Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest

Looking for a simple yet elegant side dish that’s both healthy and delicious? This Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest is my go-to recipe when I want to add a bright, fresh element to any meal. The natural sweetness of asparagus pairs beautifully with citrusy notes, while grilling adds that irresistible smoky char that transforms this humble vegetable into something spectacular.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large lemon (for zest and juice)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on your stovetop.
2. Wash the asparagus and snap off the woody ends. They’ll naturally break at the right spot when you bend them.
3. Place the asparagus in a large, shallow dish. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and add minced garlic if using. Toss again to distribute the seasonings.
5. Place the asparagus spears perpendicular to the grill grates to prevent them from falling through. Grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender-crisp with nice char marks.
6. Transfer to a serving plate and immediately zest the lemon over the hot asparagus. Squeeze half the lemon’s juice over the spears.

Cook Time and Serving Size

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
Total Time: 10-12 minutes
Servings: 4

Recipe Notes

For the best results, choose asparagus spears of similar thickness to ensure even cooking. Look for bright green stalks with tight, compact tips. If your asparagus is particularly thick, consider peeling the bottom third of each stalk for more tender results.

To prevent the asparagus from rolling around on the grill, you can skewer multiple spears together using two parallel bamboo skewers. Just remember to soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using.

Don’t have a grill? This recipe works beautifully under the broiler too. Just place the asparagus on a baking sheet and broil for 4-5 minutes, turning once halfway through.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While they’re delicious cold, you can quickly reheat them in a hot skillet or microwave for 30 seconds.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest

A simple yet elegant side dish that's both healthy and delicious. The natural sweetness of asparagus pairs beautifully with citrusy notes, while grilling adds that irresistible smoky char.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 12 minutes mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound fresh asparagus spears trimmed
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large lemon for zest and juice
• 2 cloves garlic minced (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on your stovetop.
• Wash the asparagus and snap off the woody ends.
• Place the asparagus in a large, shallow dish. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
• Season with salt and pepper, and add minced garlic if using. Toss again to distribute the seasonings.
• Place the asparagus spears perpendicular to the grill grates. Grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender-crisp with nice char marks.
• Transfer to a serving plate and immediately zest the lemon over the hot asparagus. Squeeze half the lemon's juice over the spears.