Light Herb Fern Roasted Vegetables

Featured in: Light Everyday Plates

This dish combines a selection of fresh garden vegetables—zucchini, squash, baby carrots, potatoes, red onion, asparagus, broccolini, and tender fern tips—roasted to golden perfection. Finished with chopped parsley, chives, tarragon, dill, lemon zest, juice, and a drizzle of olive oil, it delivers a vibrant spring flavor. Garnished with baby greens and edible flowers, it offers a fresh, elegant, light side option ideal for pairing with a dry white wine.

For best results, blanch fiddlehead ferns prior to roasting to remove bitterness. The vegetables roast evenly on parchment-lined sheets, tossed halfway through for tenderness. This dish suits vegetarian, gluten-free diets and brightens up any modern European-inspired meal.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:17:00 GMT
Golden-brown Light Herb & Fern-Inspired Roasted Vegetable Platter bursting with fresh herbs, a vibrant dish. Save Pin
Golden-brown Light Herb & Fern-Inspired Roasted Vegetable Platter bursting with fresh herbs, a vibrant dish. | frostedthyme.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 vegetable platter quickly became my go-to side dish for spring gatherings. The combination of herbs and roasted vegetables brings a delightful freshness every time I make it.

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 the 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 vegetables:
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.
Plate the dish:
Arrange roasted vegetables on a serving platter. Top with baby greens and edible flowers if using.
Serve:
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tender, roasted Light Herb & Fern-Inspired Vegetable Platter featuring seasonal vegetables with bright colors and aromas. Save Pin
Tender, roasted Light Herb & Fern-Inspired Vegetable Platter featuring seasonal vegetables with bright colors and aromas. | frostedthyme.com

My family always looks forward to this dish at spring dinners. It reminds us of walks through the forest and the freshness of the season.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains no common allergens. If using foraged fern tips, ensure correct identification and thorough cleaning.

Nutritional Information

Calories 140, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 18 g, Protein 3 g per serving

Vibrant Light Herb & Fern-Inspired Roasted Vegetable Platter, arranged with baby greens and edible flowers, ready to serve. Save Pin
Vibrant Light Herb & Fern-Inspired Roasted Vegetable Platter, arranged with baby greens and edible flowers, ready to serve. | frostedthyme.com

This roasted vegetable platter is a perfect, healthy side to complement any meal and impress your guests.

Questions & Answers

How should fern tips be prepared before roasting?

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

Can other vegetables be used in this medley?

Yes, seasonal vegetables like radishes or snap peas can be substituted to suit preference.

What herbs complement the roasted vegetables?

Fresh parsley, chives, tarragon, and dill provide a delicate, fresh flavor that enhances the vegetables.

How are the vegetables seasoned?

The medley is drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with sea salt and black pepper, and finished with lemon zest and juice.

What is the ideal serving suggestion?

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

Which wines pair well with this dish?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the fresh, herbal flavors beautifully.

Light Herb Fern Roasted Vegetables

Fresh garden vegetables roasted with herbs and fern tips, accented by lemon and tender greens.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
30 minutes
All-In Time
50 minutes
By Frosted Thyme Madison Kelly


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Modern European

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Vegan-Friendly, No Dairy, Gluten-Free

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

Directions

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 olive oil, then sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly.

Step 04

Arrange for Roasting: Spread the vegetables evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Mix with Herbs and Citrus: Remove the vegetables from the oven and immediately toss them with chopped parsley, chives, tarragon, dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

Step 07

Serve: Arrange the roasted vegetables on a serving platter. Garnish with baby greens and edible flowers if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tools Needed

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

Allergen Details

Always check each item for allergens and ask a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains no common allergens. Ensure proper cleaning of foraged fern tips.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

For reference only—please ask a healthcare professional if you need tailored advice.
  • Calorie Count: 140
  • Fat content: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 3 g