A delightful side dish featuring tender asparagus, a zesty lemon herb dressing, and crunchy toasted almonds.
Prepare the asparagus by snapping off the tough ends and peeling the stalks if desired.
Snapping the ends off ensures you only use the tender parts of the asparagus.
Steam the asparagus in a steaming rack over boiling water until crisp-tender, about 4-5 minutes.
Avoid overcooking to maintain the vibrant green color and crisp texture.
Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even toasting.
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano in a bowl to make the dressing.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
Arrange the steamed asparagus on a serving platter and drizzle with the prepared dressing.
Ensure the asparagus is evenly coated with the dressing for consistent flavor.
Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the dressed asparagus and serve.
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.