Imagine a dish that captures the essence of summer in every single bite - crisp, charred asparagus mingling with juicy cherry tomatoes, drizzled with a luxurious balsamic reduction that promises to elevate your dining experience from ordinary to extraordinary. This Grilled Asparagus Tomato Salad isn't just a side dish; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your guests begging for the recipe.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tbsp balsamic reduction
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Wash the asparagus thoroughly and trim off the tough woody ends by snapping them or cutting about 1-2 inches from the bottom.
- Place the asparagus in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss gently to coat evenly, ensuring each spear is lightly covered.
- Season the asparagus with salt and freshly ground black pepper, making sure to distribute the seasoning uniformly.
- Arrange the asparagus spears perpendicular to the grill grates to prevent them from falling through. Grill for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even charring.
- While the asparagus is grilling, halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
- Remove the asparagus from the grill when it's tender-crisp and has nice grill marks. Transfer to a serving platter.
- Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over the grilled asparagus.
- Crumble the feta cheese evenly across the salad.
- Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the entire dish, creating an elegant presentation.
- Serve immediately while the asparagus is still warm, allowing the heat to slightly soften the tomatoes and melt the feta.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm asparagus with tight, compact tips for the best grilling results.
- Always preheat your grill and clean the grates to prevent sticking and ensure beautiful grill marks.
- Don't overcook the asparagus - aim for tender-crisp with slight charring for maximum flavor.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh cracked black pepper for enhanced taste.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or thyme before serving.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal temperature and texture of the grilled vegetables.
- For a variation, you can also use a grill pan if an outdoor grill isn't available.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 100kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
