Chargrilled prosciutto asparagus with pesto dressing
This Chargrilled Prosciutto Asparagus combines smoky, tender asparagus wrapped in savoury prosciutto, topped with a vibrant homemade pesto dressing, making it an elegant appetizer. Ideal for parties or a gourmet treat at home.
Cook time 6 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
1.50 lb asparagus3 slices prosciutto
1 short spray cooking spray oil
1/2 cup basil leaves
2 tbsp pine nuts
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
Elevate your appetizer game with this delightful Chargrilled Prosciutto Asparagus with Pesto Dressing. Combining the smoky tenderness of chargrilled asparagus wrapped in savory prosciutto and topped with a vibrant homemade pesto, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply want to treat yourself to a gourmet experience, this recipe is sure to impress.
Instructions:
- Trim the woody ends from the asparagus spears.
- Cut each slice of prosciutto into thirds lengthwise.
- Wrap one piece of prosciutto around each asparagus spear.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Once the grill is hot, lightly spray it with cooking spray oil.
- Place the wrapped asparagus spears onto the grill.
- Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the prosciutto is crispy and the asparagus is tender and has grill marks. Use tongs to turn them gently to avoid burning the prosciutto.
- In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, grated parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves.
- Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- Add the lemon juice and pulse a few more times to combine.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper if needed.
- Arrange the grilled prosciutto asparagus on a serving platter.
- Drizzle the pesto dressing generously over the top.
- For an added touch, you can sprinkle some extra grated parmesan or toasted pine nuts over the dish before serving.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Serve your Chargrilled Prosciutto Asparagus with Pesto Dressing warm, allowing the flavors to meld and the aromas to captivate your senses. This dish not only looks beautiful but also offers a sumptuous blend of textures and tastes that will leave your guests raving. Enjoy your culinary creation and the compliments that follow!
Chargrilled prosciutto asparagus with pesto dressing FAQ:
Grill the wrapped asparagus for about 2-3 minutes per side. The asparagus should be tender and the prosciutto crispy with grill marks.
You can substitute prosciutto with pancetta, bacon, or a vegetarian option like marinated tempeh or tofu, but cooking times may vary.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on a grill.
You can substitute pine nuts with walnuts, cashews, or sunflower seeds, keeping in mind that the flavor and texture may change slightly.
Yes, you can prepare the pesto dressing up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Tips:
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh asparagus, basil, and lemon juice for the best flavor and aroma. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in the taste of your dish.
- Balanced Grilling: Ensure the asparagus is evenly grilled to offer a perfect mix of charred flavor and tender insides. Turn them frequently to avoid burning.
- Pesto Prep: Prepare your pesto while the asparagus is grilling to save time. You can also make the pesto in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Prosciutto Wrapping: Wrap the prosciutto slices tightly around the asparagus to prevent them from unraveling during grilling. You can use small wooden toothpicks to secure the prosciutto if necessary.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch, drizzle a bit more olive oil and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the top before serving.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 120kcal
Protein 9g
Carbohydrates 9g
Fiber 3.91g
Sugar 3.58g
Fat 22g
More recipes
Walnut parsley pesto with parmesan cheese
Easy walnut parsley pesto with parmesan for versatile dishes.
20 Dec 2025Juicy and delicious meatballs
Juicy meatballs packed with herbs and cooked in pasta sauce.
02 Jan 2026Bruschetta alla melanzane (eggplant bruschetta)
Delicious eggplant bruschetta with garlic and spearmint.
11 Dec 2025Garlic and chilli shrimps with pasta
Enjoy Garlic and Chilli Shrimps with Pasta—spicy and satisfying!
25 Dec 2025Tuscan beef steaks with char-grilled vegetables
Enjoy Tuscan beef steaks with char-grilled vegetables.
09 Feb 2026Peperonata and ricotta frittata
Enjoy a versatile peperonata and ricotta frittata for any meal.
07 Jan 2026