Sheet Pan Asparagus
Looking for an easy, healthy side dish that’s packed with flavor? This roasted sheet pan asparagus with tomatoes, garlic, and tahini is the answer! With minimal prep and a burst of savory goodness, it’s the perfect addition to any meal. Roasting the veggies brings out their natural sweetness, while the tahini adds a creamy, nutty finish that ties everything together.
The combination of fresh asparagus, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant garlic creates a mouthwatering blend of flavors, and the tahini sauce adds a rich, smooth touch. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving takes this dish to the next level, giving it a bright, zesty kick. Whether you’re serving it as a simple weeknight side or adding it to your next special dinner, this sheet pan recipe is sure to impress with its delicious taste and effortless prep!
Prepare to savor every earthy and slightly salty bite of this tall and tender vegetable. Its distinct Italian flavor and creamy tahini topping make it the perfect side to any pasta dish or savory casserole, such as our pesto pasta, vegan lasagna, or sheet pan tofu with veggies. In other words, a wonderfully elegant accompaniment to any meal!
Why You Must Make This Roasted Asparagus Recipe
This roasted sheet pan asparagus recipe is awesome because it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The combination of tender asparagus, sweet tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and creamy tahini makes every bite a delight. Plus, it’s versatile, healthy, and perfect for any meal, making it a go-to favorite for busy nights or special occasions! Here are more reasons to try it:
- Super Simple to Make. This recipe is a breeze! Just toss your veggies on a sheet pan, pop them in the oven, and let the magic happen. No complicated steps—just easy prep and minimal cleanup.
- Packed with Flavor. The combination of roasted asparagus, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant garlic creates a mouthwatering mix of savory and slightly sweet flavors. The tahini drizzle adds a creamy, nutty richness that brings it all together.
- Perfect for Any Meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight side or something special for a dinner party, this recipe fits the bill. It’s versatile and pairs well with almost any main dish.
- Customizable to Your Taste. Feel free to mix things up! Add a dash of your favorite spices or swap in other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini noodles. This recipe is easy to adjust based on what you have on hand.
- Great for Meal Prep. This roasted dish is ideal for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge for several days, making it a convenient and tasty option to have on hand for busy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
This sheet pan asparagus recipe features simple, fresh ingredients that come together for a delicious dish. Asparagus, tomatoes, garlic, and tahini make up the base, creating a savory and creamy blend of flavors. If you’re missing any of these, there are easy substitutions like green beans for asparagus or almond butter instead of tahini—get creative and enjoy!
- Asparagus – The star of the dish, bringing a fresh, earthy flavor and a tender-crisp texture when roasted. For the best texture, snap off the tough ends or trim them with a knife. If asparagus isn’t in season, green beans or broccolini make excellent substitutes.
- Garlic – Infuses the dish with rich, savory flavor and a wonderful aroma. Roasting garlic softens its sharpness, giving it a mellow, slightly sweet taste that adds depth to the veggies. You can slice or mince the garlic for a stronger flavor, or leave the cloves whole for a milder touch. If fresh garlic isn’t available, shallots or a sprinkle of garlic powder can step in nicely.
- Tomatoes – Add a burst of juicy sweetness and acidity that perfectly balances the asparagus. When roasted, they become caramelized and extra flavorful. Cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal for their size and quick prep. If you’re looking for an alternative, bell peppers or zucchini slices work well and roast beautifully alongside the asparagus.
- Tahini – Brings a creamy, nutty finish that ties the dish together and adds a hint of sesame flavor. It provides a delicious plant-based richness that complements the roasted veggies. For an easy drizzle, whisk tahini with lemon juice, water, and a pinch of salt. No tahini on hand? Try almond butter or a simple squeeze of lemon juice with olive oil as a tasty alternative.
- Lemon Juice – Adds a refreshing, tangy note that brightens up the flavors of the roasted veggies. It cuts through the richness of tahini and complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and garlic. For extra zing, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the dish just before serving. If you’re out of fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice or a splash of white vinegar can do the trick!
How To Make Sheet Pan Asparagus
Making this sheet pan asparagus and tomato recipe is simple and quick! Just toss the asparagus, tomatoes, and garlic with olive oil and seasoning, then roast until tender. Finish it off with a creamy tahini drizzle and a sprinkle of fresh basil for a delicious, vibrant dish!
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan – Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil or a silicone mat. Arrange the asparagus in a flat layer and place the tomatoes and halved garlic cloves in the remaining space.
Step 2: Season and Toss – Drizzle olive oil over the veggies and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the asparagus, tomatoes, and garlic until evenly coated.
Then, Step 3: Roast the Veggies – Roast in the oven for 14-20 minutes, or until the asparagus is cooked to your liking. The timing will depend on the thickness of your asparagus
Finally, Step 4: Make the Tahini Drizzle and Serve – While the veggies bake, mix tahini, lemon juice, water, salt, and garlic powder to create a creamy drizzle. Once the veggies are done, place them on a platter, top with the roasted tomatoes and garlic, drizzle with tahini sauce, and sprinkle with fresh basil.
Serving Tips and Suggestions
These serving tips will take your sheet pan roasted asparagus and tomatoes to the next level! Whether you pair it with grains, top it with fresh herbs, or drizzle on extra tahini, there are so many ways to enjoy this dish. Try serving it alongside plant-based proteins or grilled favorites for a complete, delicious meal!
- Serve with Grains for a Full Meal – Pair this roasted sheet pan dish with quinoa, cooked rice, or pearly couscous for a complete, hearty meal. The grains soak up the flavors from the tahini and roasted veggies, making every bite satisfying.
- Top with Fresh Herbs – For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro on top. The freshness of the herbs complements the richness of the tahini and adds a pop of color. (We love this cilantro tahini dressing!)
- Pair with Plant-Based Protein – This dish goes wonderfully with plant-based protein options like chickpeas, tofu, or savory tempeh. Roast them on the same sheet pan for an easy, one-pan meal.
- Serve as a Side to Grilled Dishes – This roasted asparagus recipe makes an excellent side for grilled dishes like veggie burgers, tofu skewers, or sweet and sour vegan kebabs. The smoky flavors from the grill pair beautifully with the roasted veggies.
- Drizzle with Extra Tahini Sauce – For those who love extra creaminess, drizzle more tahini sauce over the finished dish. It adds a luxurious touch and makes the veggies even more flavorful. If you’ve run out of tahini sauce, some melted vegan butter also tastes delicious!
FAQs
Any leftover asparagus can be placed in an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to 7 days. If this veggie won’t be gobbled up immediately, it can be stored in a freezer-safe bag for about 10 months. Any brown spots on your asparagus mean that it’s gone bad and should be composted or thrown away.
It’s easy! Simply reheat these gorgeous green stalks either in the microwave for a minute or two, for five minutes in a preheated oven or skillet. If reheating from frozen, allow your spears to come to room temperature on the counter or let rest in the refrigerator overnight.
Here are several great options to choose from if you don’t like asparagus: green beans, broccolini, zucchini, Brussels sprouts, or baby carrots all will pair wonderfully with the roasted tomatoes, garlic, and tahini, making the dish versatile and delicious!
More Easy Roasted Recipes
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Sheet Pan Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, stalks trimmed
- ½ pound cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved
- 5 large cloves garlic, cut in half
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter, melted (or 3 tablespoons of olive oil + ¼ teaspoon of salt)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 5 large leaves basil
- ½ medium lemon, sliced, for garnish
Tahini Drizzle:
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon water
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
- Line a large baking sheet with foil or a silicone mat. Lay the asparagus in a flat layer and the tomatoes and halved garlic cloves in the remaining space on the pan.
- Drizzle the top with the olive oil and evenly sprinkle on the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Using your hands, mix the asparagus and then the tomatoes and garlic on the pan until evenly coated.
- Place in the oven and cook for 14-20 minutes until the asparagus is cooked to your liking (exact timing will depend on how thick your asparagus stalks are).
- While baking, prepare your tahini drizzle. In a small bowl, mix together the tahini, lemon juice, water, salt, and garlic powder until you have a viscous creamy white drizzle sauce.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and place the asparagus on a serving platter. Top the asparagus with the roasted tomatoes and garlic cloves, drizzle with tahini dressing, and sprinkle with fresh basil.
Video
Notes
- No Lemon? A splash of white vinegar will work in place of lemon juice in the tahini drizzle sauce.
- Storing Leftovers: Any leftover asparagus can be placed in an airtight container and be stored in the fridge for up to 7 days. It can also be stored in a freezer-safe bag for about 10 months. Any brown spots on your asparagus means that it’s gone bad and should be composted or thrown away.
Nutrition
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I’ve only recently tried asparagus, but this recipe is seriously the best I’ve tried so far! The flavors all go together so well and the asparagus is perfectly cooked. Will definitely make this again!
These are insanely delicious!
What a way to dress up asparagus! Looks so delicious!
wow this looks so good!! love it
I ADORE asparagus! This recipe is so simple and delicious, I’ll make it a million times! 🙂
Wow! This is an elegant twist on my usual stir fry asparagus with garlic. Love this upgrade!!
Very elegant and will be a great dinner party side. Thank you!!
Yummmmm, what a delicious twist on asparagus! So beautiful, too.
These are SO good, I make it all the time! Love that it takes just a few minutes of effort but feels like a 5-star classy dish.