This easy Grilled Asparagus is slightly crisp, tender and full of fresh flavor with just the right char from the grill. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s the perfect veggie side for cookouts and weeknight dinners.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Grilled Asparagus Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Grilled Asparagus
• 🔪 How to Grill Asparagus
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Fresh Asparagus
• 💡 Tips For Buying and Grilling Asparagus
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Is Asparagus Keto?
• Why is My Asparagus Soggy After Grilling?
• How Do I Keep Asparagus from Falling Through the Grill Grates?
• Can I Make Grilled Asparagus Ahead of Time?
• What Temperature Should My Grill Be for Asparagus?
• 🍽️ More Healthy Asparagus Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Grilled Asparagus Recipe

• Fresh asparagus
• Grilled to give it a slightly smokey flavor
• Made in under 15 minutes
• Perfect for cookouts
• Vegan friendly

Grilled Asparagus is one of the those must-makes side dishes once grilling season hits. The flavor is fresh and smoky, the texture is crisp-tender, and it goes with just about everything. You can throw it on while the main dish finishes cooking, and it’s ready in minutes.

What I love about this recipe is how simple it is with just a little olive oil, simple seasonings, and the grill does the rest. The garlic salt brings out the best in the asparagus without covering it up, and a squeeze of lemon at the end makes it taste extra fresh. It’s the kind of dish you'll keep coming back to all summer.

If you love this asparagus recipe but looking for a way to dress it up a little, be sure and check out this Grilled Bacon Wrapped Asparagus recipe! It's perfect for special occasions for when you have a little extra time.

🛒 Ingredients for Grilled Asparagus

• Asparagus: Look for firm, bright green stalks with tight tips for the best results.
• Olive oil: Helps the asparagus char on the grill while keeping it tender and juicy.
• Garlic salt: Adds the perfect punch of flavor.
• Ground black pepper: Balances out the garlic salt
• Optional: lemon: Brightens up the flavor and adds a pop of freshness.

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Outdoor grill or grill pan

🔪 How to Grill Asparagus

Preheat your outdoor grill or grill pan.

Wash, dry and trim the woody ends off your asparagus.

Drizzle the olive oil over the top and sprinkle the garlic salt and ground black pepper.

Rub the mixture on all sides of the asparagus, making sure it’s well coated.

Grill the asparagus for a few minutes on each side or until cooked to your desired texture.

Serve with the (optional) squeeze of fresh lemon.

☑️ Storage Instructions

You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing it because grilled asparagus loses its texture once frozen and thawed.

🍴 What to Serve with Fresh Asparagus

This asparagus will pair with just about any protein, these are some of my favorites:

• Baked Cod with Lemon Beurre Blanc
• Grilled Steak with Chipotle Lime Butter
• Honey Glazed Pork Tenderloin
• Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter

💡 Tips For Buying and Grilling Asparagus

• The tips of asparagus are the most tender part, but they’re also the first to go bad. Look for spears with tightly closed tips and no mushy spots or discoloration on the stalks.

• To keep asparagus fresh longer, stand the spears upright in a glass or jar with a little water in the bottom, just like you would with fresh herbs. Cover the tops loosely with a paper towel and store them in the fridge.

• Pat asparagus dry with paper towels before oiling to help it char instead of steam.

• Instead of cutting the ends, try bending a spear near the bottom. It’ll naturally snap right where the tough part ends and the tender part begins. Use that as a guide for trimming the rest.

• Season just before grilling. Don’t let the asparagus sit too long in oil and salt or it can start to get soggy. Coat and grill right away for the best texture.

• Always give the spears a little space so the heat can circulate and you get better browning.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan right after grilling for a savory finish
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• Drizzle the warm asparagus with balsamic glaze for a tangy twist
• Use garlic-infused olive oil instead of regular olive oil for even more flavor
• Toss with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for a little crunch

Is Asparagus Keto?

It sure is! In fact, I wrote an article all about the nutritional value and benefits of asparagus that you can read here.

Why is My Asparagus Soggy After Grilling?

You probably didn’t pat it dry before adding oil, or your grill wasn't hot enough. Moisture prevents that nice char. Also, make sure you are not overcooking it. You want to grill it just until tender.

How Do I Keep Asparagus from Falling Through the Grill Grates?

Lay the spears perpendicular to the grates or use a grill basket to keep them secure and easy to flip.

Can I Make Grilled Asparagus Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can grill it a few hours in advance and serve it at room temperature. It also tastes great cold tossed into salads.

What Temperature Should My Grill Be for Asparagus?

Medium-high heat is ideal. You want a good sear without burning the outside before the inside cooks.

🍽️ More Healthy Asparagus Recipes

• Asparagus Salad
• Sauteed Asparagus
• Cream of Asparagus Soup
• Salmon Asparagus Foil Packets