Best Grilled Asparagus Recipe - One Sweet Appetite

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This is the best Grilled Asparagus Recipe. Prep time is less than 5 minutes and the end result is a flavor packed side dish that everyone will love. High on our list of favorites and one we make all summer long.

Serve this as a side to my Hawaiian Grilled Chicken, Grilled Drumsticks, or Cheddar Stuffed Burgers. No matter what you decide to serve this with, it’s going to be a family favorite.

white dish filled with cooked asparagus and a lemon slice

RECIPE FEATURES

Quick and Easy: This comes together in under 15 minutes, which means you can focus more time on the main coarse.
Fresh Flavor: Whether you use fresh or frozen vegetables, this recipe will be loaded with fresh flavor.
Family Favorite: One of our most requested side dish recipes of summer.

It’s basically summer and we have already switched to outdoor cooking. Nothing beats firing up the grill and tossing on your favorite burgers, jalapeno poppers, or veggies. Cooking asparagus on the grill is one of my favorites. The fresh crisp taste of asparagus gets a small boost from balsamic vinegar, garlic and lemon. You just cannot go wrong with this easy side dish.

The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Not a fan of balsamic? Leave it out! Want to add a little cheese? Sprinkle with parmesan! No matter how you make it this veggie side comes out perfect every single time.

stack of fresh asparagus with a lemon slice on a wooden cutting board

GRILLED ASPARAGUS WITH GARLIC

I know you are going to love this recipe. It is the perfect way to add a healthy dose of vegetables while you’re enjoying your summer grill season. It’s also kid approved which gives it that added bonus. Five star recipe that you’ll want to save! Here is what you need to get started:

Asparagus: The best way to prepare asparagus is to trim the bottoms of each stalk off. Those are the portions that tend to be woody and a little tough.
Oil: I opt for avocado oil, but mainly because that is what we always have on hand. You can use olive oil or even vegetable oil.
Balsamic Vinegar: This is an optional ingredient, but one I highly recommend you try. It adds a boost of flavor that is unmatched.
Garlic Salt and Pepper: Season to taste, but don’t skimp on the garlic salt!
Lemon Juice: The fresh taste of lemon is what elevates this to the next level. Just a small squeeze is all you need.

HOW DO YOU PREPARE ASPARAGUS FOR GRILLING?

The good news is this vegetable is fairly simple to prep! Start by cutting of the ends of the asparagus. These pieces are woody and tend to be tougher to eat. Use a sharp knife to cut about 2/3 down the stalk.

asparagus being sliced on a wooden cutting board

HOW TO GRILL ASPARAGUS

I like to pull this recipe out when I’m making a more complicated main dish. It’s so simple and yet so impressive. The perfect compliment to any meal.

PREP: Preheat the grill to high heat. Chop the white ends of the asparagus and measure the rest of the ingredients.
TOSS: Toss the asparagus with the oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
GRILL: Grill on high for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the asparagus is done to your liking.
ENJOY: Serve with your favorite grilling recipes and enjoy!

HELPFUL TOOLS

Grill Basket: While this isn’t necessary, it is extremely helpful. A Grill Basket (affiliate) helps to keep the veggies together and from falling through the grates.
Tongs: The last thing you want to do is reach your hand into a hot grill and risk a burn. Having a quality pair of tongs (affiliate) is key.
Grill Prep Trays: This is one of those items you don’t know you need until you get them. Prep Trays (affiliate) are an amazing, heat proof, way to get your meal together.

close up of a pile of cooked asparagus in a white serving dish

RECIPE TIPS

How long do you grill asparagus?

You only need roughly 10 minutes to cook asparagus fully on the grill. If it’s a little thinner, cut the cooking time to about 7 minutes. Thicker asparagus should be more about 12.

Can you add more toppings?

Absolutely! I’m a fan of the recipe as written, but we’ve jazzed it up on more than one occasion. Try it with a drizzle of brown butter or sprinkled with bacon crumbles and parmesan cheese.

Can I make this recipe in foil?

Yes! Create foil packets with your seasoned and oiled asparagus trims. Seal tightly and cook 10 to 15 minutes, making sure to turn the packet about halfway through cooking.

Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Yep. In fact, we often do. Prep the recipe as stated in the instructions. Bake at 425 degrees on a parchment lined tray for 15 to 20 minutes, or until fork tender.

Cooked asparagus in a white serving dish with a lemon slice

MORE MUST-TRY SUMMER SIDE DISHES

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Easy Grilled Asparagus

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 lb asparagus
1 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Preheat the grill to medium high heat.
Cut the ends of the asparagus. These pieces are woody and tend to be tougher to eat. Use a sharp knife to cut about 2/3 down the stalk.
Toss the trimmed asparagus with the oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Grill for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once, or until the asparagus is fork tender and done to your liking.
Serve with your favorite main dish recipes.

Notes

Can you add more toppings?
Absolutely! I’m a fan of the recipe as written, but we’ve jazzed it up on more than one occasion. Try it with a drizzle of brown butter or sprinkled with bacon crumbles and parmesan cheese.
Can I make this recipe in foil?
Yes! Create foil packets with your seasoned and oiled asparagus trims. Seal tightly and cook 10 to 15 minutes, making sure to turn the packet about halfway through cooking.
Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yep. In fact, we often do. Prep the recipe as stated in the instructions. Bake at 425 degrees on a parchment lined tray for 15 to 20 minutes, or until fork tender.