This Grilled Asparagus Salad with Lemon & Feta is a refreshing and vibrant dish that packs a punch of flavor. The smoky, charred asparagus meets the creamy, briny feta cheese, and the bright lemon dressing ties it all together in perfect harmony. It’s a simple yet elegant salad that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Every bite is a delightful combination of savory, tangy, and fresh—so good that you’ll want to make it over and over again. Trust me, it’s a keeper!
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Let’s get into why this salad is a must-try:
Why You’ll Love Grilled Asparagus Salad with Lemon & Feta
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re having a cozy dinner for one, prepping a healthy lunch, or serving it at a barbecue, this salad fits the bill. Here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite:
Versatile: This salad can be the star of the show at your next dinner party, or it can be a side dish that steals the spotlight at a casual cookout. It’s a crowd-pleaser in every sense!
Quick & Easy: You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. The asparagus grills up quickly, and the dressing comes together in no time.
Light & Refreshing: The fresh lemon and grilled asparagus make this dish feel light but satisfying. Perfect for when you want something healthy, but still flavorful.
Bright & Flavorful: With the tangy lemon dressing and the creamy feta, the flavors are bold yet balanced. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good with every bite.
Customizable: You can swap the feta for goat cheese or add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes or olives to personalize this salad to your taste.
Ingredients in Grilled Asparagus Salad with Lemon & Feta
Let’s break it down: Here’s what you’ll need to bring this bright, smoky salad to life:
Asparagus: The star of the dish! Grilled asparagus is tender, slightly smoky, and adds a wonderful texture to the salad.
Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy, feta brings richness to the salad, balancing out the smoky flavors of the asparagus.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest bring brightness and acidity to the salad, cutting through the richness of the feta and adding a refreshing touch.
Olive Oil: Used in the dressing to help emulsify and give the salad that silky texture. It’s also perfect for grilling the asparagus.
Garlic: A touch of garlic in the dressing enhances the flavor and adds depth to the entire dish.
Honey: A little sweetness to balance out the acidity of the lemon.
Salt & Pepper: To season the dressing and asparagus perfectly, bringing all the flavors together.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to bring this salad together? Let’s dive into the easy steps:
Grill the Asparagus: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the asparagus is tender and has those lovely grill marks.
Make the Lemon Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more lemon juice for extra zing or honey for sweetness.
Assemble the Salad: Arrange the grilled asparagus on a platter or in a large bowl. Drizzle the lemon dressing over the asparagus and toss gently to coat.
Top with Feta: Crumble feta cheese over the top of the salad for that creamy, salty finish.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 180
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Grilled Asparagus Salad with Lemon & Feta
This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:
Grilled Chicken: Serve with grilled chicken breasts or thighs for a hearty yet light meal.
Roasted Potatoes: The creamy feta and lemon dressing make this salad a perfect complement to crispy roasted potatoes.
Grilled Shrimp or Salmon: The smokiness from the grilled asparagus goes perfectly with the flavor of grilled seafood.
Fresh Bread: A crusty baguette or focaccia is perfect for sopping up the lemony dressing.
A Light Pasta Dish: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve this salad alongside a simple pasta dish for a complete meal.
Additional Tips
Grill the Asparagus Just Right: You want it tender but not overcooked, so keep an eye on it! The grill marks are key to the flavor.
Make It Ahead: If you’re prepping in advance, you can grill the asparagus and make the dressing ahead of time. Just assemble right before serving.
Add More Veggies: Try adding cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or olives for more texture and flavor.
Make it Vegan: Swap the feta for a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely for a lighter, vegan-friendly version.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will marinate overnight, so it’ll be even better the next day!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought dressing?
A1: Absolutely! But the homemade lemon dressing really makes this salad pop. It’s super simple and takes just a few minutes to whisk together.
Q2: Can I grill the asparagus in advance?
A2: Yes! Grill the asparagus ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before assembling the salad.
Q3: Can I use a different cheese?
A3: Of course! Goat cheese or even Parmesan would be great options if you prefer a different flavor.
Q4: Is this salad gluten-free?
A4: Yes! This salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions.
Q5: Can I make this salad without grilling?
A5: If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the asparagus in the oven at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll still get that delicious flavor!
Q6: Can I make this salad spicy?
A6: Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or sprinkle some chili powder on the asparagus for a little heat.
Q7: Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
A7: Yes! Grill the asparagus and make the dressing ahead of time, then just assemble everything when you’re ready to serve.
Q8: Can I use frozen asparagus?
A8: Fresh asparagus will give you the best results, but if you only have frozen, make sure to thaw and pat it dry before grilling or roasting.
Q9: What’s the best way to store leftover salad?
A9: Store the leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The asparagus will soften slightly, but the flavors will still be amazing.
Q10: How do I make the salad a complete meal?
A10: Pair it with grilled chicken, roasted lamb, or even a scoop of quinoa for a well-rounded, filling meal.
There you have it—Grilled Asparagus Salad with Lemon & Feta. This dish is fresh, light, and full of flavor, making it the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it solo, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Happy grilling!
Print
Grilled Asparagus Salad with Lemon & Feta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grilled Asparagus Salad with Feta & Lemon is a flavorful side dish that features garlicky, tender asparagus with a slight char, tossed with crumbled feta and a tangy lemon vinaigrette. It’s a perfect addition to any grilling season meal!
Ingredients
- 2 bunches of asparagus
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup feta, crumbled
- Lemon zest, optional
Instructions
- Snap the ends off your asparagus stalks and add them to a large bowl or tray. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, and toss until the asparagus are fully coated.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat). Rub olive oil over the grates to prevent the asparagus from sticking.
- Place the asparagus on the grill perpendicular to the grates and cook for 3-5 minutes or until tender (do not flip the asparagus!). Once done, remove from the grill and set aside to cool slightly.
- While the asparagus cools, whisk together lemon juice and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small bowl to make the vinaigrette.
- Once the asparagus has cooled enough to handle, cut it into thirds and add it to a large bowl. Add crumbled feta and drizzle with the lemon vinaigrette. Toss until fully coated and serve immediately, garnished with lemon zest if desired.
Notes
- For a more intense flavor, add extra lemon zest as a garnish.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the salad before serving.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg