During warmer months, we love to make entire meals on the grill.
This Easy Grilled Asparagus recipe is simple and flavor packed! Tender spears of grilled asparagus by adding a touch of parmesan cheese and a squeeze of grilled fresh lemon.
Asparagus is a simple, elegant, and healthy side that is packed with flavor and great with almost any meal.
Easy Grilled Asparagus
- Although asparagus can be found year-round at most supermarkets, the spring and summer months are when asparagus is at its peak and generally on sale. And luckily, it is just in time for grilling season.
- Grilling veggies in the summer from grilled zucchini to mixed grilled vegetables adds a smoky flavor to any dish.
- One of the best things about asparagus is that it is quick to make. It certainly is a summertime treat, especially when it is perfectly grilled until tender-crisp, or steamed with a touch of butter.
Ingredients
ASPARAGUS Buy straight asparagus with a fresh green color and tight green (almost purplish) tips. Thick asparagus stalks tend to be a little woodier and a good portion of the stem will need to be removed, however, they are better for grilling as you can get nice char marks without overcooking them.
SEASONING Toss with a bit of extra virgin olive oil to help with grilling and to give the seasonings something to stick to. Asparagus spears are delicious on their own so we season simply with salt and black pepper.
FLAVORS A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and parmesan are all that is needed! Add the parmesan cheese as soon as the asparagus is off the grill while it’s still hot. This will help it stick.
Variations
- Add a little garlic or garlic powder to the asparagus.
- When removed from the grill, sprinkle with feta cheese while the asparagus is hot.
- Swap out the lemon for a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Garnish with toasted pine nuts, almonds or fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
Or try wrapping bundles in bacon or prosciutto and grilling, like in this Bacon Wrapped Asparagus recipe!
How to Grill Asparagus
Cook this asparagus on the grill in a matter of minutes!
Prepare the asparagus by rinsing and dabbing dry with a kitchen towel. Hold each end of the spear and bend to snap off the woody bottom. Asparagus spears do not need to be peeled.
- Preheat the grill and wash asparagus (per recipe below).
- Place asparagus & cut lemon on the grill. Cook just until fork tender.
- Remove from grill & sprinkle with parmesan.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice & serve.
While it is not required, a grill basket or a grilling mat makes for easy cooking of vegetables and smaller items to ensure they don’t slip through the grill grates. Asparagus can also be made into foil packs or cooked on a piece of foil right on the grill.
What to Serve with Asparagus
Grilled Asparagus is a summer treat, perfect alongside any BBQ chicken, Grilled Pork Chops, or even Grilled Lamb chops. It is also a superb side dish with a simple Teriyaki Salmon dish or Blackened Salmon Salad!
Tips for Great Asparagus
- While they can be directly grilled on the barbecue grate, they can certainly be cooked in a grill pan or tray or wrapped in foil.
- Store asparagus in a bag in the refrigerator with the ends wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep it fresh longer.
- When preparing asparagus, hold the bottom end with one hand and the middle of the stalk with the other end and snap off the bottom. The asparagus will naturally break where the woody section starts on the bottom, discard the bottom portion.
- To get a little bit of char without overcooking the asparagus, medium-high heat is best.
More Grilled Side Dishes
- Grilled Corn Salad – so fresh & colorful
- Easy Grilled Eggplant – just slice, grill, & serve!
- Grilled Zucchini – ready in 10 minutes
- Grilled Pineapple – side dish or dessert
- Grilled Potato Packets – only 3 ingredients
Did you make this Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Easy Grilled Asparagus (with Parmesan)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
- 1 lemon halved
- 3-4 tablespoons parmesan cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium high.
- Wash asparagus and break off the ends. Toss with olive oil & seasonings.
- Place lemon halves (cut side down) and asparagus directly on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes turning halfway through the cooking time.
- Remove lemon & asparagus from the grill and immediately top asparagus with parmesan cheese. Squeeze grilled lemon over top and serve warm.
Notes
- Thick asparagus spears are better for grilling as they can get a little bit of char without overcooking.
- While they can be directly grilled on the barbecue grate, they can certainly be cooked in a grill pan or tray or wrapped in foil.
- When preparing asparagus, hold the bottom end with one hand and the middle of the stalk with the other end and snap off the bottom. The asparagus will naturally break where the woody section starts on the bottom, discard the bottom portion.
- To get a little bit of char without overcooking the asparagus, medium-high heat is best.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
Like our recipes?
Follow us on Pinterest!
Excited to try this!
You can’t beat grilled asparagus – Looks delicious!
I agree, I love asparagus!
Such a great side! It would go well with so many things, and I love that you use lemon to keep it bright and fresh
Thank you Kim! Lemon (and cheese of course) make everything better!
Yum! I love asparagus. I roasted it all the time, but I’ve never grilled it. I need to try this!
Roasted is delish but I think grilled is my favorite!
It looks delicious and yummy. These ingredients are very healthy. I wanna try to make this and share our experience with you.
Looks so easy!!! I will have to try this Thanks!!