Discover the delightful combination of Lemon Vinaigrette with Asparagus in this easy BBQ recipe. Grilled asparagus serves as a fantastic base for this zesty, lemony vinaigrette with seeds—so refreshing! The thick spears truly shine when they hit that sweet spot between crisp and tender, so yank ‘em off the BBQ before they go limp.
Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette with Grilled Asparagus
Ingredients for Lemon Vinaigrette with Asparagus
- Serves 4
- 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 28 thick asparagus spears (about 680g) – learn more about the health benefits of asparagus
- Extra virgin olive oil (for grilling)
- Sea salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
- Finely grated lemon zest (for garnish)
The Method
Whippin’ Up the Vinaigrette and Preppin’ the Spears
- First, grab a bowl and whisk up that vinaigrette—toss in all them ingredients ‘til they’re mixin’ like a Lowcountry shindig. Set it aside to hang out while we dive into the asparagus.
- Next, take them asparagus spears one by one, give ‘em a gentle bend, and snap ‘em where they naturally break—usually ‘bout two-thirds down. Chuck them tough ends in the compost and let’s keep movin’.
- Meanwhile, get that BBQ fired up for direct heat, aimin’ for a cozy 180° to 230°C—just right for givin’ these spears a little love.
Grillin’ and Finishin’ with Coastal Flair
- After that, pour 300 ml of water into your wok, set it on the grill, and let it simmer like a slow tide comin’ in. Steam them asparagus spears for 2-3 minutes ‘til they’re crisp yet tender—kinda like the perfect beach day bite. Need a visual? Peek at this steaming tutorial.
- Then, toss them spears on the grill for a quick 30-second char on each side. That little kiss of smoke makes ‘em sing, y’all.
- While they’re sizzlin’, toast them seeds in a small pan ‘til they’re golden and poppin’—adds a crunch that’s pure coastal magic.
- Once they’re grilled, lay them asparagus out on a warm platter like they’re loungin’ on a Charleston pier.
- Finally, give that vinaigrette a quick whisk to wake it up, drizzle it over them spears, and sprinkle on some lemon zest and seeds for a finish that’s brighter than a Carolina sunrise.
Need a main to go with this beauty? Pair it with a Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken for a BBQ spread that’ll have folks linin’ up for more. Plus, it’s a match made in coastal heaven—light, zesty, and downright delicious.
Try. making veggies in a grill basket.
Have you tried this Lemon Vinaigrette with Asparagus? Drop your grilling tips or favorite twists in the comments below—I’m always up for a good coastal tweak!