Preheat oven to 425 degrees
Place asparagus on a sheet pan and drizzle with
olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper. Place in the oven and cook
until al dente (about 4 minutes, depending on asparagus' thickness).
Remove from the oven and cool. In a small bowl,
whisk together balsamic vinegar, garlic and olive oil. Season with salt
and black pepper.
If taking on a picnic, keep the dressing and
asparagus separate until serving. Just before serving, shake the
dressing to mix and pour it over the asparagus. Top with shaved
parmesan.