This is especially wonderful when locally grown asparagus is in season, and it’s so easy for celebrations because you can serve it hot or cold.

Roasted Asparagus

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
  • 1-1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 tablespoons pine nuts
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400F. Place the asparagus, tomatoes and pine nuts on a foil-lined 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Mix 2 tablespoons oil, garlic, salt and pepper; add to asparagus and toss to coat.
  2. Bake 15-20 minutes or just until asparagus is tender. Drizzle with remaining oil and the lemon juice; sprinkle with cheese and lemon zest. Toss to combine.

Common olive oil works better for cooking at high heat than virgin or extra-virgin oil that have ideal flavor for cold foods, but they smoke at lower temperatures.