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This Roasted Asparagus with Pecan Parm puts a spin on a traditional asparagus with parmesan recipe, giving a “nuttier” and more filling version using toasted pecans and nutritional yeast. It’s a 6-ingredient side dish that’s perfect for vegans and dairy-lovers alike!
Asparagus is one of my favourite spring/summer veggies. It’s nutritious, simple to make, and pairs beautifully with so many different ingredients.
I love having asparagus as a side dish, and my absolute favourite way to prepare it is by roasting it!
I’ll often enjoy roasted asparagus as is – just with a little olive oil and salt; however, this time I felt like experimenting with something new by adding a delicious pecan “parmesan” for an extra punch of flavour
This Roasted Asparagus with Pecan Parmesan puts a spin on a traditional asparagus with parmesan recipe, giving a “nuttier” and more filling version using pecans and nutritional yeast – perfect for both vegans and dairy-lovers alike!
Asparagus Nutrition & Health Benefits
This spring veggie is not only versatile and delicious, but it’s packed full of nutrition, too.
A 100 gram serving of asparagus (about 5 large spears) provides 2 grams of dietary fibre (that’s about 8% of your daily fibre needs), which plays an important role in our digestive and heart health.
Asparagus is also a source of essential micronutrients including:
- vitamin K
- vitamin A
- vitamin C
- vitamin E
- vitamin B
- folate
- potassium
- iron
- magnesium
- calcium
These micronutrients help your body function optimally in a multitude of ways. Ultimately, the cumulative effect of these different nutrients and antioxidants is the promotion of optimal health.
There are so many delicious ways to reap the benefits of this asparagus – it tastes great in things like pastas, salads, stir-fries, or frittatas!
Recipe Ingredients Needed
All you need for this roasted asparagus recipe is 6 simple, healthy ingredients:
- asparagus
- olive oil
- raw pecans
- nutritional yeast
- salt
- pepper
How To Roast Asparagus
While asparagus can be prepared in so many different ways, I find that roasting veggies in general just brings their flavour to a whole new level. Roasted asparagus is no different.
If you guys aren’t sure how you feel about asparagus – I hope trying this recipe can show you how delicious the vegetable can be!
Roasting asparagus is an incredibly easy way to cook it – I promise. All you have to do is start by preheating your oven to 400F.
Then, prepare a bunch of asparagus by snapping off the woody parts on the bottom with your hands (“trimming” the asparagus), giving them a wash, and patting dry.
Next, spread the asparagus on a large baking sheet and drizzle some extra virgin olive oil on top (roughly 2 tablespoons worth), sprinkle some salt, and toss it all together with your hands.
Pop the asparagus in the oven and let it roast for about 12-15 minutes, depending on how thick your asparagus spears are.
How to tell when asparagus is done? You’ll want the asparagus to be slightly browned and tender, but not overcooked and mushy. Although I will say that I’ve overcooked them in the oven before and they still tasted pretty good 😉
How To Make Pecan Parm
While roasted asparagus tastes great on it’s own, this side dish truly gets elevated by the pecan parm addition. It’s nutty, toasty, and cheesy all at the same time – soo good.
The inspiration for the pecan parmesan came from my all time favourite Oh She Glows recipe – her shredded kale salad. I’ve made this recipe for YEARS and her pecan parm is just the most genius thing ever.
For some reason I thought the pecan parm would pair so well with roasted asparagus and I’m so happy I gave it a shot! I hope you guys enjoy this one.
What To Serve Asparagus With?
As a non-starchy vegetable, this roasted asparagus goes great with a side of protein and a starch (e.g. a whole grain or some potatoes). Some ideas that I think would pair perfectly:
Proteins:
- Garlic Shrimp With Smoked Paprika & Honey
- Oven-Baked Salmon With Honey, Lemon & Thyme
- Crispy Turmeric Salmon
- Crispy Baked Tofu With Maple Miso Sauce
- Crispy Salmon With Coconut Honey & Lime
- Easy Curry Tofu Scramble
- 25-Minute Baked Salmon With Pistachio Pesto
- The Best Canned Salmon Burger
Starches:
- How To Cook Farro
- Quinoa: 3 Ways
- Roasted Potatoes With Paprika & Chili
- Roasted Potatoes With Za’atar & Lemon
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes With Hemp Seed Pesto
More Roasted Vegetable Recipes
- Roasted Broccoli Salad With Cranberry, Farro & Feta
- Oven-Roasted Radishes
- Maple-Roasted Carrots With Harissa Yogurt
- Curry-Roasted Cauliflower With Minty Yogurt Sauce
- Balsamic Roasted Broccoli
- Honey-Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Blue Cheese & Hazelnuts
- Balsamic-Roasted Beets With Goat Cheese & Walnuts
Did you give this Roasted Asparagus with Pecan Parmesan Recipe a try? Let me know by leaving a comment and recipe rating below!
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Roasted Asparagus With Pecan Parmesan (Vegan)
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt (a couple shakes of the salt shaker)
Pecan "Parmesan" (adapted from Oh She Glows)
- 1 cup raw pecan halves
- 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 pinches salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- Snap woody ends of asparagus spears. Wash and pat dry. Spread on a large baking sheet and toss with olive oil and salt, until evenly coated.
- On a large cutting board, chop pecans and add to a bowl along with nutritional yeast, olive oil, and salt. Mix together well and then sprinkle on top of asparagus.
- Place asparagus in the oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness of spears. Asparagus should be tender, but not overly mushy.
- Remove from oven and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
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