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Fresh Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan and Lemon Zest

fresh grilled asparagus - featured image

A quick and easy summer side dish featuring tender grilled asparagus topped with salty Parmesan cheese and bright lemon zest, perfect for BBQs and casual meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh asparagus (preferably thick stalks)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • Zest of 1 medium lemon
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound of fresh asparagus under cold water and pat dry. Snap or trim off the woody ends (about 1 to 2 inches).
  2. Place asparagus in a large bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle ½ teaspoon sea salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  4. Arrange asparagus in a single layer inside a grill basket or thread onto skewers. Grill for 4-6 minutes, turning every 2 minutes for even char marks, until tender-crisp.
  5. Transfer asparagus to a serving plate while still hot. Immediately sprinkle ¼ cup grated Parmesan evenly over the spears to melt slightly.
  6. Zest 1 medium lemon directly over the asparagus and Parmesan.
  7. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  8. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Use thicker asparagus stalks for best grilling results. If asparagus sticks to the grill, brush grates with oil before heating or use a well-seasoned grill basket. For a dairy-free or vegan option, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese alternative. If no grill is available, use a grill pan or roast in the oven at 425°F for 10-12 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled asparagus, Parmesan, lemon zest, summer side dish, BBQ side, easy asparagus recipe, healthy side, vegetarian