Mediterranean Diet Barbecued Asparagus

Elevate your backyard grilling game with this irresistible recipe for Mediterranean Diet Barbecued Asparagus, a healthy and flavorful side dish perfect for any occasion. Tender-crisp asparagus spears are lightly charred to perfection on the grill, infused with zesty lemon juice, fragrant garlic, and extra virgin olive oil for a fresh, wholesome bite. Finished with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, vibrant parsley, and an optional scattering of golden toasted pine nuts, this dish is as visually delightful as it is delicious. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for those following a Mediterranean diet or anyone looking for a nutrient-packed barbecue dish. Serve it warm as an appetizer, side, or alongside your favorite Mediterranean main course for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sunshine.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound asparagus
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large lemon
• 2 whole garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat.

Step 2

Wash and trim the asparagus. Cut or snap off the tough woody ends of each spear.

Step 3

Place the asparagus on a large baking tray or plate. Drizzle with the extra virgin olive oil.

Step 4

Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves and sprinkle over the asparagus.

Step 5

Cut the lemon in half. Squeeze the juice from one half over the asparagus, ensuring you trap any seeds. Set aside the other half for garnishing.

Step 6

Season the asparagus with sea salt and black pepper, ensuring even distribution. Toss the asparagus gently to coat it uniformly with the oil, lemon, and seasoning.

Step 7

Lay the asparagus spears directly on the grill grates perpendicular to the grates to prevent them from falling through. Grill the asparagus for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until they achieve a slight char and are tender-crisp.

Step 8

While the asparagus is grilling, finely chop the fresh parsley.

Step 9

If using pine nuts, lightly toast them in a small pan over medium heat, stirring frequently until they are golden brown. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Be careful as they can burn quickly.

Step 10

Once the asparagus is grilled to your liking, remove them from the grill and place them on a serving platter.

Step 11

Sprinkle the grilled asparagus with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Step 12

Garnish with a scattering of toasted pine nuts if using, and an extra squeeze of lemon juice from the reserved lemon half to taste.

Step 13

Serve the barbecued asparagus warm as an appetizer, side dish, or alongside your favorite Mediterranean main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(649.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	730.5

Total Fat 57.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 47.6mg	0%
Sodium 3246.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 31.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.8g	0%
Total Sugars 11.0g
Protein 36.4g	0%

Vitamin D 23.8IU	0%
Calcium 808.7mg	0%
Iron 11.9mg	0%
Potassium 1299.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 65.3%

Protein: 18.5%

Carbs: 16.2%