Celebrating fresh summer crops, caprese grilled asparagus and lentils make a perfect side dish or entree.
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Why this recipe is so popular
Juicy bursting tomatoes might be the best part of this caprese grilled asparagus and lentils. Topping the grilled asparagus with lentils increases the protein and fiber, and turns it into a possible entree dish.
Grilling asparagus is one of our favorite ways to prepare it and celebrate the very short asparagus season.
We love this recipe for its simple method and incredible flavors. Pairing this dish with fragrant saffron rice gives you a complete protein, while serving it with this fresh corn gazpacho is the perfect summer dinner.
Various lentil cooking times, which lentils are best
There are many different kinds of lentils.
My favorite lentils for salads are French / Puy lentils and black / Beluga lentils.
To cook lentils for this caprese grilled asparagus recipe:
- Add the lentils to a fine mesh strainer and pick through for debris.
- Rinse the lentils or soak lentils for 1 - 2 hours. You do not need to soak, but it reduces cooking time a bit.
- If you do soak, drain and rinse lentils after soaking.
- Add water and rinsed lentils to a Dutch oven or large pot.
- Use a 3:1 ratio of water to lentils: 3 cups water and 1 cup lentils, as they should double in size.
- If using black / Beluga lentils, the cooking time can vary from 20 to 30 minutes. I have always cooked lentils in the same cast iron Dutch oven, and the cooking times vary even for same color.
See this Mediterranean lentil salad for more specific lentil cooking times, more lentil information, and another incredibly delicious lentil recipe.
As a recipe shortcut, use already cooked, ready to eat lentils.
Variations on this recipe
For a true caprese dish, add some dairy free mozzarella to the top, so it melts into the juicy tomatoes. For a bolder flavor, crumble some vegan goat cheese on the grilled asparagus.
No grill? Roasting the asparagus and tomatoes in the oven works just as well.
How long does grilled asparagus last?
My rule for maximum flavor and freshness is to enjoy this grilled asparagus within three days.
Cool completely and refrigerate in a glass container with a tightly fitting lid.
Reheating methods
- Oven: Arrange asparagus on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 375° F until warmed through, turning after 7 minutes.
- Stovetop: Reheat on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat.
- Air Fryer: Air fry at 350 °F and check after 5 minutes. Shake basket and continue heating for another couple minutes as needed.
Did you make this caprese grilled asparagus?
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Caprese Grilled Asparagus and Lentils
Celebrating fresh summer crops, caprese grilled asparagus and lentils make a perfect side dish or entree.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 ½ cups cooked black / Beluga lentils
- ¼ cup chopped basil
- balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat grill to high / 400 °F.
- Wash asparagus and trim the tough scale leaves from the spears. Break or slice off the tough root ends.
- Wash tomatoes.
- Place prepped asparagus and tomatoes on a quarter sheet pan or plate.
- Drizzle asparagus and tomatoes with oil, pepper and salt. Using tongs or your hands, carefully toss asparagus and tomatoes to evenly coat with oil and seasonings.
- Grill asparagus and tomatoes for 5-9 minutes, watching closely. Remove from heat when grill marks have formed and tomatoes are starting to pop.
- Place the asparagus on a serving platter. Top with cooked lentils.
- Top asparagus and lentils with tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
How to cook lentils
For various lentil cooking times and more information, see this how to cook lentils guide.
Variations on this recipe
For a true caprese dish, add some dairy free mozzarella to the top, so it melts into the juicy tomatoes. For a bolder flavor, crumble some vegan goat cheese on the grilled asparagus.
No grill? Roasting the asparagus and tomatoes in the oven works just as well.
We love this recipe for its simple method and incredible flavors. Pairing this dish with fragrant saffron rice gives you a dinner with complete protein, while serving it with this fresh corn gazpacho is the perfect summer dinner.
How long does grilled asparagus last?
My rule for maximum flavor and freshness is to enjoy this grilled asparagus within three days.
Cool completely and refrigerate in a glass container with a tightly fitting lid.
Reheating methods
- Oven: Arrange asparagus on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 375° F until warmed through, turning after 7 minutes.
- Stovetop: Reheat on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat.
- Air Fryer: Air fry at 350 °F and check after 5 minutes. Shake basket and continue heating for another couple minutes as needed.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 151Total Fat: 4gSodium: 158mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 8gSugar: 7gProtein: 9g
nutrition calculations results vary by calculator, are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to replace medical advice or treatment.
about Kristina:
Kristina is spabettie! She found cooking at an early age, and created spabettie in 2010 to share vegan recipes. Kristina turned her culinary training into sharing vibrant vegan food! Read more...
spabettie / Kristina Sloggett is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Gina says
A very beautiful recipe. Thank you for sharing this.
Kristina Sloggett says
thank you! we are loving grilled asparagus right now! 🙂