Grilled Asparagus Salad with Feta & Lemon

If you’re craving a salad that’s light, refreshing, and full of vibrant flavors, look no further than this Grilled Asparagus Salad with Feta & Lemon. The smoky, charred asparagus paired with the tangy feta and bright lemon creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. It’s simple, yet so satisfying, and makes the perfect side dish for any meal, or even a light main course when you’re in the mood for something healthy and delicious.

This salad is ideal for those sunny days when you want something fresh and flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen. Trust me, you’ll be making it again and again!

Why You’ll Love Grilled Asparagus Salad with Feta & Lemon

Here’s why this salad is the perfect addition to your recipe repertoire:

Vibrant & Fresh: The grilled asparagus brings out a subtle smokiness that pairs beautifully with the bright, tangy flavors of lemon and feta.

Quick & Easy: This salad comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a side dish for a weekend barbecue.

Healthy & Light: Packed with fresh veggies and healthy fats from the olive oil and feta, this salad is a guilt-free treat that’s satisfying and full of nutrients.

Customizable: Feel free to tweak the salad to suit your preferences. Add toasted nuts, fresh herbs, or even swap out the feta for goat cheese or Parmesan!

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this salad will definitely be a hit. It’s the kind of dish that people ask for the recipe!

Ingredients in Grilled Asparagus Salad with Feta & Lemon

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious salad:

Asparagus

The star of the show! Grilled asparagus adds a smoky flavor and tender texture that’s perfect for a fresh salad.

Olive Oil

To coat the asparagus and give it a rich, smooth texture when grilling.

Lemon

Fresh lemon juice and zest bring brightness and acidity, balancing the rich feta cheese.

Feta Cheese

Crumbled feta adds a creamy, tangy bite that contrasts wonderfully with the grilled vegetables.

Garlic

A little garlic adds an extra layer of flavor to the asparagus, infusing it with a savory note.

Salt & Pepper

Essential for seasoning, salt enhances the flavors of the grilled asparagus, and pepper adds a little spice.

Fresh Herbs (Optional)

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds freshness and color to the salad.

Instructions

Here’s how to make this simple yet flavorful grilled asparagus salad:

Prep the Asparagus

Trim the tough ends of the asparagus and place them on a plate. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a minced garlic clove. Toss to coat evenly.

Grill the Asparagus

Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the asparagus for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until it’s tender and slightly charred. The smokiness from the grill is what gives the salad its fantastic flavor.

Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and a splash of olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This simple dressing will tie everything together beautifully.

Assemble the Salad

Once the asparagus is grilled, arrange it on a platter. Crumble feta cheese over the top, and drizzle the lemon dressing over everything.

Garnish & Serve

If desired, sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil for added color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 180
Carbohydrates: 9g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes

How to Serve Grilled Asparagus Salad with Feta & Lemon

This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it an excellent addition to almost any meal. Here are a few ideas:

Grilled Meats: It’s the perfect side for grilled chicken, steak, or fish. The fresh, smoky flavors complement the charred proteins beautifully.

Light Pasta Dishes: Serve alongside a simple pasta with olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a satisfying, Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Sandwiches & Wraps: A fresh side salad for sandwiches or wraps with roasted vegetables, chicken, or even hummus. It’s an ideal pairing for a lighter meal.

As a Standalone: If you’re looking for a light lunch or dinner, this salad is perfect on its own. It’s satisfying yet light, and the feta adds a creamy richness to the dish.

Additional Tips

Grill in Batches: If you’re making a larger batch, grill the asparagus in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.

Make-Ahead: You can grill the asparagus ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just assemble the salad and add the dressing right before serving.

Add Nuts: For an added crunch, toss in some toasted almonds, pine nuts, or walnuts. They add texture and a little extra flavor.

Vegan Option: For a vegan version, swap the feta for your favorite plant-based cheese or simply leave it out for a lighter option.

Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors may intensify, making it even tastier the next day!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use asparagus that’s not fresh?
A1: Fresh asparagus is ideal for this recipe, but if you have frozen asparagus, it can still work! Just make sure to thaw it completely before grilling.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store leftover grilled asparagus salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently or enjoy it cold.

Q3: Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
A3: Yes! Goat cheese, Parmesan, or even mozzarella would work great in this salad.

Q4: How do I make this salad spicy?
A4: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a bit of heat, or grill some chili peppers alongside the asparagus.

Q5: Can I add more vegetables?
A5: Absolutely! Feel free to throw in some grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for added color and variety.

Q6: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A6: Yes! You can grill the asparagus ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Just add the feta and lemon dressing just before serving.

Q7: Can I use lemon juice from a bottle?
A7: Fresh lemon juice is always best, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice will work as well.

Q8: Is this salad gluten-free?
A8: Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities.

Q9: How do I know when the asparagus is done grilling?
A9: The asparagus should be tender when pierced with a fork and slightly charred on the edges. It should still have a slight bite to it.

Q10: What can I serve with this salad?
A10: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a light pasta dish for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Grilled Asparagus Salad with Feta & Lemon is the ultimate fresh, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its smoky grilled asparagus, creamy feta, and zesty lemon dressing, it’s a salad that feels light yet indulgent at the same time. Whether you’re serving it as a side or making it the star of your meal, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

Print