Mediterranean Diet Barbecued Asparagus
Elevate your next barbecue with this vibrant and healthy **Mediterranean Diet Barbecued Asparagus** recipe! Bursting with fresh, zesty flavors, this quick and easy side dish showcases tender asparagus spears lightly charred on the grill, then drizzled with **extra virgin olive oil** and bright lemon juice. A sprinkle of freshly minced garlic, sea salt, and cracked black pepper adds depth, while a garnish of **fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese**, and optional **toasted pine nuts** creates the perfect finishing touch. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is an excellent choice for a **low-carb, vegetarian, and heart-healthy** diet. Serve it as a warm appetizer, a Mediterranean-inspired side dish, or paired with grilled fish or chicken. Whether you’re hosting an outdoor gathering or a quick weeknight dinner, this asparagus recipe is sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large lemon
- 2 whole garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat.
Wash and trim the asparagus. Cut or snap off the tough woody ends of each spear.
Place the asparagus on a large baking tray or plate. Drizzle with the extra virgin olive oil.
Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves and sprinkle over the asparagus.
Cut the lemon in half. Squeeze the juice from one half over the asparagus, ensuring you trap any seeds. Set aside the other half for garnishing.
Season the asparagus with sea salt and black pepper, ensuring even distribution. Toss the asparagus gently to coat it uniformly with the oil, lemon, and seasoning.
Lay the asparagus spears directly on the grill grates perpendicular to the grates to prevent them from falling through. Grill the asparagus for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until they achieve a slight char and are tender-crisp.
While the asparagus is grilling, finely chop the fresh parsley.
If using pine nuts, lightly toast them in a small pan over medium heat, stirring frequently until they are golden brown. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Be careful as they can burn quickly.
Once the asparagus is grilled to your liking, remove them from the grill and place them on a serving platter.
Sprinkle the grilled asparagus with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Garnish with a scattering of toasted pine nuts if using, and an extra squeeze of lemon juice from the reserved lemon half to taste.
Serve the barbecued asparagus warm as an appetizer, side dish, or alongside your favorite Mediterranean main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
730 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 57.2 g | 73% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.8 g | 79% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 48 mg | 16% | |
| Sodium | 3247 mg | 141% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.9 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.8 g | 46% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.0 g | ||
| Protein | 36.4 g | 73% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 809 mg | 62% | |
| Iron | 11.9 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 1299 mg | 28% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
