Caprese Roasted Asparagus

Jazz up your usual Roasted Asparagus by infusing them with the exquisite Italian flavors of a classic Caprese salad.! A quick and easy vegetable side dish bursting with fresh springtime goodness. It will be a surefire hit at your dinner table! 

Leveling Up Roasted Asparagus!

With the abundance of fresh green produce during the spring, over-roasted asparagus is one of the easiest sides to get on your table. I usually just roast them in the oven for a few minutes with some olive, salt, and pepper. They go perfectly well with any everyday entrée, pasta, or sandwich. 

However, if you want to spruce up your asparagus game for parties, picnics, and potlucks, this Caprese Roasted Asparagus is the best way to go! Simply top them with melty mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and basil, then drizzle them with a lovely balsamic glaze. It will take you a few extra minutes, but I assure you, it is well worth it! What can possibly go wrong with the fusion of two yummy dishes, right? 

What is a Caprese salad?

Also called Insalata Caprese, this simple raw salad originated in Capri, Italy. It is traditionally made of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. These ingredients represent the three colors of the Italian flag and are said to be artfully served on plates to royalties and politicians as deference to their dear country. You will also find these three ingredients in another classic Italian dish – 30 Minute Fire Roasted Chicken Ragu!

Watch How to Make This Caprese Roasted Asparagus:

What You Need to Make a Caprese Roasted Asparagus?

You will only need a handful of ingredients, a baking sheet, and your oven to make this healthy vegetarian dish. It is super easy to make, and clean-up is a breeze too! Here is the list of what you need to grab and prep to get you started! 

• Asparagus– make sure to have the stalks removed. Simply hold a piece on both ends and bend until it naturally snaps. 
• Grape tomatoes– cut into halves. You can also use cherry tomatoes if that is what you have. In a pinch, regular tomatoes will do too. Just chop them into quarters or smaller, depending on their size. 
• Mozzarella cheese– shredded and ready to be melted into gooey goodness.
• Fresh basil- chopped into small pieces for garnishing. 
• Balsamic glaze– this Italian condiment will give the dish a touch of sweetness and zest! If you cannot find this in groceries near you, you can simply make one. Just add a cup of balsamic vinegar and a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to a pot and simmer until it thickens. 
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make it?

The cooking process will only take 15 minutes with hardly anything to do but wait! Just chop, roast, and serve! Prepare to have the heavenly aroma of roasted veggies permeate your kitchen! 

Preparations: 

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. 
• Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray

Steps:

1. Season the asparagus and tomatoes. Arrange the asparagus on one side of the prepared baking sheet in a row. Then place the tomatoes on the other side. Drizzle them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast. Place the veggies in the oven and set the time for 10 minutes. 
3. Add the Mozarella. Halfway through roasting, add the shredded mozzarella on top of the asparagus. Continue cooking until the cheese is melty and golden. 
4. Garnish. Remove from the oven, and transfer the veggies to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped basil and drizzle them with the balsamic glaze. Serve and enjoy! 

Tips when Making Caprese Roasted Asparagus:

• Look for asparagus with a medium thickness. They are perfect for roasting! If you have thin ones, reduce the cooking time so you do not end up with limp and mushy asparagus. 
• Dry the veggies thoroughly before roasting them. Damp or wet veggies will create steam and will make the veggies soggy. 
• Oven heat is very important to get those perfectly roasted veggies. Turn your oven on and set it to the right temperature before you start prepping your veggies. 
• Place the asparagus and tomatoes in a single, even layer on the baking sheet. They should not overlap to make sure they roast really well. 
• You know your oven better than anyone! Rotate the pan for even roasting if necessary. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it necessary to blanch or boil the asparagus before roasting them? I do not find the need to do so. However, if you are using thick asparagus stalks, you can quickly boil them before roasting. Just make sure to pat them dry. 
2. Why are my asparagus limp and soggy? It can be because of numerous reasons. It is possible that you used too thin asparagus, and they were overcooked. Also, your oven heat might not be at the right temperature to get them to crisp up. 
3. Can I make it vegan? You sure can! Just swap the mozzarella with a dairy-free alternative, and you are all set! 
4. Is this gluten-free? Yes, all the ingredients used to make this are free of gluten and allergens. 
5. Can I use other Italian herbs? Sure you can! Aside from basil, you can garnish your Caprese Roasted Asparagus with oregano, thyme, and rosemary.

How to Store Leftovers?

Place them in a foil wrap or lidded container once they have cooled down. Store any leftovers in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. You can quickly reheat them in the microwave or oven. 

What to Serve Caprese Roasted Asparagus with?

It goes well with almost everything, but I especially like them served on the side of Baked Cajun Parmesan Salmon, One-Skillet Mexican Chicken, Jalapeno-Marinated Grilled Pork Chops, and Lamb Wellington! You can also use them as toppings to make vegetarian-friendly bruschetta, flatbread, pizza, or pasta!  

In conclusion, Caprese Roasted Asparagus is a flavorful marriage of fresh asparagus, juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, and balsamic glaze. This dish harmoniously combines simplicity and sophistication, offering a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Enjoy the vibrant and savory experience!