Description
This Grilled Asparagus Caesar is a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic salad. Tender grilled asparagus, crispy sourdough croutons, and a homemade Caesar dressing come together for a light and satisfying meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Grilled Asparagus:
- 2 pounds asparagus spears
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- Garlic powder, for sprinkling
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
Caesar Dressing:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/3 cup olive oil
Instructions
Caesar Dressing:
- Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, combine garlic, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, anchovy paste, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Emulsify: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until a creamy dressing forms.
- Set Aside: Set aside or store in the refrigerator for later use.
Grilled Asparagus:
- Preheat Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Let the grates get hot for at least 10 minutes.
- Prepare Asparagus: Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus spears. Toss with 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare Croutons: Brush sourdough slices with the remaining olive oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt and garlic powder.
- Grill: Place asparagus spears on the grill (perpendicular to the grates). Grill for 5-6 minutes, tossing occasionally, until slightly charred. Add sourdough to the grill at the same time and grill for 1-2 minutes per side, until toasted with grill marks.
- Assemble: Remove asparagus and bread from the grill. Slice or tear the sourdough into crouton-sized pieces.
- Dress and Serve: Place grilled asparagus on a plate. Drizzle with Caesar dressing. Top with shaved Parmesan cheese, sourdough croutons, and finely grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
- The Caesar dressing can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Adjust the amount of Caesar dressing to your preference.
- Use a grill basket if you’re concerned about asparagus falling through the grates.
- You can also use a grill pan or oven broiler for this recipe.
- Leftover dressing will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg