Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic and Goat Cheese
This elegant but easy Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic and Goat Cheese is an impressive side dish that is worthy of any holiday menu. This quick asparagus recipe takes just 20 minutes to make!
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Total Time20 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish, Vegetable
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 149kcal
- 2 bunches fresh asparagus trimmed (see Notes below)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or as needed
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ⅓ cup walnuts
- 3 ounces goat cheese crumbled
Roast the Asparagus
Arrange the trimmed asparagus on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and move the asparagus around with your hands to coat all of the spears. Season to taste with salt.
Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and roast the asparagus until just barely fork tender, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the asparagus so watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Make the Balsamic Reduction
While the asparagus roasts, add the balsamic vinegar to a small heavy saucepan and place it over MEDIUM heat. Cook until boiling and then quickly reduce the heat as needed to keep it at a low boil. Simmer, stirring frequently, until it reduces by about half and is slightly syrupy. This should take about 4 to 6 minutes. Set aside. It will thicken considerably as it cools.
Toast the Walnuts
Place the walnuts in a dry nonstick pan and heat over MEDIUM-LOW heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted. Remove from the heat and set aside. When they’ve cooled slightly, transfer them to a cutting board and coarsely chop.
Assemble the Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic and Goat Cheese
Two Methods for Trimming Asparagus
- Grab a hold of a spear and start to bend it. You’ll feel that it has a natural breaking point so just snap it and discard the woody ends.
- Line up 5 or 6 asparagus spears on a cutting board so the tips are even and use a sharp knife to slice them to the desired length.
Calories: 149kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 157mg | Potassium: 359mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1282IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 4mg