This Sesame Roasted Asparagus with Whipped Feta is the perfect spring (or summer) side dish that can easily double as an appetizer too. Olive oil roasted asparagus, tossed with sesame seeds, garlic, and lemon zest, served over creamy, salty whipped feta cheese. Topped off with crispy, torn ciabatta breadcrumbs for a mouth-watering asparagus recipe. Everyone is sure to love this fun and delicious way to enjoy asparagus. Perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day, and any other day from now until fall!

overhead photo of Sesame Roasted Asparagus with Whipped Feta

I’ll be the first to admit that there is a very minimal selection of side-dish recipes currently live on HBH. When I think about food, I simply think in terms of an entire meal. Which is how I think when it comes to sharing recipes with you all. I like to give you everything you need for a complete meal, an all in ONE recipe. Typically I’ll sway towards sharing all-in-one recipes like this sheet pan Greek chicken and potatoes or maybe these falafel naan wraps with golden rice and special sauce.

It’s all there…the vegetables, the carbs, the protein, even the sauce. I give it all to you and that’s normally how I like to do things.

But then there are the side dish recipes. I tend to think about these more often around a holiday, but when I do, I get very excited over them. Side dishes like these spring roasted potatoes. And now this sesame roasted asparagus served over a bed of creamy, salty whipped feta. Yes, it is just as delicious as it sounds.

Sesame Roasted Asparagus before roasting

I’ve always been someone who loves asparagus. My grandma used to make it pretty much anytime she’d serve salmon or steak. I think it was just an easy vegetable side that most people love, so she made it often. She’d roast it simply, with butter, salt, and pepper, and then finish it off with a squeeze of lemon. I loved it, even as a kid.

Clearly this roasted asparagus is nothing like my grandmas, but I always think of her anytime I make asparagus. And so, she is the inspiration behind this recipe. She loved asparagus, feta cheese, and bread…especially the bread! So I combined 3 of her favorites into one.

Feeling like she’d find this dish extra delicious.

overhead close up photo of Sesame Roasted Asparagus with Whipped Feta

The details.

As you can imagine this is pretty easy, yet full of flavor. Roast the asparagus with a good amount of olive oil, sesame seeds, garlic, and lemon. The asparagus slow roasts in the oil and becomes lightly charred, while the sesame seeds toast.

Here’s my trick, once the asparagus has roasted, remove it from the oil, then make a vinaigrette/sauce situation with the leftover oil by adding in a splash of apple cider vinegar and honey. Trust me, it’s SO GOOD. The roasted garlic and lemon add so much flavor to the olive oil. Then, with the addition of vinegar and honey, wow…the perfect sauce to spoon over the asparagus and whipped feta just before serving.

While the asparagus roasts, whip the feta. I kept this simple and only flavored the feta with black pepper. Feta is amazing on its own, so it really doesn’t need anything to make it better, you know? Plus that sauce really adds all the flavor here.

Once the asparagus is done, plate everything up and serve topped with toasted ciabatta breadcrumbs.

Kind of fancy, right? And soo pretty, but yet still simple. Bonus points that you can make the feta ahead time and keep in the fridge until ready to serve. Personally, I love spooning the hot asparagus over the feta. But this dish is also good warm, or even at room temperature.

The perfect side-dish for an Easter lunch or dinner, and would be equally great as an appetizer for Mother’s Day. Or if you’re like me, it could even be dinner…

Just spread the whipped feta onto a few slices of toasted bread, add the asparagus, maybe a handful of arugula, then drizzle the sauce over, and call it a night. Just a thought.

overhead photo of Sesame Roasted Asparagus with Whipped Feta and spoon on plate

If you make this sesame roasted asparagus, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

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4.56 from 50 votes

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

The Recipe

Sesame Roasted Asparagus with Whipped Feta.

The perfect spring (or summer) side dish easily doubles as an appetizer. Olive oil roasted asparagus, tossed with sesame seeds, garlic, and lemon zest - served over creamy, salty whipped feta cheese, and topped off with crispy, torn ciabatta breadcrumbs!

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients

Whipped Feta

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

    2. On a baking sheet, toss the bread with 2 tablespoons olive oil and a pinch of salt. Arrange in a single layer. Transfer to the oven and bake 10 minutes or until crisp.

    3. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, toss together the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil, asparagus, sesame seeds, lemon zest, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Transfer to the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes or until the asparagus is lightly charred. Remove from the oven and remove the asparagus from the baking dish.

    4. Let the oil cool slightly in the dish, then add the vinegar and honey. Reserve this oil mix for serving over top. 

    5. Meanwhile, make the feta. In a food processor, combine the feta, greek yogurt, and olive oil. Pulse until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides if needed, about 3 minutes. Add a pinch of pepper. Pulse to combine. The feta can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

    6. To serve, spread the feta out onto a large serving plate or shallow bowl. Spoon the asparagus over top and then drizzle on the reserved oil mix. Top with bread crumbs. Serve warm or at room temp. 

horizontal photo of Sesame Roasted Asparagus with Whipped Feta