Light Herb Fern Roasted Vegetables

Featured in: Weekend Gentle-Flavored Treats

This dish features a colorful mix of zucchini, squash, carrots, potatoes, red onion, asparagus, broccolini, and delicate fern tips, all roasted to tender perfection. Fresh parsley, chives, tarragon, and dill are tossed in alongside lemon zest and juice to brighten the flavors. Finished with baby greens and optional edible flowers, it brings a fresh, woodland-inspired touch that pairs beautifully with lighter meals or dry white wine.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:33:00 GMT
Golden-brown, roasted Light Herb & Fern-Inspired Vegetable Platter featuring fresh herbs and earthy fern texture. Pin it
Golden-brown, roasted Light Herb & Fern-Inspired Vegetable Platter featuring fresh herbs and earthy fern texture. | plumcrescent.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 roasted vegetable platter has become a favorite spring side for our family gatherings. The blend of herbs and the unique addition of fern tips always impress guests.

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

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Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare 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.
Finish with Herbs:
Remove from the oven. Immediately toss with chopped herbs lemon zest and lemon juice.
Garnish:
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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Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.
Check price on Amazon
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Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.
Check price on Amazon
Pin it
| plumcrescent.com

Our family loves gathering around this platter during spring celebrations it not only looks beautiful on the table but brings everyone together over fresh tastes from the garden.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this vegetable platter as a side or atop grains for a light main course. It pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the texture of the vegetables.

Variations

Try adding seasonal vegetables like radishes or snap peas for variation. Experiment with different fresh herbs to suit your taste preferences.

Vibrant Light Herb & Fern-Inspired Vegetable Platter, showcasing colorful roasted veggies and a bright, lemony flavor. Pin it
Vibrant Light Herb & Fern-Inspired Vegetable Platter, showcasing colorful roasted veggies and a bright, lemony flavor. | plumcrescent.com
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This roasted vegetable platter is the perfect fresh and elegant addition to your spring table enjoy the seasonal flavors and vibrant colors.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What are fiddlehead ferns and how should they be prepared?

Fiddlehead ferns are young, curled fern tips with a delicate, slightly nutty flavor. They should be thoroughly cleaned and blanched in boiling water for 2 minutes before roasting to remove bitterness and ensure safety.

Can I substitute other vegetables for those listed?

Yes, seasonal vegetables like radishes, snap peas, or other mild-flavored produce can be used as alternatives, depending on availability and preference.

How do the fresh herbs affect the flavor?

Fresh parsley, chives, tarragon, and dill add bright, aromatic notes that complement the roasted vegetables and enhance the overall freshness of the dish.

What is the best way to serve this vegetable platter?

This dish can be served warm or at room temperature as a side or paired with grains for a light main course. It also pairs well with dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc.

Are there any allergen concerns with this dish?

There are no common allergens present. However, ensure fiddlehead ferns are properly cleaned and identified if foraged.

Light Herb Fern Roasted Vegetables

Vibrant roasted garden vegetables tossed with fresh herbs and tender fern tips, perfect for spring.

Prep time
20 minutes
Time to cook
30 minutes
Overall time
50 minutes
Created by Avery Hayes


Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Modern European

Total made 4 Portions

Dietary details Vegetarian-friendly, No dairy, No gluten

Ingredient list

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

Garnish

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

How-to

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare sheet: 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, carrots, baby potatoes, red onion, asparagus tips, broccolini, and cleaned fern tips.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Arrange for roasting: 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 turn golden and become tender.

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy warnings

Review all ingredients for allergy risks and speak with your healthcare provider if you're concerned.
  • Contains no common allergens.
  • Ensure correct identification and thorough cleaning of foraged fern tips.

Nutrition details (per portion)

These details are for reference and shouldn't replace healthcare advice.
  • Calorie count: 140
  • Fat content: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 18 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams