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Grilled tilapia with wild rice and roasted vegetables – best healthy sides for tilapia
Elle

Lemon Garlic Tilapia with Roasted Asparagus and Quinoa

This lemon garlic tilapia recipe is light, flaky, and packed with flavor. It's the perfect answer to what to serve with tilapia — combining roasted asparagus and quinoa for a healthy, satisfying dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. A go-to for busy weeknights or clean eating goals!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tilapia fillets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lemon juiced and zested
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 cup quinoa rinsed
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 bunch asparagus trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for asparagus
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt for asparagus
  • Optional: fresh dill or chopped cilantro for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place tilapia on a separate baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and rub with garlic, lemon juice, zest, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bake tilapia for 12–15 minutes until flaky and opaque.
  4. Meanwhile, toss asparagus with olive oil and sea salt, roast for 12 minutes until tender.
  5. Bring quinoa and water (or broth) to a boil in a saucepan, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 15 minutes until fluffy.
  6. Serve tilapia with quinoa and asparagus, garnish with fresh herbs.
  7. This dish answers what to serve with tilapia and makes an easy, healthy dinner choice.

Notes

  • Use vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor in quinoa
  • Swap asparagus with broccoli or green beans if desired
  • Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free and low in calories
  • Try using fresh herbs like dill or cilantro to enhance the flavors