If you ask me what’s one vegetable I can eat for the rest of my life — I can confidently say asparagus, and I’ll tell you why.
For one reason, I think asparagus is one of the most versatile vegetables out there, which is why it’s a popular side dish among local cuisines around the world.
For another, it has notes of sweetness that can add nuanced flavors to any meal. On top of these, asparagus is packed with nutrients that give you incredible health benefits, such as:
- Asparagus is a prebiotic, which means it can help improve your gut health.
- Asparagus can ease hangovers because of its fiber and flavonoid content.
- Asparagus contains high levels of folate, which is great for pregnancy.
- Asparagus has vitamins C and E to relieve inflammation.
If these are not enough, here’s another little tidbit that can change your mind: asparagus is one of the easiest vegetables to work with, making experimentation in the kitchen a whole lot more fun.
From simple yet flavorful marinades to creative twists on classic dishes, here are my top 12 grilled asparagus recipes you can try at home.
1. Classic Grilled Asparagus in Foil
Let’s start with the basics — the classic grilled asparagus in foil. This recipe is simplicity at its finest, because it allows the natural flavors of the vegetable to shine with minimal effort.
To start, trim the woody ends off the asparagus stems, then toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Once everything is coated, grill your veggies on foil over medium heat for around five to seven minutes.
Turn your asparagus occasionally to avoid burning. You’ll know when they’re perfectly grilled when they are tender and slightly charred.
After cooking, squeeze fresh lemon juice on your asparagus to add a hint of tanginess, then serve as a side dish or appetizer.
2. Garlic Parmesan Grilled Asparagus
If you want to take your grilled asparagus a step further, try this irresistible garlic parmesan variation.
In a large bowl, add olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and — the star of the show — parmesan cheese.
After your flavorful mixture is well-incorporated, toss the asparagus spears until evenly coated and grill as usual. The garlic infuses the asparagus with aromatic goodness, while the parmesan adds a creamy, cheesy finish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
3. Balsamic Glazed Grilled Asparagus
For the perfect balance of sweet and tarte, try this balsamic glazed grilled asparagus recipe.
First, make the marinade by whisking together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Then, let the asparagus soak in this mixture for a minimum of 30 minutes. This step helps the asparagus absorb as much flavor as possible.
After which, transfer your marinated asparagus on the grill over low to medium heat. Once everything is cooked to perfection, enjoy an explosion of flavors with every bite.
4. Prosciutto-Wrapped Grilled Asparagus
Now, if you’re a meat-lover like me, you may feel like grilled asparagus on its own is not enough. If that’s the case, try this prosciutto-wrapped grilled asparagus variation.
Start by laying out both of your ingredients on your work surface. Then, wrap each asparagus stem with a slice of prosciutto. If you need added support, you can secure your wrapped veggie with a toothpick.
After you’ve secured every stem, you know the drill: it’s time to grill. Generally, this will take anywhere from five to seven minutes, but keep a close eye on your grill to avoid overcooking your vegetables.
When you’re happy with the color and texture of your dish, it’s time to give it a try.
You’ll notice that the saltiness of the prosciutto complements the earthy flavor of the asparagus, making both ingredients a match made in heaven.
5. Grilled Asparagus Salad With Lemon and Feta Vinaigrette
Eating asparagus straight out of the grill is already delicious in itself, but have you ever considered consuming this vegetable a different way? How about pre-grilling your asparagus to use in your salad?
Having a plate of refreshing salad is one of my favorite ways to enjoy grilled asparagus, especially on a hot summer day. Here’s how you can make grilled asparagus salad with feta and lemon vinaigrette at home.
Simply toss your pre-grilled asparagus with mixed greens, crumbled feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a homemade lemon vinaigrette in a large wooden bowl.
You can even go outside the box and add other salad staples, such as avocado, fresh (or canned) corn kernels, apple slices, and so much more.
But, if you’re not really a big salad fan, I suggest sticking to the main ingredients: lemon and feta grilled asparagus. These are enough to give you a punch of flavor without the unnecessary fluff.
At the end of the day, this is your grilled asparagus salad, so feel free to customize it anyway you like.
6. Grilled Asparagus and Mushrooms Risotto
Believe me, the first time I made risotto, I was intimidated, but I realized that it wasn’t as difficult as I initially thought.
After getting the hang of it, I decided to add some grilled asparagus and mushrooms to my risotto, and it worked. So, if you want to grab my recipe, start by grilling the asparagus and mushrooms.
Next, prepare your risotto base. If you don’t want to do it from scratch, there are boxed risottos you can buy from the grocery store. This will make the recipe a whole lot easier.
Once your risotto is cooked, stir in the grilled vegetables along with some grated parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Of course, the parmesan and lemon juice are optional, but I highly recommend it if you want added sharpness and zest in your dish.
7. Grilled Asparagus and Goat Cheese Flatbread
If you’re planning a pizza night with your friends any time soon, try this healthy alternative: gourmet grilled asparagus and goat cheese flatbread.
To make this, start by grilling the asparagus as usual, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
Meanwhile, spread olive oil and minced garlic on your store-bought or homemade pizza dough, then top with grilled asparagus, crumbled goat cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme. Simple, right?
But be warned, after you’ve had a bite of this delight, you may not want to go back to your regular frozen pizza.
8. Grilled Asparagus Wrapped in Bacon
You can never go wrong with bacon, even if — or rather, especially if — you combine it with grilled asparagus. This dish is similar to the prosciutto-wrapped grilled asparagus recipe I shared earlier.
So, all you have to do to make this dish is to wrap your asparagus with bacon strips before grilling. You’ll know when it’s done cooking when you can smell the aroma of bacon wafting through your kitchen.
9. Pesto Asparagus Pasta
Now that summer is fast-approaching, it’s the perfect time to whip out some summer-friendly recipes, and I have the perfect one just for you. I call it pesto asparagus pasta.
If you want to give this a go, first grill the asparagus, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
On a separate pot, cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions, then toss it with either homemade or store-bought pesto sauce.
Before mixing the sauce with the pasta, fold in the grilled asparagus, along with some halved cherry tomatoes and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Once all the ingredients are in one pot, stir until everything is well-incorporated. As much as possible, try not to leave the pasta on the stove for too long. You may end up making the entire dish dry.
When you’re happy with the texture and flavor of your pasta, wait for it to cool down a bit, then serve. It’s a perfect meal for a summer picnic by the park or just a healthy, green lunch at home.
10. Avocado Toast With Grilled Asparagus
If you’re looking to up your breakfast or brunch game, this trendy grilled asparagus and avocado toast might just do the trick.
It’s simple: grill the asparagus per usual, then slice into bite-sized chunks. Set it aside for a while as you mash ripe avocado onto your toasted bread.
With the base of your toast prepped, top it off with the grilled asparagus you set aside, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a breakfast or snack that’s both nutritious and delicious.
And, if you want to add more protein into your diet, feel free to make poached eggs on the side. This will make everything 100x more delicious (and nutritious)!
11. Quinoa Asparagus Salad
Speaking of healthy meals, this grilled asparagus and quinoa salad is a must-try for those who want to improve their diet. This recipe is easy, effortless, and quick, so here’s what you need to do.
Follow the cooking instructions of your packed quinoa, then toss the grilled asparagus on top.
To infuse more nutrients and flavor to your meal, feel free to mix some diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and a homemade lemon vinaigrette.
This colorful and nutrient-packed salad is perfect for meal prep or a light lunch or dinner option for any day of the week.
12. Chicken Caesar Salad With Grilled Asparagus
Saving my favorite for last, I want to share with you my go-to asparagus recipe: the chicken caesar salad with grilled asparagus.
Among all the recipes I’ve shared, this may be the most time-consuming, but trust me, it’s all worth it.
The first step is to cut your chicken breasts into thin slices and grill until well-done with salt and pepper, then set aside.
In a separate bowl, toss your chopped romaine lettuce with your chosen caesar dressing, then top with the grilled asparagus, sliced chicken, croutons, and shaved parmesan cheese.
If you prefer, you can serve it as is or add lemon wedges on the side for a more complex flavor profile. I’m telling you, this grilled twist on a classic and well-loved salad is sure to become a new favorite.
Experiment in the Kitchen With These Grilled Asparagus Recipes
It doesn’t have to be hard to make vegetables delicious, and this list is proof of that. With something as simple as asparagus, you can make 12 different recipes. All of which are beginner-friendly and simple to do.
I hope you get the chance to try at least one of my suggested dishes. These have been on rotation in my monthly menu calendar, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with.
Feel free to add your personal spin on any of these recipes, and let me know which ones become your favorite.
Until then, happy cooking, and happy healthy eating!
