This recipe for roasted asparagus and carrots is an easy and tasty way to enjoy your favorite vegetables. You’ll love the combination of flavors and the simplicity of the recipe.
This post was written by Lindsay Delk, RDN. It is for informational purposes and is not intended to replace medical advice or instructions given by your healthcare provider.
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Why You’ll Love Roasted Asparagus and Carrots
This roasted asparagus and carrots recipe is a simple side dish that pairs perfectly with any entrée. All that you need are a few simple ingredients, and you’ll have yourself a tasty veggie dish in no time.
This recipe has a nice balance of sweet from the carrots and the unique earthy flavor of the asparagus. The olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper add flavor and richness to the dish without being too heavy or overpowering.
Roasting asparagus and carrots requires minimal prep time; you only need to wash and trim the vegetables before placing them on a baking sheet. And cleanup is a breeze, especially if you line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
You’ll be delighted by the crunchy texture of the roasted vegetables and the sweet yet savory taste they bring to your meal. And the bright orange and green colors look so pretty on your plate.
Recipe Ingredients & Mental Health Benefits
Adding roasted asparagus and carrots to your meal is an excellent way to get more veggies in your diet. And eating more veggies is good for your physical and mental health.
- Asparagus
Asparagus is packed with B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and selenium. And it’s high in dietary fiber which helps promote digestive health.
Asparagus is a great source of prebiotics that feed the good bacteria (probiotics) in your gut. A healthy gut can help improve your mental health through the gut-brain axis.
- Carrots
Carrots are full of vitamin A, especially in the form of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation in the body. Research shows that beta-carotene can be beneficial for preventing and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as improving cognitive function.
- Extra-virgin olive oil
Extra-virgin olive oil is full of monounsaturated fats (the healthy fats), which are beneficial for heart and brain health. The olive oil in this recipe also helps your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K) in the asparagus and carrots.
How to Make Roasted Asparagus and Carrots
Preheat your oven to 425℉. I like to line the baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleanup easier. But this is optional.
Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus and discard. Cut the asparagus spears into 1 to 2-inch pieces.
Peel the carrots and cut them into sticks about the same size as the asparagus pieces.
Place the asparagus, carrots, and garlic on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Mix all the ingredients until the veggies are coated. I use my hands for this. Spread out the asparagus and carrots in a single layer.
Roast at 425℉ for 10 minutes. Flip the veggies and roast for another 10 minutes until the veggies are tender.
Tips & Variations for this Recipe
- To save time, buy a bag of precut carrot sticks (about 12 oz).
- If you line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil before adding the vegetables, you can simply throw away the lining after you finish cooking.
- Roast the asparagus and carrots more or less depending on your preference. If you like them extra crunchy, reduce the cooking time. Or if you prefer, allow them to get quite brown for added caramelization.
- Try adding your favorite herbs, such as thyme, basil, oregano, or rosemary, for added flavor.
- Add some smoked paprika and cumin for a smoky flavor.
- Try sprinkling the veggies with Parmesan cheese prior to roasting.
- Try this recipe as a side dish for Rigatoni al Forno.
Other Veggie Recipes
Air Fryer Greek Potatoes: Crispy & Delicious
Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Edamame
Frozen Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer
Roasted Asparagus and Carrots
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus
- 1 lb carrots
- 2 Tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil if desired.
- Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus and discard. Cut the asparagus spears into 1 to 2-inch pieces.
- Peel the carrots and cut them into sticks about the same size as the asparagus pieces.
- Place the asparagus, carrots, and garlic on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Mix all the ingredients until the veggies are coated. I use my hands for this. Spread out the asparagus and carrots in a single layer.
- Roast at 425℉ for 10 minutes. Flip the veggies and roast for another 10 minutes until the veggies are tender.
Notes
- To save time, buy a bag of precut carrot sticks (about 12 oz).
- Roast the asparagus and carrots more or less depending on your preference. If you like them extra crunchy, reduce the cooking time. Or if you prefer, allow them to get quite brown for added caramelization.
- Try adding your favorite herbs, such as thyme, basil, oregano, or rosemary, for added flavor.
- Add some smoked paprika and cumin for a smoky flavor.
- Try sprinkling the veggies with Parmesan cheese prior to roasting.