Light Herb Fern Roasted Vegetables

Featured in: Light Fresh Bowls & Salads

This dish highlights a fresh assortment of zucchini, squash, carrots, potatoes, and foraged fern tips, all gently roasted to tender perfection. Enhanced by fragrant herbs like parsley, chives, tarragon, and dill, the vegetables are finished with a splash of lemon and a sprinkle of baby greens. The subtle earthiness of fern tips adds a woodland touch, making this platter an elegant spring accompaniment. Blanch fern tips beforehand to ensure mildness and safety. Serve warm or at room temperature for a light, vibrant experience.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:00:00 GMT
Golden-brown Light Herb & Fern-Inspired Roasted Vegetable Platter bursting with fresh herbs, ready to serve. Save on Pinterest
Golden-brown Light Herb & Fern-Inspired Roasted Vegetable Platter bursting with fresh herbs, ready to serve. | lemoncairn.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 was inspired by a spring walk in the forest picking fresh fern tips and herbs that complement roasted vegetables perfectly.

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 Vegetables:
Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast Vegetables:
Roast for 2030 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.
Serve:
Arrange roasted vegetables on a serving platter Top with baby greens and edible flowers if using Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tender, colorful Light Herb & Fern-Inspired Roasted Vegetable Platter, a healthy, flavorful side dish. Save on Pinterest
Tender, colorful Light Herb & Fern-Inspired Roasted Vegetable Platter, a healthy, flavorful side dish. | lemoncairn.com

This roasted vegetable platter is perfect for family gatherings as it brings wholesome flavors to the table everyone enjoys.

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

Delicious Light Herb & Fern-Inspired Roasted Vegetable Platter featuring seasonal vegetables, dressed with vibrant herbs. Save on Pinterest
Delicious Light Herb & Fern-Inspired Roasted Vegetable Platter featuring seasonal vegetables, dressed with vibrant herbs. | lemoncairn.com

This roasted vegetable platter brings spring to your plate fresh vibrant and full of flavor.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How should I prepare fiddlehead fern tips?

Blanch fiddlehead fern tips in boiling water for 2 minutes before roasting to reduce bitterness and ensure they are safe to eat.

Can I substitute other vegetables?

Yes, seasonal vegetables like radishes or snap peas can be swapped in for variety without losing the dish's fresh profile.

What herbs complement these roasted vegetables?

Fresh parsley, chives, tarragon, and dill provide a delicate herbal note that pairs beautifully with the roasted vegetables.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Absolutely, this vegetable platter contains no gluten ingredients, making it a safe choice for gluten-free diets.

How can I serve this dish?

Serve the roasted vegetables warm or at room temperature, topped with baby greens and edible flowers for an elegant presentation.

What beverage pairs well with this platter?

A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the fresh and earthy flavors of the roasted vegetables and herbs.

Light Herb Fern Roasted Vegetables

Garden vegetables roasted with fresh herbs and delicate fern tips for a bright, flavorful dish.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Overall Time
50 min


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Modern European

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary details Plant-Based, Milk-Free, No Gluten

What You 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 Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, mix zucchini, yellow squash, baby carrots, baby potatoes, red onion, asparagus tips, broccolini, and fiddlehead ferns.

Step 03

Season Vegetables: Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle sea salt and black pepper, then toss to coat evenly.

Step 04

Arrange and Roast: Spread vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and tender.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Plate and Garnish: Arrange roasted vegetables on a platter. Top with baby greens and, if desired, edible flowers.

Step 07

Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Alerts

Review ingredients for allergens and contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
  • Contains no common allergens.
  • Ensure correct identification and thorough cleaning of foraged fern tips.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Nutritional content is for informational use and is not a substitute for healthcare advice.
  • Calorie Count: 140
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 3 g