This post featuring Grilled Asparagus with Mustard Dill Sauce is proudly sponsored in conjunction with #BBQWeek. We received product samples from generous sponsors to create delicious #BBQWeek recipes, and all opinions expressed here are entirely our own.

Contents

Grilled Asparagus with Tangy Mustard Dill Sauce: Your Go-To Summer BBQ Side

Experience the exquisite taste of Grilled Asparagus with Mustard Dill Sauce – a truly tangy, creamy, and herbaceous side dish that promises to elevate any cookout or BBQ meal. This vibrant vegetable dish is not just delicious, but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an essential addition to your summertime culinary repertoire.

If you’re passionate about grilling and looking for more innovative recipes, be sure to explore these Hawaiian BBQ Hot Dogs for another fantastic flavor adventure!

Embracing Asparagus Season with a Flavorful Twist

Few things bring as much joy to a home cook as the arrival of asparagus season. This delightful vegetable, with its tender spears and distinct flavor, has been a long-time favorite of ours. While we often enjoy it in dishes like our beloved Asparagus and Spinach Frittata, there’s something truly special about grilled asparagus.

Traditionally, a simple drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of pepper are all that’s needed to transform fresh asparagus into a quick and easy grilled side. However, for those occasions when you want to add a little extra flair and complexity to your meal, this Grilled Asparagus with Mustard Dill Sauce is an absolute game-changer. Its rich, vibrant flavors are perfectly suited for the sunny days and warm evenings of summer grilling.

Our appreciation for asparagus has grown even more through events like #BBQWeek and past #BrunchWeek celebrations. We’re especially thrilled that Michigan Asparagus continues to be a key sponsor, bringing us double the love for this incredible green vegetable. Their commitment ensures we always have access to the freshest, highest-quality asparagus for all our culinary creations. You might remember our epic Breakfast Macaroni and Cheese, which even featured asparagus and an egg! While that dish was certainly a triumph, this Grilled Asparagus with Mustard Dill Sauce holds its own as a truly unforgettable recipe.

Beyond Delicious: The Remarkable Health Benefits of Asparagus

Asparagus isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s also a powerhouse of nutrition. This slender green spear is packed with essential vitamins like K, A, and C, as well as vital minerals and a substantial amount of dietary fiber. Its naturally low-calorie content makes it an excellent choice for a healthy diet, perfectly complementing its rich nutrient profile. We love incorporating asparagus into a variety of dishes, from light and fluffy frittatas and crisp salads to stuffing it into lean chicken breasts for a complete meal.

For those looking for an extra indulgent touch, wrapping asparagus spears in savory bacon or delicate prosciutto before grilling or roasting transforms them into an irresistible appetizer or side dish. The combination of its earthy flavor with salty, crispy cured meats is truly exceptional.

The Mustard Dill Sauce: A Simple Elevation

The secret weapon behind this grilled asparagus recipe is undoubtedly the Mustard Dill Sauce. This simple yet incredibly flavorful dressing is crafted from a harmonious blend of classic Dijon mustard, fresh garlic, a touch of low-sodium chicken stock for creaminess, fragrant fresh dill, and, of course, salt and pepper to taste. It’s remarkably easy to whisk together, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum impact, transforming ordinary grilled asparagus into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Mastering Grilled Asparagus: Tips for Perfection

Achieving perfectly grilled asparagus is easier than you think. The key is to start with fresh, vibrant spears and understand the basic grilling techniques. The high heat of the grill caramelizes the asparagus, bringing out its natural sweetness and giving it a delightful char and tender-crisp texture. This method ensures that each spear is cooked evenly and thoroughly, without becoming soggy.

Selecting and Preparing Asparagus

Choosing Fresh Asparagus: Look for firm, bright green stalks with tight, closed tips. Avoid any spears that appear limp, withered, or have opened tips. Thicker spears tend to be more tender and less prone to overcooking on the grill.
Trimming the Ends: The woody ends of asparagus can be tough and fibrous. The easiest way to remove them is to gently bend each spear until it naturally snaps. It will break at the point where the tough part meets the tender part. Alternatively, you can line up the spears and cut off the bottom inch or two.
Prepping for the Grill: Before grilling, lightly coat the trimmed asparagus spears with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking, promotes even cooking, and allows any seasonings to adhere better. Then, season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Grilling for Perfection

Place the seasoned asparagus directly over high heat on your grill. Cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes, or until the spears reach your desired tenderness. You want them tender-crisp, with a slight char, but not mushy. Keep a close eye on them, as they cook quickly!

The Genius Cooling Rack Trick

For those who’ve experienced asparagus slipping through the grill grates, here’s a game-changing pro tip we learned from “The Kitchen” on Food Network: lay a wire cooling rack directly on your grill grates before adding the asparagus. This creates a stable surface, preventing any spears from falling into the flames. It’s a simple yet incredibly effective trick that ensures every single piece of asparagus makes it to your plate. If you don’t have one, a grill basket works similarly well.

Beyond the Grill: Versatile Cooking Methods

While grilling brings out an unparalleled smoky flavor, this asparagus dish is incredibly versatile and can be prepared using various cooking methods. Even if you don’t have a grill, or if the weather isn’t cooperating, you can still enjoy this fantastic side dish year-round. Midwest winters, for example, often demand indoor cooking alternatives!

Oven Roasting Asparagus

Roasting asparagus in the oven is a superb alternative. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the olive oil-coated and seasoned asparagus with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 10-15 minutes, or until tender-crisp and slightly caramelized. The Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful nutty, salty crust, while the lemon brightens the flavors.

Stovetop Sautéing

For a quick stovetop option, heat a grill pan or a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the asparagus and sauté for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly browned. This method also works wonderfully and can be done in minutes.

We’re always eager to learn! How do you personally love to prepare your asparagus? Share your favorite methods and tips in the comments below.

A huge thank you to Michigan Asparagus for providing such beautiful, fresh asparagus. It truly makes a difference in every recipe!

How to Store Asparagus for Maximum Freshness:

Upon returning home from the grocery store, simply place your asparagus spears upright in a mason jar or a deep bowl. Fill the container with about an inch of water, covering the bottom ends of the spears. This method keeps the asparagus hydrated and crisp, much like a bouquet of flowers. Remember to change the water every couple of days, or when it starts to look cloudy, to maintain optimal freshness. Stored this way in the refrigerator, asparagus can last for up to a week.

Grilled Asparagus with Mustard Dill Sauce

Prep 1 min

Cook 5 mins

Total 6 mins

Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Yield 8 servings

Grilled Asparagus with Mustard Dill Sauce is tangy, creamy and an herbaceous side dish. It’s the perfect vegetable to add to any of your cookout and BBQ grilled meals.

Ingredients

2 lbs asparagus, trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper
1/3 cup dijon mustard
1/4 cup low sodium chicken stock
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh dill, minced
salt and pepper

Instructions

Lightly coat asparagus spears with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Grill over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or to desired tenderness.
Into a small bowl, whisk Dijon mustard, chicken stock, garlic, dill and salt and pepper. Taste for seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
Pour over grilled asparagus and enjoy.

Courses Side Dish

Cuisine American

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 8 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 55
% Daily Value
Total Fat 4 g		6%
	Saturated Fat 1 g	5%
Sodium 65 mg		3%
Total Carbohydrates 5 g		2%
	Dietary Fiber 2 g	8%
	Sugars 2 g
Protein 3 g		6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Exciting #BBQWeek Giveaway Opportunities!

In addition to all these amazing recipes, we’re thrilled to announce a truly epic giveaway! Make sure to enter below for your chance to win one of three fantastic prizes. We extend our sincere gratitude to all the wonderful and generous sponsors who made #BBQWEEK possible and contributed these incredible prizes.

Welcome to #BBQWEEK! This week, indulge in over 70 unique recipes from more than 20 talented bloggers. Plus, seize the opportunity to win one of three fantastic prizes from our sponsors. A special thank you to Michigan Asparagus for providing bloggers with freshly harvested asparagus, to Adams Extract & Spice for their wonderful rubs and spices perfect for grilling, and to Not Ketchup for offering bloggers a choice of their delightful sauces.

Prize Number 1: $100 Gift Card Courtesy of Michigan Asparagus (Value $100)

Michigan Asparagus is renowned for its hand-snapped fresh asparagus, available seasonally from May to June. Primarily grown in Oceana County along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, Michigan Asparagus boasts exceptional flavor and an impressive shelf life. It’s a nutrient-dense, low-calorie vegetable, completely free of fat and cholesterol, and very low in sodium. Approximately 120 local Michigan farmers cultivate about 20 million pounds of Michigan Asparagus during the state’s 6-7 week harvest. Remember to choose U.S.-grown asparagus for the freshest possible product.

Prize Number 2: Not Ketchup Sampler 5-Pack (Value $40)

Not Ketchup offers a unique line of gourmet fruit grilling and dipping sauces. These sauces are crafted with no added sugar, no corn syrup, and no artificial sweeteners, making them a healthier and more natural choice. They are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, paleo, vegan, low-carb, and Whole30 friendly, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences.

The sampler pack includes these incredible flavors:

Tangerine Hatch Chile Not Ketchup: A vibrant blend of sweet-tart California tangerines with a subtle touch of heat from authentic Hatch chiles sourced from New Mexico.
Favorite pairings: fish, chicken, turkey
Cherry Chipotle Not Ketchup: Combines the rich sweetness of ripe cherries with the deep, smoky warmth of chipotle pepper.
Favorite pairings: burgers, steak, salmon, ribs, meatballs
Blueberry White Pepper Not Ketchup: Takes blueberries to a savory dimension with hints of mustard and a gentle kick of white pepper.
Favorite pairings: lamb chops, shrimp, scallops, pork tenderloin, goat cheese
Smoky Date Not Ketchup: A delightful mix of the natural sweetness found in sun-ripened California dates with the aromatic depth of smoked paprika.
Favorite pairings: pork chops, roast turkey, rotisserie chicken, ham, sausages
Spiced Fig Not Ketchup: Features the rich, complex flavor of California Mission figs beautifully blended with warm spices like cinnamon, anise, and black pepper.
Favorite pairings: Leg of lamb, steak, roast chicken, cheddar cheese

Prize Number 3: A Bottle of Vanilla and a Selection of Rubs from Adams Extract & Flavors (Value $30)

Adams Extract

From humble beginnings in Battle Creek, Michigan, to a deeply rooted history in Texas, Adams Extract has consistently upheld one core principle: an unwavering commitment and passion to deliver only the highest quality and most innovative products and services. For over 125 years, their mission has remained simple: to make great food taste even better! Today, Adams proudly manufactures and markets products under several distinguished Adams Brand banners, including Adams Best®, Adams Extract®, Adams® Seasoning & Spice, Adams Reserve®, Flavor King™, Pantry Basics™, Sear-n-Crust®, ClearVan™, Carniceria®, Cocina del Rey®, Naturals™, and Urban Canner™, alongside their Adams Frozen Skillet Desserts and Adams Premium Ice Cream lines. Their dedication to flavor and quality continues to inspire home cooks and professional chefs alike.

You can enter the giveaway here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Still hungry for more deliciousness?

Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for daily inspiration!

Pin this recipe on Pinterest to save it for later!

Subscribe! Sign up for easy + delicious recipes delivered weekly—straight to your inbox!

Disclaimer: We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to #BBQWeek Sponsors Adam’s Extracts, Michigan Asparagus, and Not Ketchup for providing the giveaway prizes free of charge. These generous sponsors also supplied bloggers with samples and products to use in creating our #BBQWeek recipes. All opinions and culinary reviews expressed in this post are entirely our own and are not influenced by the sponsorship.

The #BBQWeek giveaway is open exclusively to U.S. residents, age 18 & up. There will be three winning entries, and each winner will be verified. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors to the verified winners. The #BBQWeek Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of any prize package. Please note that participating bloggers and their immediate family members are not eligible to enter or win the giveaway. No purchase is necessary to enter. This promotion is void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with any social media channels mentioned in the #BBQWeek posts or entry forms.

Mustard Dill Grilled Asparagus