Lemon-Dill Salad with Grilled Asparagus
Fresh mixed greens tossed in a bright lemon-dill vinaigrette, topped with charred asparagus and crunchy almonds for a refreshing meal. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 25 minutes pairs bunch (1 lb), trimmed asparagus, olive oil, salt into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch (1 lb), trimmed asparagus
- 5 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/4 cup, crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high. Toss asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper; grill for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp and slightly charred, turning once.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil (4 tbsp), 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified; set aside.
- Step 3: Toss mixed salad greens with the vinaigrette, then top with grilled asparagus, 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup sliced almonds, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill; serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Salad with Grilled Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lemon-Dill Salad with Grilled Asparagus?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Salad with Grilled Asparagus?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lemon-Dill Salad with Grilled Asparagus for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lemon-Dill Salad with Grilled Asparagus?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This salad was the perfect side for my grilled chicken. Fresh and light.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The lemon and dill really brightened up the asparagus.
- ★★★★☆
Great flavor, but the asparagus took a bit longer to grill than I expected.