Easter morning in my family always meant the smell of roasting vegetables drifting through the house while we hunted for eggs in the garden. This dish is my tribute to those bright, hopeful mornings—a colorful medley of spring's finest, roasted until caramelized and served with a zesty lemon-herb dressing that wakes up your palate.
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I've designed this recipe to be effortlessly elegant: you can prep the veggies the night before, then pop the pan in the oven while you assemble the rest of your brunch. The result is a show-stopping side that's as beautiful as it is delicious, and it pairs perfectly with ham, quiche, or even just a crusty baguette.
So gather your loved ones, pour some mimosas, and let these veggies take center stage—they're proof that simple ingredients, treated with care, can become the most memorable part of any meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1 lb (450g) baby new potatoes, halved
Creamy and quick-cooking; substitute with fingerlings or red potatoes. Look for uniform size for even roasting.
1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb/450g), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
Choose thick stalks for sturdiness; if thin, reduce roasting time. Substitute with green beans or broccolini.
1 bunch radishes (about 12), halved
They mellow and sweeten when roasted; if unavailable, use turnips or small carrots.
1 red onion, cut into wedges
Sweet and mild when roasted; substitute with shallots or yellow onion.
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Use a good-quality extra virgin for the dressing; for roasting, regular olive oil works fine.
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic is key; substitute with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if in a pinch.
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Dried thyme works but use half the amount. Lemon zest can substitute for a citrusy note.
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
Sea salt or kosher salt preferred; adjust to taste.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more for seasoning
Freshly ground black pepper adds the best flavor.
1 lemon, zested and juiced
Meyer lemons are sweeter; if using regular, you may need a pinch of sugar to balance.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Flat-leaf parsley has more flavor; substitute with chives or dill.
Tips & Tricks
- Cut vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly; potatoes may need a head start.
- Don't overcrowd the pan—use two pans if needed to ensure proper browning.
- Toss the asparagus in halfway through to prevent overcooking; it cooks faster than potatoes.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss potatoes and onion with 1 tablespoon olive oil, half the garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Roast Potatoes First
Spread potatoes and onion on the prepared sheet in a single layer. Roast for 15 minutes, until they start to soften and brown at the edges.
3. Add Remaining Veggies
In the same bowl, toss asparagus and radishes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, remaining garlic, salt, and pepper. Remove the pan from the oven, push potatoes to one side, and add the asparagus and radishes in a single layer.
4. Roast Until Tender
Return to oven and roast for 15-20 minutes more, until all vegetables are tender and caramelized, and asparagus is bright green and crisp-tender. The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork.
5. Make the Dressing
While vegetables roast, whisk together remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl.
6. Toss and Serve
Transfer roasted vegetables to a serving platter. Drizzle with the lemon-herb dressing, toss gently to coat, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Delicious Variations
- Add 1/2 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese and a handful of toasted almonds for extra richness.
- Sprinkle with smoked paprika or sumac before roasting for a smoky, tangy twist.
- Swap asparagus for broccolini or green beans, and radishes for baby turnips.
How to Store Easter Brunch Veggies
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes, or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Easter Brunch Veggies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the vegetables (cut and toss with oil and seasonings) up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge. Roast just before serving for best texture.
Q: What can I substitute for asparagus?
You can use green beans, broccolini, or snap peas. Adjust cooking time as needed—thinner vegetables may cook faster.
Q: How do I keep the vegetables from getting soggy?
Ensure the oven is fully preheated, use a single layer on the pan, and don't overcrowd. If needed, roast in batches or use two pans.
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but thaw and pat them dry before roasting. Reduce the roasting time by about 5 minutes and expect a softer texture.
Q: Is this dish vegan?
Yes, as written it is vegan. If you add feta or other cheese, it becomes vegetarian.
I hope these Easter Brunch Veggies bring as much joy to your table as they do to mine. If you try them, let me know in the comments below—I'd love to hear how you made them your own. Go, see, and connect.
Easter Brunch Veggies
Easter Brunch Veggies: a vibrant, one-pan medley of roasted spring vegetables with a lemony herb dressing, perfect for a festive brunch.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) baby new potatoes, halved
- 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb/450g), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 bunch radishes (about 12), halved
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more for seasoning
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
📋 Instructions
- 1Preheat and Prep — Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss potatoes and onion with 1 tablespoon olive oil, half the garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- 2Roast Potatoes First — Spread potatoes and onion on the prepared sheet in a single layer. Roast for 15 minutes, until they start to soften and brown at the edges.
- 3Add Remaining Veggies — In the same bowl, toss asparagus and radishes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, remaining garlic, salt, and pepper. Remove the pan from the oven, push potatoes to one side, and add the asparagus and radishes in a single layer.
- 4Roast Until Tender — Return to oven and roast for 15-20 minutes more, until all vegetables are tender and caramelized, and asparagus is bright green and crisp-tender. The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork.
- 5Make the Dressing — While vegetables roast, whisk together remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl.
- 6Toss and Serve — Transfer roasted vegetables to a serving platter. Drizzle with the lemon-herb dressing, toss gently to coat, and serve warm or at room temperature.



