Grilled Asparagus Tomato Salad
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh and vibrant salads, and Grilled Asparagus Tomato Salad is a delightful way to do just that! This dish combines the smoky flavor of grilled asparagus with sweet cherry tomatoes and creamy burrata cheese, creating a deliciously satisfying meal or side dish. 🍅🌿
Why make this recipe?
This Grilled Asparagus Tomato Salad is not just tasty; it’s also packed with nutrients. Asparagus is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, while tomatoes provide a good dose of antioxidants. Adding burrata cheese brings a luxurious creaminess that ties all the flavors together. Perfect for a light lunch, a picnic, or a dinner party, this salad will impress your friends and family while keeping things healthy! 🥗✨
How to prepare Grilled Asparagus Tomato Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed 🌿
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
- 1 ball burrata cheese 🧀
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 🥄
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted 🌰
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish 🌱
- Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂
- Optional: Balsamic glaze for drizzling 🍯
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Toss the trimmed asparagus with olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Place the asparagus on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred.
- While the asparagus is grilling, place halved cherry tomatoes in a serving bowl.
- Once the asparagus is done, let it cool for a minute, then cut it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl with tomatoes.
- Gently tear the burrata cheese and place it on top of the salad.
- Sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the salad and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired, and enjoy!
How to serve Grilled Asparagus Tomato Salad
Serve this salad warm or at room temperature. It makes a delightful side dish for grilled meats or a refreshing main dish on its own. Either way, your guests will love the mix of textures and flavors! 🍽️
How to store Grilled Asparagus Tomato Salad
To store leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to enjoy the salad fresh, as the burrata cheese may become watery after a day. If you plan to have leftovers, consider storing the components separately to maintain their freshness. 🥡
Tips for preparing Grilled Asparagus Tomato Salad
- Make sure to trim the asparagus properly by snapping off the woody ends. They will break naturally where they become tender!
- For a smoky flavor, you can add grilled corn or bell peppers to enhance the salad.
- Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes until golden brown for extra flavor.
Variations
- Swap burrata for feta cheese or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp to make this salad even heartier.
- Incorporate other seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added color and taste. 🌽🥒
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving.
2. Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This Grilled Asparagus Tomato Salad is entirely vegetarian and can easily be adapted to vegan by omitting the burrata cheese.
3. What can I substitute if I don’t have pine nuts?
If you’re out of pine nuts, you can use sunflower seeds or sliced almonds, which will add a nice crunch to the salad.
Enjoy the fresh and flavorful taste of Grilled Asparagus Tomato Salad, and savor every bite! 🥗❤️