It takes just 10 minutes to get tender grilled asparagus with a salty crispy-crunchy edge. The parmesan and lemon add the perfect flavor. Enjoy this simple tasty side dish served with any grilled meat, on the side of your breakfast omelet, or toss some into your salad!
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An Easy Grilled Side Dish
This grilled asparagus recipe with parmesan makes a great BBQ side dish throughout the grilling season. When I’m making any type of grilled vegetables or vegetable skewers, it’s usually to go alongside a main, whether it’s grilled salmon, grilled chicken, steaks, or hamburgers.
It’s a simple toss in oil, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper and the grill does the rest. They’re a bit smoky and sweet with crispy-crunchy caramelized edges and a tender juicy inside. My kids love when I add a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkling of parmesan to add a citrusy, salty, yummy finish.
Cooking asparagus on the grill is super low maintenance and still ends up being one of the best-tasting vegetables. They’re a great option for a casual family dinner but also work for fancier occasions, maybe level up with grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus or top with a balsamic glaze. It’s a versatile summer side dish that can be used to complete any meal!
Ingredients Needed
The fresh asparagus is the star of the show in this recipe, so there’s no need to overpower its delicious taste with a ton of extra ingredients. With a simple mix of oil, lemon, and parmesan, it’s the perfect way to let the flavors of the grilled asparagus shine through.
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Asparagus: Look for fresh bright green asparagus spears. Don’t get them too skinny, or they’ll burn too fast.
- Olive oil: I love to use a good extra-virgin olive oil (Kirkland brand is my go-to).
- Lemon: Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the top adds the perfect flavor.
- Parmesan: Sprinkling on some freshly grated parmesan takes these over the top. You could also use feta if desired.
Variations
Make this grilled asparagus recipe as simple or as complex as you’d like. Stick with the simple mix of oil, lemon, and parmesan, or add in extra seasonings like garlic powder, dill, or your favorite fresh herbs.
It would also taste delicious sprinkled with feta cheese, pine nuts, and slivered almonds or serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for some added sweetness.
How to Grill Asparagus
Made in less than 15 minutes, you’ll be cooking asparagus on the grill all summer long! It’s so simple and even more delicious. Simply snap or cut your asparagus, season and throw it on the grill. A quick and easy side dish that is healthy and delicious in every bite!
- Prep: Make sure to wash the asparagus before cooking it. You can wash it before or after trimming, as long as you dry it before it hits the grill. If you add wet asparagus to the grill, you’ll steam it and it will get mushy rather than crispy.
- Trim: To snap them, Grab both ends of the asparagus (1 or 2 at a time) and gently bend it until it naturally snaps. It should be about 1/3 of the way from the bottom (the thicker part of the stem) where the woody part ends and the tender stalk begins. You can also use a sharp knife to cut the bottom off.
- Toss: Combine the olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl and toss the asparagus until combined.
- Grill: Place in a grill pan or directly on a preheated grill. Cook for about 7 minutes or until crisp with those beautiful char marks!
Cooking Tips
Follow these helpful tips to ensure your grilled asparagus are perfect every time! Making sure the grill is clean, trimming the asparagus, and using the right cooking time are all great ways to make sure you have the best-grilled asparagus!
- Clean grill. Make sure to clean your grill before you place the asparagus on.
- Even trim. When serving a crowd, once you’ve snapped off the ends, line them up and give them an even trim. Just for the sake of presentation! Trimming off the woody ends of the asparagus will also help with flavor and texture.
- Thick stalks. Bundles come in a variety of sizes. Aim for thicker stalks that way they will stay crispier and withstand the heat. You’ll also have less of a chance they’ll fall through the grate.
- Assembling. Place them down horizontally and crosswise against the grate.
- Foil. If you’re afraid of losing thinner stalks to the BBQ black hole, use a foil packet made out of aluminum foil or a grill basket. Place the thick asparagus spears (and really any other veggies you would like) toss them in oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Cooking time. How long to grill asparagus will depend on your grill, how many you are grilling, and how thick they are. A general rule of thumb is about 10 minutes, flipping once, or until they’re tender yet crispy.
Asparagus in Oven
If you would prefer to make roasted asparagus in the oven instead of on the grill, simply prepare and season as directed, then bake on a baking sheet at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes.
Ways to Serve Grilled Asparagus
We love to grill our asparagus for that delicious smoky flavor and ease! It is super easy to grill and make as a side dish, add to other meals, or dip it in a delicious sauce. All these combinations and variations are easy to do!
- On the side: Serve alongside a nice juicy steak, grilled salmon, grilled chicken, or steak kabobs. Serve with an egg white omelette for brunch.
- Add it in. Cut, chop, or slice these asparagus spears to add extra flavor to this Strawberry spinach salad, asparagus pasta or your morning scrambled eggs.
- Dipped in: Elevate the flavor by dipping in garlic aioli or a creamy ranch dressing.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, simply place the stalks in the foil like I do with my potatoes on the grill recipe. Then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with the salt and pepper on top. Then fold in the edges tightly and place directly on the grill.
Anywhere from 5-8 minutes. It will depend on how thick your stalks are and what type of grill you are using.
You can use the fork test. Simply place the fork into the middle and it should be fork-tender. The ends should also be lightly crisp.
Yes, you can. I typically do not blanch mine to save time, but if I’m serving them for a crowd I will.
If you’d like to blanch them bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the asparagus for about 3 minutes. This process helps precook them so you don’t burn them on the grill and makes them a bright green color.
If you overcook the asparagus it can become soggy. Also, make sure not to add too much olive oil or that could make them softer as well.
Storing & Reheating Grilled Asparagus
Make your leftover asparagus a part of your week with meal prep or an extra side dish for all your meals. It is simple to store and reheat perfectly. You will love this side dish all week long!
- To Store: Keep grilled asparagus in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- To Reheat: For a quick reheat, you can pop them in the microwave. They will be soft and wilted most likely this way. For best results, and to crisp them up a bit, use an air fryer or an oven at medium-high heat or 300°F for 5 minutes.
5 star review
“This is really easy to follow, loved this grilled asparagus recipe! It’s really tasty and very flavorful! Will surely have this again! Highly recommended!”
-Allyssa
Need more asparagus recipes?! Try this roasted asparagus or sheet pan salmon dinner for a complete meal.
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Grilled Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus , washed
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ lemon
- freshly grated parmesan , to taste
Instructions
- Clean your grill and preheat to 350°F.
- Trim the bottom 2 to 3 inches of the asparagus by snapping the ends off or cutting them with a knife.
- Place the asparagus in a bowl. Add the olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss until combined.
- Transfer on the grill grates using tongs. Make sure they are in an even layer horizontally on the grill grates. Close the grill lid and cook for 4 minutes. Flip and cook an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until they have grill marks and are slightly crisp.
- Transfer to a serving platter. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and add freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve while warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 4th of July, 5 Ingredients Or Less, American, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Grilling, Low Carb, Nut-Free, Side Dishes, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian, Whole 30
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
I’ve added this side dish to our Thanksgiving dinner for the last 2 years and there’s none left every time. My son requested it the other day and I told him yes it’ll be for Thanksgiving and he said “no, for dinner tonight” lol. How many kids do you know that like asparagus?
This is really easy to follow, loved this grilled asparagus recipe! It’s really tasty and very flavorful! Will surely have this again! Highly recommended!
So happy to hear you enjoyed it, Allyssa :)
This is such a fun summer side. Grilling vegetables gives them such great flavor!
Agreed! Glad you enjoyed the recipe, Katie :)
We love asparagus but never thought about grilling them, will definitely try your version. Thank you for sharing.
You are so welcome! Enjoy :)
One of my favorite ways to eat asparagus. Lovely recipe. Easy and looks delicious. I will give it a try.
The directions were really easy to follow. This was a big hit.