Roasted asparagus and cherry tomatoes with feta cheese and balsamic vinegar. They only need 15 minutes in the oven.
Roasted asparagus and cherry tomatoes, topped with feta and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar - it doesnโt get much better when it comes to spring vegetables. Serve it as a quick side dish or a light meal with bread or potatoes.
Quick, healthy, and full of flavor - this roasted asparagus with cherry tomatoes and feta is perfect for when you want something delicious and quick. It takes just 5 minutes to prep, 15 to roast, and comes in at only 120 calories per serving (for four servings).
Check out more delicious recipes for roasted vegetables: Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts, Baked Sweet Potato Slices, Roasted Leeks, and Pumpkin Wedges.
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Recipe ingredients
Green asparagus spears of a regular thickness.
Cherry tomatoes: Ripe and sweet tomatoes. Grape tomatoes are also great.
Feta cheese: Either sheep or cow feta from a block of cheese. Donโt use pre-crumbled feta.
Fennel seeds are optional (not everybody has them in the spice cupboard), but they are excellent; I always include them. If you buy them, use some for this Spanish Meatballs Recipe.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Recipe variations
Sprinkle the roasted tomatoes and asparagus with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, pecorino romano, or crumbled goatโs cheese instead of feta.
Mix in some black olives (preferably some that still have their pit in โ warn the people at the table about the pits).
Add some thinly sliced garlic cloves to the veggie mixture.
โSprinkle the dish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
How to make roasted asparagus with cherry tomatoes?
Prepare the vegetables: Wash the asparagus, dry it with a paper towel, and remove the woody lower third of the stalks using a chefโs knife. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
Combine in a roasting tin in a single layer, and sprinkle them with the fennel seeds, oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well with your hands so that all the veggies are coated.
Roast the asparagus and cherry tomatoes for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the stems.
Remove from the oven, transfer to a serving platter, crumble the feta cheese on top of the asparagus and tomatoes, and serve immediately.
Recipe FAQs
Sure. However, the white sort needs to be peeled and will probably need a bit longer in the oven; the stalks are generally a bit thicker. Make sure to check with a fork.ย
When done, the asparagus should be al dente - tender yet firm - and the tomatoes wrinkly and slightly caramelized. Cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the spears, so keep a close eye on them toward the end to avoid overcooking. The vegetables should be crisp-tender, not mushy.
When buying fresh asparagus, look for vividly green stalks with firm, compact tips - if theyโre dry or, worse, mushy, skip them. The lower ends will be woody and dry. Donโt toss those ends; theyโre perfect for making asparagus stock. Check out Cream of Asparagus Soup with Milk.
Store and reheat
This dish is best served immediately.ย
However, you can refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Reheat in the preheated oven (400ยฐF/200ยฐC) until slightly crispy again.ย
When reheated in the microwave, the cherry tomatoes and the asparagus will be somewhat limp, but they will still taste good.ย
You can also serve the leftovers at room temperature.ย
How to serve?
This asparagus with cherry tomatoes dish makes an excellent main dish on its own, but in this case, it will only be enough for two people. Serve the roasted vegetables with crusty bread, French baguette, dinner rolls, or roasted potatoes.ย
Serve as a simple side dish with meats or seafood. It goes great with baked salmon or any other fish filets.
Try the dish with Cast-Iron Chicken Breast, Skillet Chicken Thighs, Spicy Pork Loin, Baked Pork Chops and Potatoes, or Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin.
Roasted Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes
Equipment
- Roasting dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus Note 1
- 12 oz cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds optional but highly recommended
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 oz feta ยฝ cup when crumbled, Note 2
- fine sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200ยฐC/ 400ยฐF.
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and dry the asparagus spears. Remove their woody lower third (Note 3). Halve the cherry tomatoes.1 lb asparagus + 12 oz cherry tomatoes
- Combine ingredients: Place both vegetables into the roasting dish, and add the fennel seeds, oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss well with your hands.1 teaspoon fennel seeds + 2 tablespoons olive oil + 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar + fine sea salt + freshly ground black pepper
- Roast for about 12-15 minutes or until the asparagus is done to your liking. It should still be firm to the bite.
- Crumble the feta over the vegetables and serve immediately.2 oz feta
Notes
- Asparagus: White asparagus can be used instead. However, this sort should be peeled, and as the stalks tend to be thicker, they might need a bit longer in the oven. Make sure to check.
- Feta: Sheep or cow feta (brined or vacuum-sealed) is excellent. Donโt use pre-crumbled feta cheese.
- Use the woody ends to make stock for soups or for asparagus pea risotto. If you donโt have enough at one time, collect the ends in a bag in the freezer until you have enough.
Sissi says
It looks fantastic! I almost always have all the ingredients during the asparagus season, so I can try it even next week. Thank you for inspiration!
Anca says
I love asparagus. The idea of paring it with tomatoes and feta is great. The balsamic must give such a lovely flavour.
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says
I love using fresh asparagus when it is available. Roasting it is such a great idea. I'm always amazed by the nutritional value and other benefits that come from natural ingredients! No need to visit the drug store....just go to the produce section!
Brie says
I looove roasted asparagus! Everything about this recipe sounds delicious especially the salty feta. Something tells me I could eat the whole dish myself ๐
marcela says
WOW! your asparaguses look terrific! So healthy and yummy!
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Everyone loves roasted asparagus โ I guess they are so much in trend these days! ๐ Love how beautifully you have paired them with tomatoes and feta.
Denise Browning says
I love asparagus everything especially roasted. What a healthy yet full of color and flavor dish, Adina!
Lisa | Chocolate Meets Strawberry says
Oh how delicious Adina! I've pinned this one to my Sides board, as I am always looking for new ways to bring a bit of variety to the vegie sides we eat with dinner each week. I love that this one is so quick and easy to make! ๐
Thao @ In Good Flavor says
My favorite way to eat asparagus is roasted, so I love this! With all the health benefits, it is all the more reason to have it often. The feta is a great way to punch up the flavor even more. I have to try it!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
I can not get enough asparagus this time of year, especially when it is simple and roasted, so this looks perfect to me! Love the addition of tomatoes and feta! Cheers!
Adina says
Thank you, Cheyanne.It is the same for me with asparagus.
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says
Roasted asparagus is Trevor's favorite spring veggie ๐ Love that you paired it with roasty tomatoes and salty feta! ๐
Adina says
One of my favorite as well. ๐
Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table says
Asparagus is my favorite spring vegetable! I just eat it and eat it and eat it while it's in season so I can get my fill before it's gone... helps tide me over to the next year. I love this simple but scrumptious pairing with tomatoes and feta - sometimes you don't have to do much to really make veggies shine!
Adina says
I think the same, some things must be kept simple.
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
Had some roasted green asparagus yesterday too. Need to get more!
Adina says
Me too, I can't get enough of it!
Kate @ Framed Cooks says
Is there anything better than asparagus season? Love it so much = and this version looks perfect!
Adina says
Thank you, Kate. ๐