Lemon Feta Asparagus Salad Recipe

Bright Lemon Feta Asparagus Salad Recipe: Spring on a Plate

Crafting a vibrant lemon feta asparagus salad brings fresh Mediterranean flavors to your table.

Crisp green spears dance with tangy cheese crumbles, creating a delightful harmony of textures.

Zesty citrus notes awaken each bite with bright, refreshing undertones.

Sea salt and cracked pepper enhance the natural goodness of tender asparagus.

Drizzled olive oil adds a luxurious sheen that connects every ingredient.

Simple yet sophisticated, this salad promises to become a quick favorite for casual lunches or elegant gatherings.

You’ll want to savor every delectable forkful of this stunning seasonal dish.

Why Lemon Feta Grilled Asparagus Salad Recipe Tastes So Bright

  • Grill with Ease: Perfect for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who love simple yet delicious vegetable side dishes that require minimal kitchen skills.
  • Burst Healthy Flavors: Combines nutritious asparagus with tangy feta and bright lemon, creating a light and zesty salad packed with fresh Mediterranean-inspired tastes.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Transforms ordinary asparagus into a spectacular dish in just a few minutes, making it ideal for busy home cooks wanting something impressive yet uncomplicated.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suits multiple occasions from casual backyard barbecues to elegant dinner parties, appealing to health-conscious guests and vegetable lovers alike.

Ingredients For Lemon Feta Grilled Asparagus Salad Recipe

Main Ingredients:
  • Asparagus: Fresh green vegetable that provides the core foundation of this light and flavorful salad.
  • Feta Cheese: Tangy Greek cheese that adds creamy and salty elements to the dish.
  • Lemon: Citrus fruit that brings brightness and zesty flavor to the grilled asparagus.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the asparagus.
  • Olive Oil: Helps coat the asparagus and provides a smooth, rich base for grilling.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a pop of color and a subtle green, herbaceous note to the salad.

How To Toss Lemon Feta Grilled Asparagus Salad Recipe

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Crank your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. The goal is to create a sizzling surface that will transform your asparagus with gorgeous char marks and a smoky essence.

Step 2: Dress the Green Spears

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss the trimmed asparagus with:
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Ensure every green spear gets a smooth, even coating that promises delectable grilling results.

Step 3: Create Grill Magic

Carefully lay the asparagus across the hot grill grates. Allow them to cook for 4-5 minutes, rotating periodically to guarantee uniform caramelization. You’ll notice beautiful dark lines and a tender texture signaling they’re perfectly cooked.

Step 4: Infuse with Citrus Brightness

Transfer the grilled asparagus to a serving dish. Sprinkle fresh lemon zest and squeeze lemon juice over the spears. Gently toss to distribute the bright, tangy flavors throughout the salad.

Step 5: Crown with Creamy Cheese

Generously scatter crumbled feta cheese across the warm asparagus. For an extra flourish, chop fresh parsley and dust over the top. The salad can be served warm or allowed to cool to room temperature, promising a delightful taste experience.

Tips To Make Lemon Feta Grilled Asparagus Salad Recipe Easy

  • Choose Fresh Asparagus: Select bright green, firm spears with tight, compact tips for the best texture and flavor.
  • Trim Stems Carefully: Cut or snap off the woody ends of asparagus to ensure tender, delicious bites that aren't tough or stringy.
  • Control Grill Temperature: Use medium-high heat to achieve perfect char marks without burning the delicate asparagus spears.
  • Experiment with Cheese Alternatives: Swap feta for goat cheese or parmesan if you prefer a different tangy or salty cheese profile.
  • Boost Protein Power: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to transform this side dish into a complete and satisfying meal option.

Ways To Freshen Up Lemon Feta Grilled Asparagus Salad Recipe

  • Mediterranean Herb Grilled Asparagus: Replace feta with goat cheese and add fresh oregano, basil, and thyme for an herbaceous Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Vegan Zesty Grilled Asparagus: Substitute feta with crumbled tofu or nutritional yeast, using lemon-infused olive oil and adding roasted pine nuts for protein and crunch.
  • Spicy Chili Lime Asparagus: Swap lemon for lime juice, add red chili flakes, and replace feta with cotija cheese for a Mexican-inspired spicy variation.
  • Low-Carb Keto Grilled Asparagus: Keep the original recipe, ensuring high-fat content by using extra virgin olive oil and adding chopped almonds for additional texture and nutrition.

What Goes Best With Lemon Feta Grilled Asparagus Salad Recipe

  • Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the tangy lemon and salty feta, cutting through the grilled asparagus with bright, zesty notes.
  • Serve Alongside Grilled Protein: Herb-marinated chicken or light Mediterranean-style fish like sea bass create a balanced meal that echoes the salad's fresh, summery profile.
  • Match with Rustic Bread: Crusty sourdough or olive ciabatta provide a wonderful textural contrast, helping to soak up the lemony dressing and catch fallen feta crumbles.
  • Enhance with Mediterranean Mezze: Small plates like hummus, tzatziki, and marinated olives mirror the salad's Greek-inspired flavors, turning the dish into a delightful shared experience.

How To Store Lemon Feta Grilled Asparagus Salad Recipe The Right Way

  • Store leftover asparagus salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep feta separate if possible to maintain texture.
  • Warm gently on medium power for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Avoid overheating to prevent asparagus from becoming mushy.
  • Spread salad on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and reheat at 325°F for 5-7 minutes. Drizzle extra lemon juice to refresh flavors before serving.
  • Enjoy the salad straight from the refrigerator as a chilled side dish. The lemon and feta flavors often taste more pronounced when cold, making it a refreshing option.

Common Questions On Lemon Feta Grilled Asparagus Salad Recipe

  • Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?

Fresh asparagus is recommended. Frozen asparagus can become too watery and won’t grill properly, losing the desired texture and charred flavor.

  • What if I don't have a grill or grill pan?

Use a cast-iron skillet or regular pan on high heat. You’ll still get nice caramelization and a similar flavor profile to grilled asparagus.

  • How do I know when asparagus is perfectly grilled?

Look for light char marks and a tender texture. When you can easily pierce the asparagus with a fork but it still has a slight crunch, it’s perfectly cooked.

  • Is this salad healthy?

Yes! Asparagus is low in calories, high in nutrients, and packed with fiber. Combined with feta cheese, it offers a nutritious and delicious meal option.

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Lemon Feta Asparagus Salad Recipe

Lemon Feta Asparagus Salad Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mediterranean sunshine dances through this Lemon Feta Asparagus Salad, blending crisp greens with tangy cheese and bright citrus notes. Refreshing ingredients promise a quick, elegant dish you’ll savor from first bite to last.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) asparagus, trimmed

Cheese:

  • 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) feta cheese, crumbled

Seasonings and Dressing:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1 lemon zest
  • 1 lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, ensuring a hot surface for optimal charring and smoky flavor development.
  2. Prepare asparagus by coating thoroughly with olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl to guarantee even distribution of flavors.
  3. Transfer asparagus to the heated grill, positioning spears perpendicular to grill grates to prevent falling through and create beautiful crosshatch marks.
  4. Grill asparagus for approximately 4-5 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve uniform charring and tender texture without burning.
  5. Remove grilled asparagus from heat and transfer to a serving bowl, immediately zesting and juicing lemon over the warm vegetables to infuse citrus notes.
  6. Gently toss the asparagus to integrate lemon essence, ensuring each spear is coated with the bright, tangy dressing.
  7. Generously sprinkle crumbled feta cheese across the grilled asparagus, allowing the warm vegetables to slightly melt the cheese.
  8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for additional color and herbaceous complexity.
  9. Serve the salad warm or at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld and develop subtle nuanced taste profiles.

Notes

  • Perfectly Char Your Asparagus by using medium-high heat and turning them occasionally to get even grill marks without burning.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs by substituting feta with vegan cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for dairy-free diets.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth by adding toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for extra crunch and nutty undertones.
  • Maximize Freshness by selecting thin, bright green asparagus spears which guarantee tender texture and vibrant taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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