There's something about grilled vegetables that make them so much better. Maybe it's the smokey flavor or the slightly charred edges. Whatever it is, pan-grilled asparagus is a winner. This recipe takes it up a notch by adding toasted almonds and pine nuts. So good!
Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Whether grilled, roasted, or stir-fried, it always adds a delicious touch to any meal.
This side dish features grilled asparagus, enhanced with the delightful crunch of toasted almonds and pine nuts. It's a dish that celebrates the simplicity and elegance of its ingredients.
Perfect for any occasion. From casual weeknight dinners, a festive side at a Christmas vegan feast, to a summer BBQ by adding a drizzle of this dairy-free ranch to the mix, this asparagus dish is sure to impress.
Wandering through our local Farmer's Market, the sight of fresh asparagus ignites a craving for our favorite springtime dishes, such as vegan asparagus risotto and lemony easy pasta with asparagus. These dishes capture the essence of the season and showcase asparagus in all its glory.
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💚 Why you will love it
- Smokey flavor enhancement
- Crisp, fresh texture
- Quick preparation time
- Nutty almond accent
- Versatile pairing options
🧾 Ingredients
- Fresh asparagus: It is the main ingredient in the recipe and provides a fresh and crisp texture.
- Pine nuts: Adds a nutty and rich flavor to the recipe, which complements the earthy taste of asparagus.
- Extra virgin olive oil: These are used to coat the asparagus before grilling to prevent it from sticking to the grill and add a rich flavor.
- Flaked almonds: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the dish, complementing the asparagus and pine nuts.
- Garlic powder adds a subtle garlic flavor to the dish, complementing the pine nuts' nuttiness and the asparagus's freshness.
- Lime juice adds a tangy and acidic flavor to the dish, complementing the asparagus's freshness and balancing the pine nuts and almonds' nuttiness.
Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Suggested Substitution |
|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | Avocado oil |
| Flaked almonds | Slivered almonds or cashews |
| Garlic powder | Onion powder |
| Lime juice | Lemon juice |
🔪 Instructions
Wash your asparagus carefully under running cold water. Asparagus' tips are very delicate, so ensure you treat them with care to avoid breaking them.
Pro Tip: When shopping for fresh asparagus, make sure you look for firm stems and tight, closed ends.
- The thick asparagus stalks are generally fleshy and woody. I recommend trimming asparagus about one inch (2.5 centimeters) at the base of the asparagus, even if you have thin stalks.
- Slightly toast the sliced almonds and pine nuts together, on medium-low heat, for about 2 minutes, until they look just golden brown but not toasted. Reserve.
If you are working with thick asparagus spears, you can blanch them in boiling water for a minute before you set them on the grill to ensure they cook well.
- Set the stovetop heat to medium, and add the thicker asparagus spears first in case they are uneven. If they are all thin asparagus spears, you can add all asparagus at once. Set them until you can see the grill grate marks, and then use kitchen tongs to toss them.
- Drizzle avocado or olive oil, and add ground garlic, lemon, salt, and pepper. Grill asparagus until it looks slightly charred.
Tip: We like our tender asparagus crispy, so we only cook them for five minutes. After removing the skillet from the heat, they will keep toasting with the remaining heat.
- Transfer the fork-tender, lightly charred asparagus to a serving dish and top with the toasted almonds and pine nuts. You can also add vegan parmesan cheese.
Serve with a wedge of lime or lemon. The acidity will bring up all the flavors.
💡 Expert tips
Choose Firm Stalks: When selecting asparagus, look for firm, bright green stalks with tightly closed tips. This ensures they are fresh and will grill beautifully.
Preheat Your Grill: Always preheat your grill or pan to ensure the asparagus cooks evenly and gets those desirable grill marks without becoming too soft.
To avoid Overcrowding, Spread the asparagus on a single layer on the grill. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than grilling, affecting the texture and flavor.
Season After Grilling: Add salt and other seasonings after grilling the asparagus. Salting beforehand can draw out moisture and make the asparagus soggy.
Use High-Quality Oil: Coat the asparagus with high-quality olive or avocado oil. This enhances flavor and helps prevent it from sticking to the grill.
📖 Variations and seasonings
Look at these ideas for flavors that will pair perfectly with your grilled asparagus.
Remember not to overdo any seasoning, as asparagus is rich in flavor and needs some extra kick of saltiness, depth, and acidity.
Spicy: I also like adding a kick of pepper or pepperoncini.
Vegan Parmesan Cheese: I also like using my homemade vegan parmesan cheese as a quick solution instead of any other seasoning. Normally, people add dairy parmesan cheese just right before removing the asparagus spears from the grill pan or grill grates to allow them to melt.
Balsamic: We also like using thick balsamic vinegar glaze.
🥢 How to serve
Alongside Pasta: Serve the grilled asparagus alongside a light, lemony garlic pasta dish. The freshness of the asparagus pairs wonderfully with the acidity and creaminess of pasta, making it a perfect side for a hearty meal.
Pesto: Sometimes, we just make this grilled asparagus recipe without seasoning and just add a dollop of vegan pesto sauce on top. You can go for a vegan lemon basil pesto, vegan arugula pesto, vegan kale pesto, and even mint pesto work really well with grilled asparagus.
With Vegan Eggplant Pie: Pair with a savory vegan eggplant pie or savory carrot tart. The robust flavors of the eggplant and the subtle smokiness of the grilled asparagus create a delightful contrast, making for a satisfying and nutritionally balanced meal. This combination works well for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, showcasing the versatility of vegan dishes.
❓FAQ
As soon as you buy them, place them in a large glass and add some water. Then, place a plastic bag over the top and store it in your refrigerator. This way, you will retain their freshness.
Apply this technique applies to all your fresh herbs, such as parsley and cilantro. As a result, your herbs will last for much longer.
🥡 Storing
To Store in the Fridge: For optimal freshness, place any leftover grilled asparagus in an airtight container or wrap tightly with cling film. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To Reheat: To preserve the texture and flavor, reheat the grilled asparagus in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally. Alternatively, you can use an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, spread the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid using a microwave, as it may make the asparagus soggy.
📚 More side dish recipes
- Green Beans with Flaked Toasted Almonds
- Roasted Butternut Squash
- Spanish Escalivada
- White Asparagus Recipe
- Miso Maple Glazed Carrots
⭐ If you try this recipe, let us know! 💬 Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag us @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!
🎥 Video
📋 Recipe
Pan-grilled Asparagus with Toasted Flaked Almonds
Equipment
Ingredients
- 10 ounces green asparagus thin
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts raw
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ounce almonds sliced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ lime in wedges
Optional:
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Directions
- Cut the bottom inch (about 2 ½ cm) of the asparagus, as they are usually fleshy.
- Toast the sliced almonds and pine nuts on a skillet for one minute. Keep an eye to avoid them from burning. Take them off the heat as soon as you see they are slightly toasted. (the heat from the skillet will keep toasting them after the heat is off).
- If your asparagus are not extra thin, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds. If they are thin, omit this step.
- Grill the asparagus with a drizzle of avocado oil for about 2 minutes. Place the asparagus across the grill pan perpendicular to the lines.
- Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper and toss for another 30 seconds or so. Do not overcook them as they could become too soft and lose their crispness.
- Plate the asparagus and sprinkle the toasted almonds and pine nuts on top.
- Serve with a wedge of lime or lemon. The acidity will bring up all the flavors.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Nutritional Disclaimer
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.
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Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend all of the products listed because they are companies I have found helpful and trustworthy.
As the lead content writer and recipe developer at Our Plant-Based World, he combines his passion for health and sustainability with a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification to create accessible, delicious vegan recipes. His expertise in plant-based cooking supports the blog's mission of fostering a healthier, environmentally conscious lifestyle through simple and seasonal dishes. His commitment to making vegan cooking enjoyable and inclusive for everyone shines in each recipe and article.
As the creative force behind OPBW, Natasha is a dedicated stay-at-home mom and passionate home chef. She infuses every recipe and personal care tip with love and practicality. Balancing family life with culinary adventures, she crafts wholesome, family-friendly dishes and effective, natural beauty solutions that are both approachable and inspiring. Her hands-on experience and personal touch make OPBW a go-to resource for delicious meals and self-care ideas that fit seamlessly into everyday life.
Kechi
Such a great idea for a side dish. I love all the herbs/spices too; must be very flavorful! Will definitely be trying this!
Natalie
Yum! That was delicious. Loved added almonds and pine nuts. Such a punch in flavor. This recipe is a keeper. Thanks!
Louise Cayzer
Yum! Asparagus is my fave! This recipe is a yummy new way to eat it.
Gus
Louise, thank you for sharing your review of our asparagus recipe! We're so happy to hear that this dish is a new way for you to enjoy asparagus.
Dannii
Grilled asparagus is my favourite side dish. The addition of almonds is delicious.