Description
Savory caprese roasted asparagus brings Mediterranean magic to your dinner table, blending fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and tender asparagus. Italian-inspired simplicity creates a delightful side dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) asparagus (trimmed)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasoning and Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh chopped basil (for garnish)
Finishing Ingredient:
- Bottled balsamic glaze (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare a foil-lined baking sheet with non-stick spray.
- Spread asparagus and cherry tomatoes across the baking sheet, ensuring slight separation between vegetables.
- Season vegetables generously with olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, coating evenly.
- Roast vegetables for 5 minutes until they begin to soften and develop slight caramelization.
- Carefully remove baking sheet and sprinkle mozzarella cheese over asparagus, distributing evenly.
- Return to oven and continue roasting for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.
- Remove from oven and transfer roasted asparagus to a serving platter, arranging with the roasted tomatoes.
- Garnish the dish with freshly torn basil leaves for vibrant color and aromatic flavor.
- Finish by drizzling a generous amount of balsamic glaze over the entire dish for a sweet and tangy complement.
Notes
- Choose firm, bright green asparagus with tight tips for the best roasted texture and flavor.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier, more authentic Caprese-style experience that melts beautifully.
- Adjust roasting time based on asparagus thickness to prevent overcooking and maintain a crisp-tender texture.
- Swap balsamic glaze with a homemade reduction for a more intense, rich drizzle that elevates the dish’s complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg