Light Herb Fern Roasted Vegetables

Featured in: Light Forest-Inspired Bowls

This dish celebrates spring with a colorful mix of zucchini, squash, baby carrots, potatoes, and tender fern tips roasted to golden perfection. Fresh parsley, chives, tarragon, and dill complement the vegetables, enhanced by lemon zest and juice for brightness. Served atop baby greens and edible flowers, this platter offers an elegant woodland touch that pairs beautifully with light grains or a crisp white wine. Preparation is simple, with roasting and fresh herb finishing bringing depth and freshness to each bite.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:40:00 GMT
Golden roasted light herb and fern-inspired vegetable platter, tossed with fresh herbs, ready to serve warm. Pin It
Golden roasted light herb and fern-inspired vegetable platter, tossed with fresh herbs, ready to serve warm. | birchoven.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 has become a favorite in my home for bringing fresh garden flavors to the table with minimal effort.

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
  • 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:
Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil then sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper Toss to coat evenly
Arrange:
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
A vibrant light herb and fern-inspired vegetable platter, showcasing tender, golden roasted seasonal veggies. Pin It
A vibrant light herb and fern-inspired vegetable platter, showcasing tender, golden roasted seasonal veggies. | birchoven.com

Gathering around this platter always brings back memories of springtime meals shared with family.

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

Imagine a beautiful light herb and fern-inspired roasted vegetable platter, a colorful and healthy side dish. Pin It
Imagine a beautiful light herb and fern-inspired roasted vegetable platter, a colorful and healthy side dish. | birchoven.com

This roasted vegetable platter is sure to brighten any meal with its fresh flavors and beautiful presentation.

Recipe Questions & Answers

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 substituted in this dish?

Yes, seasonal vegetables like radishes or snap peas can be used to suit your taste or availability.

What herbs are best to complement roasted vegetables?

Fresh parsley, chives, tarragon, and dill add brightness and earthiness that enhance roasted vegetable flavors.

What oven temperature is ideal for roasting these vegetables?

Roast at 425°F (220°C) to achieve golden, tender vegetables with a slight caramelization.

How can this dish be served for a main course?

Serve the roasted vegetable platter atop grains like quinoa or couscous for a light yet satisfying meal.

Which wine pairs well with these roasted vegetables?

A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc complements the fresh herbs and roasted flavors nicely.

Light Herb Fern Roasted Vegetables

A fresh medley of garden vegetables roasted with delicate herbs and finished with tender fern tips and greens.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Published by Zoey Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Modern European

Servings Yielded 4 Total Servings

Dietary Information Plant-Based, Free from 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 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
09 1/4 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: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss together zucchini, squash, baby carrots, baby potatoes, red onion, asparagus tips, broccolini, and cleaned fern tips.

Step 03

Season Vegetables: Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables, then season with sea salt and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Plate and Garnish: Transfer roasted vegetables onto a serving platter. Top with baby greens and optional edible flowers.

Step 08

Serve: Serve the dish warm or at room temperature.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Please double-check ingredients for allergens and reach out to your healthcare provider if uncertain.
  • Contains no common allergens; ensure fern tips are properly identified and cleaned.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

These nutrition estimates are for general reference only—always consult your doctor for specific advice.
  • Kcal: 140
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 3 g