This Balsamic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes dish is fresh and tasty! The asparagus is tender, and the tomatoes burst with flavor, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze and topped with cheesy goodness.
I love how vibrant this dish looks on my table! It’s quick to make, and those oven-roasted veggies get everyone asking for seconds. Perfect as a side or just a snack—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is the star of this dish. Look for bright green, firm stalks. If asparagus isn’t in season, you can swap it with green beans or broccoli for a similar texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: These are sweet and add color. If you’re out of cherry tomatoes, try grape tomatoes or even diced larger tomatoes. They’ll change the texture a bit but still taste great.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness. You can use avocado oil or melted butter if you want a different flavor or if you’re looking for a higher smoke point.
Balsamic Vinegar: This provides a tangy kick. If you don’t have it, red wine vinegar mixed with a bit of sugar can mimic the sweetness and acidity.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is perfect here, but you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option if you want to keep it vegan.
How Do You Get the Perfect Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes?
Roasting brings out the best flavors in vegetables. To ensure your asparagus and tomatoes roast perfectly, here are a few tips:
- Preheat your oven to the right temperature, 400°F (200°C), so they roast evenly.
- Spread veggies on a baking sheet in a single layer to avoid steaming. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Don’t skip the broiling step! Just a few minutes under the broiler helps the cheese melt beautifully and gives a nice golden color.
Remember to keep an eye on them while broiling, as things can brown quickly!
How to Make Balsamic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetables:
- 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook. So, you’ll have this tasty side dish ready in about 30 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help the asparagus roast quickly and get nice and tender.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, take the trimmed asparagus and halved cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the veggies. You can use a spoon to help distribute everything evenly.
3. Season and Coat:
Sprinkle some salt and pepper over the vegetables. Toss everything together gently until the asparagus and tomatoes are well coated in the dressing. This makes sure every bite is packed with flavor!
4. Spread on a Baking Sheet:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Spread the asparagus and tomato mixture in a single layer on the sheet. This will help them roast evenly.
5. Roast in the Oven:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast the vegetables for about 15 minutes. You want the asparagus to be tender and the tomatoes to be slightly blistered.
6. Add the Parmesan:
Once the veggies are roasted, take them out of the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. This cheesy goodness will make everything even better!
7. Broil for a Golden Finish:
Now, return the baking sheet to the oven and set it to broil. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Keep an eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, remove the baking sheet from the oven. If you like, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this tasty dish!
Can I Use Frozen Asparagus or Tomatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen asparagus or tomatoes! Just make sure to thaw them completely before roasting, and pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve that nice roasty texture.
Can I Substitute the Parmesan Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute. Alternatively, pecorino Romano or feta cheese can also work great for a different flavor profile.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can use the microwave or a skillet; just be careful not to overcook the asparagus, as it can become mushy.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or red onions for more variety. Just be mindful of their cooking times; softer veggies like zucchini may need less time in the oven.
