Barbecued asparagus with pistachio and lemon dressing

This barbecued asparagus features smoky flavors complemented by a zesty lemon and pistachio dressing. It's a quick and healthy side dish ideal for any gathering.

07 Jan 2026
Cook time 4 min
Prep time 5 min

Ingredients:

2.50 lb asparagus
2 tbsp pistachio nuts
1/4 cup olive oil
1 lemon
2 tsp mustard
Barbecued asparagus with pistachio and lemon dressing

This delightful barbecued asparagus with pistachio and lemon dressing is a fantastic side dish that brightens up any meal. The combination of smoky, charred asparagus with the zesty, nutty dressing provides an explosion of flavors that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Perfect for a summer barbecue or as a healthy addition to any gathering, this recipe is simple to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Prepare the Asparagus:
- Trim the woody ends off the asparagus spears.
- Toss the asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil to lightly coat and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the Asparagus:
- Place the asparagus spears directly on the grill grates.
- Grill for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and have nice grill marks.
4. Prepare the Dressing:
- While the asparagus is grilling, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and mustard in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Roughly chop the pistachio nuts and set aside.
5. Assemble:
- Once the asparagus is done grilling, transfer it to a serving platter.
- Drizzle the lemon and mustard dressing over the warm asparagus.
- Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the top.
6. Serve:
- Serve immediately while warm. Enjoy this delicious and fresh barbecued asparagus with pistachio and lemon dressing as a side dish or a light main course.

Enjoy your barbecued asparagus with pistachio and lemon dressing as a vibrant and tasty side dish. The pistachios add a delightful crunch, while the lemon and mustard provide a zesty tang that perfectly complements the smoky flavor of the barbecued asparagus. This dish is a great way to bring fresh, seasonal produce to your table, and it’s sure to become a favorite at your gatherings.

Barbecued asparagus with pistachio and lemon dressing FAQ:

How long should I grill the asparagus?

Grill the asparagus for about 5-7 minutes on medium-high heat, turning occasionally until they are tender and have nice grill marks.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the lemon and mustard dressing a few hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

What can I use instead of pistachios?

If you don't have pistachios, you can substitute them with other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a similar crunch and flavor.

How do I store leftover grilled asparagus?

Store leftover grilled asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or enjoy cold in salads.

What is the best way to know if asparagus is done grilling?

Asparagus is done when it is tender to the bite and has charred grill marks. You can check doneness by piercing a spear with a fork.

Cooking Tips:

- For best results, choose fresh, firm asparagus stalks. Thinner stalks will cook faster, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

- If you don’t have a barbecue grill, you can use a grill pan or even roast the asparagus in the oven at 425°F (220°C) until tender and lightly charred.

- Make sure to toast the pistachio nuts lightly before chopping; this enhances their flavor and gives a nice crunch to the dressing.

- Zest the lemon before juicing it to get the most out of its flavor and ensure the dressing has a bright, citrusy punch.

- Whisk the dressing ingredients together thoroughly to create a smooth, emulsified mixture that will coat the asparagus evenly.

- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nutrition Facts

8 Servings
Calories 55kcal
Protein 4.11g
Carbohydrates 8g
Fiber 3.79g
Sugar 3.31g
Fat 9g

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