There's something about grilled vegetables that just makes them so much better. Maybe it's the smokey flavor or the slightly charred edges. Whatever it is, grilled asparagus is definitely a winner. This recipe takes it up a notch by adding toasted almonds and pine nuts. So good!
Asparagus is one of those vegetables that seems to go with everything. You can grill asparagus, roast it, or stir fry asparagus, and they will be delicious either way.
In this Grilled Asparagus Recipe, we grill asparagus and top asparagus spears with crunchy toasted almonds and pine nuts.
This side dish is perfect for a summer BBQ, a casual weeknight meal, brunch, dinner, or even as part of your Christmas vegan recipes. So, if you're looking for an easy side dish that will impress your guests, this recipe is for you. Cooking asparagus is super easy!
I love to cook asparagus because it brings a classy touch to any supper with no effort. They are just as easy to make as our steamed White Asparagus Recipe, a must-have during the spring season.
When we see asparagus as we stroll in the Farmer's market, we immediately start craving our springtime favorite recipes, like lemon asparagus risotto, and lemony pasta with asparagus.
Jump to:
🧾 Ingredients
- Fresh asparagus: It is the main ingredient in the recipe and provides a fresh and crisp texture to the dish.
- Pine nuts: Adds a nutty and rich flavor to the recipe, which complements the earthy taste of asparagus.
- Avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil: Used to coat the asparagus before grilling to prevent it from sticking to the grill and adds a rich flavor.
- Sliced almonds: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the dish, which complements the asparagus and pine nuts.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the dish, which complements the nuttiness of the pine nuts and the freshness of the asparagus.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy and pungent flavor to the dish, which complements the nuttiness of the pine nuts and the freshness of the asparagus.
- Kosher salt: Used to season the dish and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Lime or lemon juice: Adds a tangy and acidic flavor to the dish, which complements the freshness of the asparagus and balances the nuttiness of the pine nuts and sliced almonds.
See quantities and complete instructions in the recipe card.
🔪 Instructions
Wash your asparagus carefully under running cold water. Asparagus' tips are very delicate, so make sure 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.
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: 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.
Tip: 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.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: 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.
Step 5: 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.
Tip: serve with a wedge of lime or lemon. The acidity will bring up all the flavors.
📖 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.
- Salt: The salt overrides the asparagus's slight bitterness, and the fat of the olive oil goes very well with the acidity of lemons or limes.
- Spicy: I also like adding a kick of pepper or pepperoncini.
- Toppings: As a topping, I like using any nuts as we do in this recipe. Think almonds, pine nuts, and walnuts.
- Vegan Parmesan Cheese: I also like using my Homemade Vegan Parmesan cheese for 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 it to melt.
- Balsamic: We also like using thick balsamic vinegar glaze.
- 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 basil pesto, arugula pesto, kale pesto with sage, and even a mint pesto work really well with grilled asparagus.
- Olive oil: If you have a great Extra virgin olive oil, it will have an extra touch; this asparagus recipe is a great dish for it to shine!
🥡 Storing
How to Store Asparagus? 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.
Want to know more about the health benefits of Asparagus? Visit HealthLine
📚 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!
📋 Recipe
Perfect Grilled Asparagus Recipe with Toasted 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
Nutrition Facts
Nutritional Disclaimer
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Kechi says
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 says
Yum! That was delicious. Loved added almonds and pine nuts. Such a punch in flavor. This recipe is a keeper. Thanks!
Louise Cayzer says
Yum! Asparagus is my fave! This recipe is a yummy new way to eat it.
Gus says
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 says
Grilled asparagus is my favourite side dish. The addition of almonds is delicious.