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Easy Zesty Roasted Spring Vegetables with Lemon Herb Butter

zesty roasted spring vegetables - featured image

A quick and flavorful roasted spring vegetable dish tossed in a bright lemon herb butter, perfect for a light lunch or side. This easy recipe highlights fresh asparagus, baby carrots, and new potatoes with a zesty, buttery finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound asparagus spears, trimmed
  • 1 cup baby carrots, peeled
  • 1 pound new potatoes, halved or quartered
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Rinse the asparagus and snap off the woody ends (about 1-2 inches). Peel the baby carrots if needed, and halve or quarter the new potatoes into roughly 1-inch chunks.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the asparagus, carrots, and potatoes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until lightly coated.
  4. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, leaving space between pieces.
  5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring gently halfway through (around 12 minutes), until potatoes are golden and tender.
  6. While the vegetables roast, prepare the lemon herb butter by mixing softened butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, thyme leaves, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl until smooth.
  7. Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and immediately dollop the lemon herb butter over them. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  8. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

For faster cooking, parboil potatoes for 5 minutes before roasting and dry thoroughly. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure crispy edges. Use fresh herbs for best flavor. To make dairy-free, substitute butter with almond or coconut oil, though texture will differ. Reheat gently in oven or skillet to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted vegetables, spring vegetables, lemon herb butter, easy side dish, healthy vegetables, asparagus recipe, baby carrots, new potatoes, quick dinner, vegetarian