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recipesvibrant

Asparagus With Lemon and Tarragon

4.0 · 2 reviewsRecipe card by dicentraEditorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 13, 2026
EuropeanLow ProteinVeganLow CholesterolHealthyBrunch
Asparagus With Lemon and Tarragon

Total time

20 min

Servings

4

Calories

48.6

Category

Vegetable

Elevate your vegetable side dishes with this vibrant Asparagus with Lemon and Tarragon. This elegant, vegan recipe brings out the crisp, natural sweetness of fresh asparagus with a bright citrus zest and the sophisticated, anise-like undertones of fresh tarragon. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a refined brunch, or a holiday side, this dish takes less than 20 minutes from prep to plate.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

  • 1 1/4 fresh asparagus
  • 1 1/2 olive oil
  • 1 lemon zest
  • 1 fresh tarragon
  • 1 lemon juice
  • 1 sugar

Method

  1. In a large skillet, cook asparagus with tips all facing one way in 1 inch of boiling water until just crisp-tender, about 3-5 minutes; drain.

  2. Place asparagus on a serving plate, but keep warm.

  3. In a small skillet, heat olive oil. Stir in lemon zest, tarragon, lemon juice and sugar.

  4. Spoon over asparagus. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Cook's notes

  • Choose asparagus spears that are firm and bright green with tight, closed tips.
  • Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus by bending them until they break naturally at the right spot.
  • To keep the color vibrant, blanch the asparagus briefly before sautéing, or ensure you don't overcook them—they should remain 'al dente'.
  • For a deeper flavor, allow the lemon juice to reduce slightly in the pan before tossing the asparagus.

Easy swaps

  • If you cannot find fresh tarragon, fresh basil or chervil make excellent alternatives.
  • Add toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for an added crunch and healthy fats.
  • Use avocado oil or olive oil depending on your preferred smoke point.
  • For a touch of heat, sprinkle with a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Frequently asked

How do I prevent asparagus from getting mushy?

The secret is high heat and a short cooking time. Sautéing for only 5–7 minutes ensures the asparagus stays crisp-tender.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-protein diet?

Yes, asparagus is naturally very low in protein, making this a perfect vegetable side dish for those monitoring protein intake.

Can I make this ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prep the asparagus by trimming the ends ahead of time. However, it is best to sauté just before serving to preserve the best texture and color.

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