Description
This vibrant and simple recipe for Grilled Asparagus with Lemon and Feta is perfect for a quick, healthy side dish. Fresh asparagus spears are seasoned, grilled to tender-crisp perfection, and finished with bright lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and tangy crumbled feta cheese, making it a flavorful and nutritious addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds fresh asparagus (trimmed)
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 clove garlic (minced, optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Citrus
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Dairy
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F, to ensure it is ready for perfect grilling.
- Prepare the Asparagus: Trim the woody ends from the asparagus by snapping or cutting off about 1–2 inches from the bottom to remove the tough parts.
- Season: Place the asparagus on a large tray and drizzle them with olive oil. Toss well to coat evenly. Sprinkle with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and add minced garlic if using for added flavor.
- Grill: Arrange the asparagus perpendicular to the grill grates or place them in a grill basket to prevent slipping through. Grill for 6–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and have light char marks.
- Add Lemon: Once removed from the grill, immediately sprinkle the asparagus with fresh lemon zest and drizzle with fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Finish with Feta: Top the warm asparagus with crumbled feta cheese and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best taste.
Notes
- For even cooking, try to select asparagus spears that are similar in thickness.
- You can use a grill basket to prevent the asparagus from falling through the grates.
- Adjust grilling time based on the thickness of the asparagus; slimmer spears require less time.
- Optional garlic and red pepper flakes add extra flavor but can be omitted for a milder dish.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: grilled asparagus, lemon asparagus, feta cheese asparagus, easy side dish, healthy grilled vegetables, Mediterranean side, vegetarian asparagus recipe
