Pesto asparagus is a quick and easy side dish that takes regular sautéed asparagus to the next level. In just 15 minutes, you can make this simple but delicious side that is loaded with flavor.
Asparagus already has a wonderful natural flavor to it, and is complimented so well with pesto, balsamic vinegar, and pine nuts — and we can’t forget the garlic, of course. This spring side dish is a true fan favorite. It's healthy, vegan, and gluten-free. Serve it alongside your favorite spring dinners, Easter dinner mains, or any dinner you are serving this week.
Why You'll Love Pesto Asparagus
- Ready in 15 minutes. Pesto asparagus is a quick and easy recipe that is ready to eat in just 15 minutes! Plus, it’s easy to make it alongside your other dinner sides and mains.
- It's healthy and vegan. Even if it's just sautéed with a little bit of salt and pepper, asparagus is one of my favorite sides. Not only is it full of flavor, it’s also packed with essential nutrients, including fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K. On top of that, asparagus is a low-calorie food that can improve your blood pressure and heart health.
- Asparagus is a delicious side dish. Even if it's just sautéed with a little bit of salt and pepper, asparagus is one of my favorite sides. And don’t think for one second that this pesto asparagus doesn’t taste good because it’s healthy. The opposite is actually true!
- Pesto provides flavor and antioxidants. The pesto in this sautéed asparagus dish does more than add flavor — it also adds essential antioxidants that can help cleanse your body!
Ingredients and Substitutions
To make this quick and easy Pesto Asparagus, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in recipe card below):
- vegetable oil
- asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 3-inch pieces
- salt and pepper
- garlic
- pesto - I love using my Basil Pesto in this recipe and any recipe that calls for pesto because it’s so easy to make in just minutes. You can of course also use store-bought pesto sauce too — whichever is easier!
- balsamic vinegar
- pine nuts or roasted peanuts
You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a large skillet.
How to Customize Pesto Asparagus with Add-Ins
Want to customize this recipe? No problem! Consider omitting any ingredients you don’t like and adding in:
- sun-dried tomatoes (sauté with asparagus)
- freshly shaved or grated parmesan cheese (as a garnish)
- halved grape tomatoes (added towards the end of sautéing or as a garnish)
How to Make the Best Pesto Asparagus
- Sauté asparagus. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add asparagus and sauté until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add pesto. Reduce heat to low. Stir in Pesto and balsamic vinegar and cook until the asparagus is tender, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve. Sprinkle with pine nuts (or roasted peanuts) and serve immediately.
Sauté asparagus Add garlic Add balsamic vinegar and pesto
How to Serve
Serve Pesto Asparagus with your favorite main dishes. Asparagus is delicious served with chicken, beef, pork, salmon, and shrimp. Try it with:
- Baked Souvlaki Chicken Breast
- Garlic Butter Salmon
- Ribeye Steak
- Honey Glazed Roast Pork
- Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- How to store: Allow leftover pesto asparagus to cool to room temperature. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- How to reheat: When you reheat your leftover pesto asparagus, be careful not to overcook it. Preheat a pan with a lid over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Then, add the leftover asparagus and cover the pan. Cook for 2-4 minutes until warm. You can flip the asparagus halfway or shake the pan gently to mix.
More Asparagus Recipes
- 20 Ways to Cook Asparagus
- Lemon Parmesan Asparagus
- Cheesy Roasted Asparagus
- Roasted Asparagus and Mushrooms
- Creamless Cream of Asparagus Soup
- Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus and Melon
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Recipe
Pesto Asparagus
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Pesto asparagus is a quick easy side dish that takes regular sautéed asparagus to the next level in just 15 minutes. It's healthy, vegan, and gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound medium asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 3-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
- ¼ cup pesto sauce, homemade or store-bought
- ½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts or roasted peanuts
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add asparagus and sauté until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in Pesto and balsamic vinegar and cook until the asparagus is tender, about 1-2 minutes.
- Sprinkle with pine nuts (or roasted peanuts) and serve immediately.
Notes
How to store: Allow leftover pesto asparagus to cool to room temperature. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
How to reheat: When you reheat your leftover pesto asparagus, be careful not to overcook it. Preheat a pan with a lid over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Then, add the leftover asparagus and cover the pan. Cook for 2-4 minutes until warm. You can flip the asparagus halfway or shake the pan gently to mix.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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Heleen says
Loved it, used white balsamic vinegar ( didn’t have dark )