Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Grilled Asparagus Salad is packed with fresh, vibrant flavors that come together effortlessly. The smokiness from the grilled asparagus contrasts beautifully with the creamy, salty feta, while the zesty lemon dressing adds a bright, tangy kick. The combination of textures—from the tender asparagus to the crunchy pine nuts—keeps every bite exciting. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for warm weather and pairs beautifully with just about any main course.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for dressing)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp honey (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Place the asparagus on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until tender and slightly charred.
- While the asparagus is grilling, prepare the dressing by whisking together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Once the asparagus is grilled, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces.
- Arrange the grilled asparagus on a platter or in a large bowl. Top with crumbled feta, sliced red onion, toasted pine nuts (if using), and a drizzle of the lemon dressing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Swap: If you’re not a fan of feta, you can swap it for goat cheese or ricotta salata for a different flavor.
- Nuts: For extra crunch, you can use toasted almonds or sunflower seeds instead of pine nuts.
- Grilled Onions: Grill the red onion briefly alongside the asparagus to add a more intense grilled flavor to the dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: This salad is delicious both warm and cold. If you prefer to serve it warm, gently reheat the asparagus in a pan for a few minutes or on the grill for a brief time.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen asparagus for this salad?
Fresh asparagus works best for grilling, but if frozen is all you have, be sure to thaw it first and pat it dry before grilling.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time. Prepare it and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight for the flavors to meld.
3. What other cheeses can I use instead of feta?
Goat cheese or ricotta salata are great substitutes for feta, giving the salad a creamier or slightly firmer texture.
4. Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers would be great additions to this salad.
5. How can I make this salad spicier?
To add a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top or add a few slices of fresh chili to the dressing.
6. Can I use a grill pan for this recipe instead of an outdoor grill?
Yes, a grill pan works perfectly if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
7. Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese and opt for a plant-based cheese or skip it entirely.
8. Can I substitute the Dijon mustard in the dressing?
Yes, you can substitute Dijon mustard with whole grain mustard or even a little bit of honey mustard for a milder taste.
9. How long can I keep leftover grilled asparagus in the fridge?
Grilled asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
10. Can I add more protein to this salad?
You can easily add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to this salad for a more substantial meal.
Conclusion
Grilled Asparagus Salad with Feta and Lemon is a fresh, simple, and delicious dish that brings out the best of spring and summer flavors. With its smoky asparagus, creamy feta, and tangy lemon dressing, it’s a perfect addition to any meal or a light standalone dish. Whether you serve it warm or cold, this salad is sure to impress with its delightful combination of textures and flavors. Enjoy it as a side dish or a light meal on its own!
Grilled Asparagus Salad with Feta & Lemon
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grilled Asparagus Salad with Feta and Lemon is a light and refreshing dish, perfect for spring and summer. Smoky grilled asparagus pairs with tangy feta and a zesty lemon dressing, creating a vibrant, flavorful salad that’s both simple and elegant.
Ingredients
1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil (for dressing)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp honey (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Place the asparagus on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until tender and slightly charred.
- While the asparagus is grilling, prepare the dressing by whisking together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Once the asparagus is grilled, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces.
- Arrange the grilled asparagus on a platter or in a large bowl. Top with crumbled feta, sliced red onion, toasted pine nuts (if using), and a drizzle of the lemon dressing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Notes
Fresh asparagus is ideal, but you can use thawed frozen asparagus if needed.
For extra crunch, use toasted almonds or sunflower seeds instead of pine nuts.
This salad can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for a few hours for the flavors to meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
