MSG Free Lemon Marinated Asparagus with Fresh Basil
Bright, citrusy, and impossibly fresh, this asparagus dish is the kind of side that makes a simple weeknight dinner feel a little special. Every ingredient here is clean and whole — fresh lemon juice, raw honey, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt — so you never have to second-guess what's in it or worry about hidden additives sneaking into your meal. The technique is straightforward: a quick sear in a hot skillet gets the spears tender and lightly golden, then a lemony honey marinade soaks in while they rest, building layers of flavor without any shortcuts. Torn fresh basil scattered over the top at the end adds a fragrant, herby finish that really pulls everything together. It's the kind of dish that proves you don't need anything artificial to make vegetables taste genuinely craveable. Serve it alongside grilled proteins, tuck it into a grain bowl, or just eat it straight off the plate — it holds up beautifully either way.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, woody ends trimmed
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the marinade
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp raw honey
- ¼ tsp sea salt
For serving
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or thinly sliced
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, 1 tbsp olive oil, raw honey, and 1/4 tsp sea salt until the honey is fully dissolved. Set the marinade aside.
- 2
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the asparagus in a single layer, season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and cook, turning with tongs every 2 minutes, until the spears are bright green, tender, and lightly golden in spots, about 6–8 minutes total.
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