready to eat it.

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Tips for Making Oven Roasted Asparagus

I know it’s time consuming, but you need to take the time to individually snap off each asparagus end. The end of the asparagus is incredibly woody and practically inedible.

For the best flavor, you should use freshly squeezed lemon juice in the walnut dressing. The bottled stuff doesn’t hold a candle to freshly squeezed juice.

If you wind up with leftovers, I recommend reheating the oven roasted asparagus in a skillet over medium heat. Don’t use the microwave, that’ll turn your asparagus to mush.

More Easy Vegetable Side Dishes:

These savory Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Garlic and Sage make for a great side dish any time of year. I particularly like making this recipe as an alternative to sweet potato casserole at Thanksgiving!

Even salad haters will love this Massaged Kale Salad with Roasted Squash, Goat Cheese, and Pepitas. It’s super filling, and packed with fall flavors!

Trying to eat a little healthier but still want comfort food? These Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes are a little more nutritious for you but don’t skimp on flavor.

It doesn’t get much easier than this Roasted Cauliflower. I kept this recipe super basic, but you’re welcome to add your favorite seasonings to it.

I love making this Apple Cider Roasted Squash on cooler days. It has a really rich flavor, but requires only a handful of ingredients to make.

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What are your favorite ways to include nuts in your diet?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Fisher. The opinions and text are all mine.

I choose to work with Fisher Nuts because it is one of the only brands of recipe nuts entirely without preservatives. I have been compensated for my time, but all opinions are my own.

Tag @goodlifeeats and include the hashtag #goodlifeeatsrecipes so I can see what you’re cooking up in YOUR kitchen!

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