Roasted Carrots and Asparagus with Lemon and Garlic

The shift from winter into spring is one of my favorite times of the year. As the snow melts away and the flowers begin to bloom, I can't help but think about all of the seasonal dishes I'll soon be able to make.

Spring vegetables like asparagus are special because their growing season is so short. I love taking advantage of the fresh, in-season asparagus that's available throughout the spring season by making this roasted carrots and asparagus side dish.

Bursting with bright, fresh flavors, this easy sheet pan vegetable side dish pairs well with a variety of main dishes and is the perfect addition to any springtime meal. Try it for Easter!

>> Looking for more asparagus recipes? Give this Broccoli Asparagus Soup or this Cast Iron Asparagus a try!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 30 Minutes- Both asparagus and carrots roast quickly so you can have this delicious vegetable side dish ready in no time.
• Easy to Make- Made with only 8 ingredients, this dish couldn't be easier. Just prepare the vegetables, roast, and season. It also requires minimal cleanup. So simple!
• Fresh Flavors- Fresh spring vegetables are seasoned with lemon and thyme for an explosion of flavor. Plus, roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness.
• Healthy- Full of fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Pair with your favorite protein and whole grains for a well-balanced meal.
• Perfect for Spring- Celebrate the spring season with in-season spring vegetables. This easy side dish is perfect for Easter, Passover, or St. Patrick's Day.

Ingredient Notes

Here are some notes on the key ingredients. For the full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.

• Asparagus- Fresh asparagus is best when it's in season. Look for spears that are not too thick or too thin.
• Carrots- In order for the carrots and asparagus to cook in a similar timeframe, we'll cut the carrots into strips that are about the same length and thickness as the asparagus.
• Lemon- This recipe uses both lemon zest and lemon juice for a pop of freshness and acidity.
• Fresh Thyme- Earthy with a slightly lemony flavor, fresh thyme pairs perfectly with lemon and garlic.
• Garlic Powder- I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic on roasted vegetables because fresh garlic tends to burn in the oven.
• Olive Oil- Light olive oil has a smoke point of over 400°F, which makes it perfect for roasting vegetables.

🌱 Sustainability Tip: Reduce food waste by saving the carrot peels, carrot tops, asparagus ends, lemon pieces, and herbs to make homemade vegetable broth or chicken stock.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few ways you can try customizing this pan-roasted carrots and asparagus recipe to fit your diet and taste preferences.

Substitutions

• Asparagus- Swap asparagus for broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans.
• Carrots- Try using parsnips, turnips, butternut squash, or sweet potato in place of carrots. If preferred, you can swap whole carrots for baby carrots.
• Lemon- Replace lemon with orange juice and zest or balsamic vinegar.
• Fresh Thyme- Use one teaspoon of dried thyme leaves in place of one tablespoon of fresh thyme.
• Garlic Powder- Swap 2 cloves of garlic for the garlic powder, if preferred.
• Olive Oil- Any neutral-flavored, high-heat oil can be used in this recipe. I don't recommend using extra virgin olive oil as it has too low of a smoke point.

Variations

• Honey or Maple-Glazed- Drizzle roasted vegetables with a small amount of honey or maple syrup after roasting. Try using hot honey for a spicy twist!
• Balsamic-Glazed- Toss the roasted vegetables with a balsamic vinegar glaze for a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Parmesan- Sprinkle a little grated parmesan cheese over the vegetables after roasting for a cheesy take on this simple side dish.
• Goat Cheese- Crumble fresh goat cheese over the cooked vegetables for a creamy texture and tart flavor.
• pesto- Toss roast carrots and asparagus with fresh basil pesto for a bright, herbaceous flavor.
• Smoky- Season the vegetables with ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika before roasting to give them a smoky flavor.
• Spicy- Add a few shakes of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to give this side dish a spicy kick.

How to Make Roasted Carrots and Asparagus

Here is how to make oven-roasted asparagus and carrots.

Step 1: Prepare the vegetables. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Trim the woody ends from the asparagus. Peel and cut the carrots into strips that are similar in length and thickness to the asparagus spears.

Step 2: Season the vegetables. Place the prepared vegetables on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and spread them out into a single layer on the baking sheet.

Step 3: Roast the vegetables. Roast the vegetables for 15-20 minutes or until browned and tender.

Step 4: Toss with lemon and thyme. While the vegetables are cooking, mix the lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh thyme leaves together in a small mixing bowl. Pour over the roasted vegetables, tossing to coat. Serve immediately.

Tips for Success

• Cut the vegetables uniformly. Trimming the asparagus spears and carrot strips to be similar in thickness and length helps them cook through evenly.
• Spread vegetables out in a single layer. Spreading the vegetables out evenly on the sheet pan ensures each piece is caramelized to perfection.
• Use parchment paper for easier cleanup. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.
• Watch carefully. Asparagus cooks quickly, especially if the spears are on the thinner side. While I recommend roasting for 15-20 minutes, keep an eye on the asparagus to make sure it doesn't overcook.
• Switch up the flavors. Don't be afraid to get creative with your seasonings to keep this dish tasting fresh and exciting every time you make it.

What to Serve With Roasted Carrots and Asparagus

Oven-roasted carrots and asparagus are a versatile vegetable side dish that pairs well with just about any meal. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Lemon-Garlic Roasted Chicken
• Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie
• Ground Turkey Shepherd's Pie
• Turkey Breast with Gravy
• Braised Beef with Mushroom Gravy
• Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
• Vegetarian Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

How to Use Leftover Roasted Carrots and Asparagus

If you've grown tired of eating these leftover roasted vegetables as is, consider repurposing them! Oven-roasted asparagus and carrots can be used in a variety of other dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Soups- Add diced asparagus and carrots to your favorite soup for a little extra flavor.
• Salad- Use these roasted vegetables as a healthy salad topping.
• Sandwiches & Wraps- Lettuce is boring. Try adding roasted carrots and asparagus to your next sandwich.
• Pasta- Leftover asparagus and carrots are delicious stirred into your favorite pasta dish.
• Frittata & Quiche- Use these tasty roasted vegetables to make a spring-inspired frittata or quiche.

Storage and Reheating

How to Store

• Refrigerator- Store leftover roasted carrots and asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
• Freezer- For longer storage, freeze leftover roasted carrots and asparagus in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

💡 Did You Know? You can store raw fresh asparagus standing upright in a small amount of water in the refrigerator to keep it fresher for longer. Storing asparagus this way will help it last up to 7 days.

How to Reheat

• Oven- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Toss the leftover vegetables with a little bit of olive oil if they seem dry and spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Roast the vegetables for 5-10 minutes or until fully warmed through.
• Stovetop- Add a small amount of oil or butter to a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the roasted vegetables and sauté for 4-5 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave- Spread leftover vegetables out evenly on a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat on HIGH in 30-second intervals until hot.
• Air Fryer- Preheat the air fryer to 375ºF. Arrange the leftover roasted vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Make Ahead

Although this dish can be prepared quickly and easily, you can get a head start by preparing the vegetables up to 3 days in advance and storing them in the refrigerator. Then, when you're ready to cook, simply combine everything and roast for 20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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