Grilled Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes

When firing up the grill, I am looking for multiple dishes to throw on the fire. If I have gone to the trouble of lighting charcoal, I should make at least a few different dishes. Moreover, a super easy dish to grill and reserve leftovers for as “meal prep” is some veggies with seasonings. 

This recipe emerged when I had some leftover tomato butter. I felt it would pair excellently with asparagus and cherry tomatoes. Additionally, I was grilling some southwest-style chicken breasts and felt the asparagus and tomatoes would pair perfectly. 

In this article, I will review the ingredients in this grilled asparagus and cherry tomato side, how to make it, how to top your asparagus and tomatoes, and some facts about asparagus!

Ingredients in Grilled Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes

This recipe is super simple with just 3 ingredients.

• Asparagus: A vegetable widely known for its distinctive appearance, asparagus has a mild, slightly earthy flavor with vibrant green color. White asparagus has a more delicate taste with a slight bitterness.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are a bite-sized variety of tomatoes, that are slightly sweet. With their thin, snappy skin, juicy interior, and vibrant array of colors, cherry tomatoes bring both textural and visual appeal to your dishes.
• Avocado Oil: Known for its smooth texture and mild flavor, avocado oil also has various health benefits. However, I love to use avocado oil for its high smoke point. 

**Salt and Pepper to taste

How to Prepare Asparagus for Grilling

Once you have selected fresh asparagus that is firm, bright green, and with tightly closed tips, give them a rinse under cold running water to remove dirt or debris. Then, pat the asparagus dry with a damp towel.

Next, trim the woody ends. To do this, hold the spear with one hand near the base and bend the asparagus gently. The stalk will naturally snap at the point where the tender part meets the woody end. Repeat the process for the remaining spears.

Alternatively, you can use a knife and trim about an inch off the bottom of the asparagus.

How To Grill Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, (350-400°F).
• Rinse both the tomatoes and asparagus under cold running water. Then, snap the tough ends off the asparagus.
• In a large bowl, gently massage avocado oil into the vegetables and set aside.

• Prepare your grill basket. You have some options:

  A) Line the grill basket with tin foil to prevent the juices from dripping onto the fire

  B) Rub some (1 tsp) avocado oil over the surface to prevent sticking.

• Place the grill basket on the preheated grill to heat up.
• Then pour the oil-coated veggies into the basket.
• Grill vegetables for 5-10 minutes or until the asparagus is tender, and slightly charred, and the tomatoes begin to burst. Cooking times may vary, keep an eye on the vegetables to prevent them from getting too charred.
• Remove the grill basket and vegetables from the grill.
• Add additional seasonings of choice, freshly cracked pepper, freshly squeezed citrus, fresh herbs, etc.

Topping Ideas

You can customize your Grilled Asparagus and Cherry tomatoes to pair with your entree. Below are some examples of other topping ideas you could use. 

• Cirtus juce and/or zest: Limes, lemon, orange
• Fresh herbs: Parsley, cilantro, basil
• Dried Herbs and spices: Oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and cumin. 
• Cheese: Goat cheese or parmesan
• Nuts and seeds: Pine nuts, sliced almonds, or sunflower seeds
• Compound butter: Garlic Herb, Chipotle Lime, or Tomato Butter

Compound butter is a mixture of butter and other ingredients like herbs, spices, seasonings, and at times even fruits or vegetables. Compound butter is versatile and used to enhance the flavors of dishes.

Sharper Nutrition Fix: Asparagus

What is asparagus

Asparagus spears are the edible part of the asparagus plant. The spears are harvested before they develop into fern-like plants. You can find different varietals of asparagus including green, white, and purple. Asparagus has a slightly bitter taste that pairs well with many flavors. It is often associated with spring and summer due to its seasonal availability at grocery stores and farmer’s markets. 

Asparagus in the culinary world

Prepare asparagus in many ways. In addition to grilling, try boiling, roasting, steaming, and stir-frying asparagus. Asparagus is often enjoyed as a side dish but can be added to salads, incorporated into pasta dishes, and used in stir-fries. 

Asparagus nutrition

Asparagus is nutritious and low in calories. In addition to folate, fiber, potassium, and iron, asparagus has vitamins A, C, E, and K. Because asparagus is high in antioxidants, incorporating it into the diet can help protect the body against harmful free radicals. 

**Free radicals can build up in cells and cause damage to other molecules. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals. Maintaining a balanced diet high in antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables can help support the body’s defense systems in combating free radical damage. 

Like this recipe?

Below are a few others you may enjoy.

Jalapeno Picked Eggs – great as a ramen or yakisoba noodle topper!

Spicy Tahini Noodles – another fab noodle dish