Light Herb Fern Roasted Vegetables

Featured in: Light Fresh Garden Bites

This dish features a colorful assortment of zucchini, yellow squash, baby carrots, potatoes, red onion, asparagus, broccolini, and fiddlehead fern tips, roasted to a golden tenderness. Fresh parsley, chives, tarragon, and dill brighten the medley, finished with lemon zest, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Served alongside baby greens and optional edible flowers, it offers a light, fresh side that highlights spring's woodland flavors. Preparation is simple, requiring only basic kitchen tools and a 50-minute total time.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 12:38:00 GMT
Golden-brown, roasted Light Herb & Fern-Inspired Vegetable Platter, bursting with fresh garden flavors for your table. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown, roasted Light Herb & Fern-Inspired Vegetable Platter, bursting with fresh garden flavors for your table. | mossbasil.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 dish quickly became a favorite in my home because it combines freshness with simplicity and a touch of wild green flavor that everyone loves.

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.
Plate:
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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| mossbasil.com

This platter brings family and friends together. The fresh crisp vegetables paired with herbs remind us of outdoor meals on spring afternoons.

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, featuring tender greens and foraged ferns, ready to serve warm. Save to Pinterest
Vibrant Light Herb & Fern-Inspired Roasted Vegetable Platter, featuring tender greens and foraged ferns, ready to serve warm. | mossbasil.com

Enjoy this fresh and vibrant roasted vegetable platter as a perfect side or light main. It brings the essence of spring to your table effortlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should fiddlehead ferns be prepared before cooking?

Blanch fiddlehead ferns 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 taste and availability.

What herbs complement the roasted vegetables?

Fresh parsley, chives, tarragon, and dill add delicate, fresh flavors that enhance the roasted vegetables.

How should the vegetables be arranged for roasting?

Spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet for even roasting and caramelization.

What is a suggested pairing for this vegetable platter?

A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc pairs well, balancing the fresh and earthy tones of the dish.

Light Herb Fern Roasted Vegetables

A fresh, vibrant medley of garden vegetables roasted with delicate herbs and fern tips for a spring-inspired side.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
30 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Created by Aiden Coleman


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Modern European

Makes 4 Portions

Special Diet Info Plant-Based, No Dairy, 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

Directions

Instruction 01

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

Instruction 02

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

Instruction 03

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

Instruction 04

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

Instruction 05

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

Instruction 06

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

Instruction 07

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

Gear Needed

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

Allergy Notice

Review all components for allergens and consult a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains no common allergens. Ensure proper identification and cleaning of foraged fern tips.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutritional details are for general reference and not a replacement for professional health advice.
  • Calorie Count: 140
  • Fat content: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 18 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams