Nightshade Free Steamed Asparagus with Olive Oil & Lemon
Bright, crisp asparagus dressed with good olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon is one of those side dishes that looks far more impressive than the effort it takes. Steaming keeps the spears vivid green and perfectly tender without waterlogging them, so every bite has that satisfying snap. For anyone navigating a nightshade-free lifestyle, this recipe is a breath of fresh air — no tomatoes, peppers, or potatoes hiding anywhere, just clean, whole ingredients you can trust. The lemon zest is optional but worth it if you have a lemon on hand, adding a fragrant citrus lift that makes the whole platter feel a little more special. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil ties everything together with a subtle richness that balances the brightness of the juice. It pairs beautifully with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or really anything that needs a fresh, vibrant side on the plate.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 ½ lb fresh asparagus, tough ends snapped off
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt, or to taste
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Pour about 1 inch of water into a large skillet or wide saucepan and set a steamer basket inside. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- 2
Arrange the asparagus in the steamer basket in a single layer. Cover and steam until the spears are bright green and just tender when pierced at the thickest point with a paring knife, 4–6 minutes for medium spears or 6–7 minutes for thick spears.
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