Light Herb Fern Roasted Vegetables

Featured in: Light & Bright Bowls

This dish showcases a fresh combination of zucchini, squash, baby carrots, potatoes, and tender fern tips, all roasted to golden perfection. Tossed with fresh parsley, chives, tarragon, and dill, finished with lemon zest and juice, it brings a bright, woodland-inspired flavor to your table. Garnished with baby greens and optional edible flowers, it's an elegant and light complement to any meal. Careful blanching of fern tips removes bitterness, ensuring a balanced taste. Ideal for a quick, easy preparation with seasonal versatility.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:07:00 GMT
Golden, glistening light herb and fern-inspired roasted vegetable platter, a colorful and healthy side dish. Pin It
Golden, glistening light herb and fern-inspired roasted vegetable platter, a colorful and healthy side dish. | cedarlemon.com

A fresh, vibrant medley of garden vegetables roasted with delicate herbs and finished with tender greens and foraged fern tips. This elegant side dish celebrates spring flavors and brings a woodland touch to your table.

This recipe has become my go-to spring side because it brightens any meal with its colorful presentation and delicate herb flavors.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 1 medium zucchini sliced into rounds 1 medium yellow squash sliced into rounds 1 cup baby carrots halved lengthwise 1 cup baby potatoes halved 1 small red onion cut into wedges 1 cup asparagus tips trimmed 1 cup broccolini trimmed 1 cup fiddlehead ferns or young fern tips well cleaned see Notes
  • Herbs & Flavorings: 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped 2 tbsp fresh chives chopped 1 tbsp fresh tarragon chopped 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp lemon zest ½ tsp sea salt ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Garnish: 1 cup baby greens arugula spinach or mixed spring greens Edible flowers optional

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper
Combine Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl combine zucchini squash carrots potatoes red onion asparagus broccolini and cleaned fern tips
Season Vegetables:
Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil then sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper Toss to coat evenly
Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet
Roast:
Roast for 20 30 minutes stirring halfway through until vegetables are golden and tender
Toss with Herbs:
Remove from the oven Immediately toss with chopped herbs lemon zest and lemon juice
Arrange for Serving:
Arrange roasted vegetables on a serving platter Top with baby greens and edible flowers if using
Serve:
Serve warm or at room temperature
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This dish is perfect for family gatherings where seasonal freshness is celebrated with every bite.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a side dish or atop grains for a light main course. Pairs well with a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.

Required Tools

Large baking sheet parchment paper large mixing bowl chefs knife cutting board tongs or spoon

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 140 calories 7 g total fat 18 g carbohydrates 3 g protein

Vibrant light herb and fern-inspired roasted vegetable platter, showcasing tender veggies with fresh herbs and greens. Pin It
Vibrant light herb and fern-inspired roasted vegetable platter, showcasing tender veggies with fresh herbs and greens. | cedarlemon.com

The final platter offers a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures perfect for any seasonally inspired meal.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I prepare fiddlehead fern tips safely?

Blanch fiddlehead fern tips in boiling water for 2 minutes before roasting to remove bitterness and ensure safety.

Can I substitute other vegetables in this dish?

Yes, seasonal options like radishes or snap peas can be used depending on availability and preference.

What herbs complement the roasted vegetables?

Fresh parsley, chives, tarragon, and dill offer delicate, fresh notes that enhance the roasted flavors.

What is the best way to serve this vegetable medley?

Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with baby greens and optional edible flowers for an elegant presentation.

Does this dish pair well with any beverages?

It pairs nicely with dry white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, which complement the fresh herbal flavors.

Light Herb Fern Roasted Vegetables

Delicate herbs and fern tips enhance a vibrant roasted vegetable medley, perfect for spring.

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Duration
30 min
Time Required
50 min
Created by Victoria Reed


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Modern European

Makes 4 Portions

Special Diets Plant-Based, No Dairy, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 1 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
02 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into rounds
03 1 cup baby carrots, halved lengthwise
04 1 cup baby potatoes, halved
05 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
06 1 cup asparagus tips, trimmed
07 1 cup broccolini, trimmed
08 1 cup fiddlehead ferns or young fern tips, well cleaned

Herbs & Flavorings

01 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
02 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
03 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped
04 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
05 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
06 1 tablespoon lemon juice
07 1 teaspoon lemon zest
08 ½ teaspoon sea salt
09 ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Garnish

01 1 cup baby greens (arugula, spinach, or mixed spring greens)
02 Edible flowers, optional

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine zucchini, yellow squash, baby carrots, baby potatoes, red onion, asparagus tips, broccolini, and cleaned fiddlehead ferns.

Step 03

Season vegetables: Drizzle the vegetables with extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 04

Arrange and roast: Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 05

Roast vegetables: Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until vegetables are golden and tender.

Step 06

Add herbs and citrus: Remove the vegetables from the oven. Immediately toss with chopped parsley, chives, tarragon, dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

Step 07

Plate and garnish: Arrange roasted vegetables on a serving platter and top with baby greens and edible flowers if desired.

Step 08

Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tongs or spoon

Allergy Notes

Review ingredients for allergens and ask your provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains no common allergens; ensure fern tips are thoroughly cleaned and correctly identified.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Details are for general information and not a substitute for professional guidance.
  • Energy: 140
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Protein: 3 g