Grilled Asparagus, Peppers ‘n Tomato Salad
While those of you who endure frigid winters are craving garden-fresh produce such as asparagus, peppers and tomatoes, “we Floridians” are in our glory as these veggie gems are plentiful. So although I created this recipe smack in the middle of January, I waited until Summer to share it with you. Grilling just about any vegetable produces a rich caramelized taste unmatched by any other cooking method. Once you see how easy the process is, you’ll be forever hooked.
Author: Linda Shapiro, © Meal Planning Maven
Serves: about 4
Ingredients
Salad
- Olive oil for grilling (not extra-virgin)
- 1 pound asparagus, tough ends trimmed off
- 4 large bell peppers (Red, yellow and orange are really pretty!)
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes (I used a mixture of both in red and yellow.)
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh herbs (such as dill, parsley, mint, cilantro, thyme, marjoram, etc.)
Dressing
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Grilling Asparagus: lightly brush asparagus with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Prepare grill for medium heat. Place asparagus in a grill pan. (Or place over direct heat if asparagus are thick enough to not fall through the grates.) Grill asparagus for 5 minutes or until nicely charred. Turn asparagus over and continue grilling for 5 minutes or until they reach desired doneness.
- Grilling Peppers
- Grilling Cherry (or Grape) Tomatoes
- On a large serving platter, arrange grilled asparagus, peppers and tomatoes. Sprinkle with goat cheese, pine nuts and herbs. Drizzle salad lightly with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
MPM Mini-Bites
Make Ahead and Storage Tips: asparagus, peppers and tomatoes may be grilled up to 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Salad may be assembled (undressed) up to 4 hours before serving. Cover and refrigerate. Before serving, drizzle with oil and vinegar. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Grilled peppers and tomatoes are wonderful in salads and sauces and are a great addition to pasta dishes. Consider grilling additional peppers for use in future dishes as they freeze well. Grilled asparagus also would be a super-easy and healthy side dish.
Have fun experimenting with different varieties and sizes of tomatoes. Large yellow tomatoes add a pleasing “pop” of color while heirlooms make an absolutely beautiful presentation.
Another lovely dish using grilled peppers and tomatoes is Grilled Pepper Caprese Salad.
Grilled peppers and tomatoes are wonderful in salads and sauces and are a great addition to pasta dishes. Consider grilling additional peppers for use in future dishes as they freeze well. Grilled asparagus also would be a super-easy and healthy side dish.
Have fun experimenting with different varieties and sizes of tomatoes. Large yellow tomatoes add a pleasing “pop” of color while heirlooms make an absolutely beautiful presentation.
Another lovely dish using grilled peppers and tomatoes is Grilled Pepper Caprese Salad.
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