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Perfectly tender Grilled Lemon Parmesan Asparagus is packed with flavor thanks to a sprinkle of sharp Parmesan cheese and bright citrus zest. Make the most of asparagus season and serve this easy side with fish, steak, and more.
Delicious Details
- Cuisine Inspiration: Italian, American
- Primary Cooking Method: Grill
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free, Dairy-free option
- Skill Level: Easy
Why I Love Making Parmesan Asparagus
When you’re firing up the grill to make juicy Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak, why not add parmesan asparagus to the mix? This deliciously easy vegetable side is such a fantastic summery dish that is as versatile as it is flavorful. The hot grill gives asparagus a lovely earthy char that contrasts beautifully with the sharp-salty bite of lightly melted Parmesan, and a little kick of bright lemon zest adds zingy flavor.
Add asparagus to my Grilled Steak Salad Recipe or serve it with Black and Blue NY Strip Steaks and creamy Parmesan Mashed Potatoes for a complete meal. You just can’t go wrong with this recipe. Here’s why I love it:
- Simple and flavorful. Simple ingredients, the right preparation, and a basic technique are all you need to make this dish.
- No mess! You’ll add the cheese to the asparagus after it comes off the grill (the heat of the asparagus will slightly melt the cheese and release the oils and fresh citrus flavor from the lemon zest). This means no cheesy mess on the grill to clean up later.
- Naturally gluten-free. This is another for the gluten-free side dish recipe files! All of the ingredients here are gluten-free so that everyone can dig in.
Recipe Ingredients
To cook beautifully tender and lightly charred asparagus, all you need is olive oil, salt, pepper, a little tangy cheese, and lemon zest. Here’s a look at what you’ll need for this easy side. Make sure to check the recipe card at the end of this post for the full ingredient amounts.
- Asparagus: I’ve included some tips a little further down on how to choose the best asparagus.
- Olive Oil: I always use extra virgin olive oil; you could also use avocado oil.
- Salt and Pepper: I use kosher salt and ground black pepper.
- Parmesan Cheese
- Lemon Zest: You’ll need the zest from 1 lemon.
- Parsley: Add chopped, fresh parsley as an optional garnish.
How to Make Parmesan Asparagus
Follow along below to see the simple steps that go into this dish, and find the full instruction details in the recipe card lower down.
- Prep. Preheat your grill to medium and prep the asparagus.
- Add seasonings. Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill. Place the asparagus on the grill and cook over medium for 8-10 minutes, flipping over a few times.
- Assemble. Place the asparagus on a serving plate and top it with Parmesan cheese and lemon zest, plus chopped parsley if you like.
Can I Use the Oven Instead of the Grill?
You can cook this recipe in the oven instead of the grill if needed. See my Oven-Roasted Asparagus post for some tips, and use this method: Preheat the oven to 450°F and lightly coat a baking sheet with oil. Spread the asparagus out on the pan and place it in the oven. Cook the asparagus for about 10-15 minutes, until tender. Remove from the oven, place on a serving platter, and follow the recipe directions for topping it with cheese and lemon zest.
Tips and Variation Ideas
- How to choose asparagus: The best asparagus is of medium thickness—too thin and it will burn or fall through the grill grates; too thick and it will be tough. Spears that are about one-quarter to one-half inch thick are perfect. Make sure your asparagus is a bright green color and that the tips are tight to the stalk, with no mushy or brown spots.
- Zest the lemon. Finely testing the lemon ensures that you get just the aromatic zest and none of the bitter rind.
- Cheeses. Swap the Parmesan for other hard, shreddable cheeses such as Manchego, Romano, or Asiago, which are known to pair well with asparagus because of their salty flavor. Sharp cheddar is another nice option because it is hard enough to shred into fine strips.
- Other toppings: Elevate this dish even more with more toppings. I like crumbled bacon, crispy prosciutto, red wine vinaigrette, balsamic reduction, toasted pine nuts or almonds, a drizzle of browned butter, Chimichurri Sauce, or Greek Yogurt Blue Cheese Dressing or Dip.
- Another citrus. Try orange or lime zest for a slightly different flavor.
How to Store and Reheat
- Fridge – Transfer cooled asparagus to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat – Warm the asparagus on a sheet pan in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes until warm, or place the spears on the grill for a minute or two to reheat. You can also heat the asparagus in the microwave for 1 minute, although it may get a bit softer if you use the microwave.
Make It a Meal
- Meat mains. Parmesan asparagus goes with practically any meat main dish you can imagine. We especially love it as a side to Garlic Butter Pork Chops, Gluten Free Cube Steak with Gravy, and Gluten Free Classic Meatloaf.
- Chicken. Add this easy side alongside Almond Crusted Chicken, Garlic Butter Chicken, or Hasselback Chicken Caprese.
- Seafood. I love grilled asparagus with Creamy Shrimp Alfredo (or Gluten Free Fettucine Alfredo, for a vegetarian option) or pieces of Strawberry Balsamic Salmon.
- More veggie sides. Build off of parmesan asparagus and make more vegetables! Roasted Cauliflower is always lovely, as are Honey Roasted Carrots, Air Fryer Green Beans, and Pesto Roasted Potatoes.
- Grilling favorites. While you’ve got the grill going, make a Grilled Shrimp Cobb Salad to go with asparagus, or try Italian Burgers or Balsamic Grilled Flat Iron Steak.
More Asparagus Recipes
Grilled Lemon Parmesan Asparagus
Ingredients
- 2 pounds asparagus
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese (can substitute Romano, Manchego or sharp white cheddar)
- zest of one lemon
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium. Wash and dry 2 pounds asparagus, and snap the tough ends off of each stalk.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the asparagus and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
- Place the asparagus on the preheated grill, and grill the asparagus over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, or until tender and slightly charred, flipping over once or twice while cooking.
- Remove asparagus from the grill to a serving plate and immediately top with ½ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese and the zest of one lemon so that the heat of the asparagus slightly melts the cheese and releases the flavors and aromas from the zest. Garnish with 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, if desired.
Did you make this?
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Oh asparagus is my fav! Never tried it with cheese. I must try your recipe. xx
I get the, “It needs to look like the blog pics” feeling when guests come by, but honestly, after one digs in, it looks like it should.
Asparagus and manchego cheese, what a heavenly combination! I would be thrilled if someone served me this at a BBQ 🙂
I love grilled asparagus and I really love Manchego cheese. This looks so good-I’m sure your guests will be very happy.
Loved reading your thoughts… I can totally relate. It can get a little over whelming at times. Must be a blogger trait 🙂 Thanks for sharing a fantastic recipe.