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