Chargrilled Asparagus with Feta and Mint

In Australia, spring is almost here and I am happily anticipating being able to once again enjoy my Chargrilled Asparagus with Feta and Mint. When asparagus is plentiful and inexpensive I like to use it in as many ways as possible. Just a few of the ways I enjoy it are with pasta, in risotto, as a soup or simply roasted as a side dish. However, I also like it in a salad and this is one of my all-time favourites.

My Chargrilled Asparagus with Feta and Mint is a fresh and vibrant salad. By cooking the asparagus and tomatoes on the char-grill they acquire a slight, savoury smokiness. Also, the asparagus and tomato flavours are heightened as their natural sugars caramelise on the grill.  

Some feta, tumbled over the top of the asparagus and tomatoes, brings salty, creaminess to the salad. I include two of my favourite flavour boosters here, lemon and mint. There are not many dishes that do not benefit from the inclusion of one or both ingredients. I use freshly squeezed lemon juice in the dressing and some finely grated lemon zest for additional flavour. The mint adds a fragrant, bright note. Finally, for textural contrast, I add some toasted, slivered almonds.

This fresh and lively salad is also packed with health-benefiting nutrients. Asparagus is very low in calories and is a good source of fibre, potassium and Vitamins A, C and K. Additionally, it is high in anti-inflammatory compounds and provides a wide variety of antioxidants. Charred cherry tomatoes provide further nutrition. They are a good source of Vitamins A and C, potassium and also contain powerful antioxidant properties.

Ingredients in my Chargrilled Asparagus with Feta and Mint:

Asparagus:

Asparagus is a spring vegetable grown for its young spears which are eaten as a vegetable. It is best to eat asparagus as soon as possible after you buy it. At the time of harvest, asparagus contains a great deal of sugar which quickly converts to starch. The sweet, tender stalks become bland and starchy with age.

Extra Virgin Olive oil:

Extra virgin olive is the highest grade of olive oil available. As well as adding great flavour to this salad, it has been proven to be a healthy fat and contains several health-benefitting antioxidants.

Cherry Tomatoes:

Sweet cherry tomatoes are a great addition to this salad. The sweetness of cherry tomatoes complements the earthy flavour of asparagus.

Feta:

I use Danish feta as it adds a lovely, creamy texture.
If you would prefer this dish to be vegan, you could certainly omit the feta, or substitute with a plant-based alternative.

Mint Leaves:

Mint is a favourite ingredient of mine. It is a great flavour booster and adds bright, fresh notes to this salad.

There are a number of health benefits to eating mint. It contains anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds along with Vitamins A and C together with manganese.

Slivered Almonds:

Blanched almonds have been sliced into little batons to produce slivered almonds. They are readily available in supermarkets.

You could make your own, but it is labour intensive. To begin, you soak the almonds in boiling water for a few minutes and then slide their skins off. Next, you split the almond in half lengthways. And finally, cut the almond halves into slivers.

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper:

I prefer sea salt. Regular table salt often contains additives. Pepper which is freshly ground has the best flavour.

Lemon:

Lemon is a great flavour booster, adding bright, fresh, citrus notes. I use both the zest and juice in my Char-Grilled Asparagus and Feta Salad.  

Sugar:

Use a small amount of sugar to balance and mellow the other flavours in the salad dressing. Honey would be a suitable alternative.

Dijon Mustard:

Add a small amount of mustard for flavour and its ability to emulsify the oil and vinegar, which means, blending the oil and vinegar together.

How to Make the Chargrilled Asparagus with Feta and Mint:

The end of the asparagus is almost always tough and woody and will need to be removed. To do this, hold the end of the asparagus with both hands, between your thumb and forefinger, and bend until the woody portion breaks off. Pace the asparagus on a large platter. Rub well with olive oil then season with salt and pepper

Heat a barbecue or char-grill pan to medium-high heat then place the asparagus onto the barbecue or char-grill pan. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, turning several times or until the asparagus is lightly charred and tender but still crisp. Remove the cooked asparagus to a large plate and trim to short lengths.

Toss halved cherry tomatoes in olive oil, lightly season and place them flesh-side down on the grill until lightly charred. Add the cherry tomatoes to the asparagus. Arrange decoratively then sprinkle with lemon zest, add mint leaves, crumbled feta and slivered almonds. Finally, drizzle with the dressing and season to taste.

Tips for success:

When selecting asparagus, choose bunches that have firm spears with tight heads and smooth, bright skin. Avoid any that have shrivelled stems or droopy heads. For the best flavour, eat the asparagus as soon as possible after buying.  The sugars in the asparagus quickly convert to starch so the sweet, tender stalks become flavourless and starchy.

In this salad, I use both the lemon zest and juice. When using both, zest the lemon before squeezing the juice. When removing the zest, always be sure to take only the thin, outer part of the rind and avoid the bitter, white pith.

Other uses for these ingredients:

Cherry tomatoes:

• Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
• Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
• Cherry Tomato Galettes by A Baking Journey

Asparagus:

• Asparagus and Parmesan Filo Rolls
• Roasted Lemon Parmesan Asparagus by Cook it Real Good
• Asparagus Straws by Sprinkles and Sprouts
• BBQ Asian Asparagus by Another Food Blogger

Feta:

• Radish, Feta and Cucumber Salad
• Spinach and Feta Galettes
• Baked Feta with Olives and Rosemary
• Creamy Whipped Feta

Serving the Chargrilled Asparagus with Feta and Mint:

This side dish is perfect for special occasions. Here in the Southern Hemisphere, it would make a perfect addition to the Christmas table. The flavours will work with poultry, meat or fish and the red and green colours suit a traditional Christmas theme.

However, its adaptable personality means that it is equally at home as an addition to a barbecue or beach picnic.

Whilst I generally serve this salad as a side dish, it is sufficiently substantial to serve as a light, meat-free meal. All you need to accompany it is some warm, crusty bread to soak up the lemony dressing.

Make the most of the arrival of spring asparagus and try it in as many ways as possible. Let me know in the comments below if you make this salad.
Alex xx