Flavorful Asparagus with Zucchini Squash (Printable)

Tender seasonal vegetables sautéed with garlic, herbs, and lemon for a quick healthy side.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 bunch asparagus (about 10.5 oz), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
02 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
03 - 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into half-moons

→ Aromatics & Herbs

04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
08 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

→ Seasonings

09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
02 - Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
03 - Add the asparagus, zucchini, and yellow squash to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7–9 minutes, until the vegetables are just tender but still bright.
04 - Stir in the thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes more.
05 - Remove from heat, drizzle with lemon juice, and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Toss gently and serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It turns ordinary vegetables into something that feels special enough for guests but simple enough for Tuesday dinner
  • The whole dish comes together in about fifteen minutes with minimal cleanup required
  • You can easily swap in whatever fresh vegetables look best at the market
02 -
  • The vegetables should still have some snap when they are done because they will keep cooking slightly from residual heat
  • Adding lemon juice at the very end preserves its bright flavor instead of cooking it away
  • Cutting vegetables into similar sizes helps them cook evenly so nothing turns mushy before the rest is ready
03 -
  • Cut your vegetables ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator so this comes together even faster on busy nights
  • A well seasoned cast iron skillet gives vegetables a nice sear that adds depth to the overall flavor

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