Grilled Asparagus in Foil isn’t just downright delicious, but it’s good for you, too! This is one of my favorite healthy side dishes to make on a weeknight when I want to be satisfied with my dinner, but don’t want a side that’s too heavy. Make this easy lemony, garlicky asparagus recipe tonight!

Asparagus is cooked and wrapped in foil, topped with lemon slices.


Grilled Asparagus in Foil

Did you know that asparagus is rich in vitamins A, C, and K? And it’s got plenty of fiber and folate, too. Oh – and did I mention that it’s also super low in calories? I don’t necessarily love the term “guilt free,” but it’s a great way to describe this side dish. You don’t just not feel bad about getting seconds, you feel great about it!

Grilling the asparagus in foil makes it perfectly tender, all the way through. Have you ever bitten into asparagus that’s way too firm around the stalk? It’s not the greatest culinary experience, that’s for sure. That’s why I really love this method of cooking asparagus. Every time I wrap asparagus in foil and grill it, it turns out perfectly tender without being mushy. And if you don’t have a grill? You can make the asparagus foil packets in the oven at 400˚F for 15 minutes.

I don’t know what’s worse – asparagus that’s too firm, or bland asparagus. Luckily, this recipe is neither! Grilled in foil with ingredients like fresh basil leaves, juicy lemon slices and butter, the asparagus is perfectly flavored with just the right amount of subtle, yet mouthwatering ingredients. It’s a simple recipe that always satisfies! And if you’re anything like me (a cheese lover), don’t forget to sprinkle some parmesan on top right before serving.

Uncooked asparagus is placed on foil.

How to Make It

This recipe is almost too good to be true. When you make this grilled side dish, it allows you time to focus on the other items on the grill, too. You’re going to love how easy this side dish recipe is!

  1. Heat it up. Preheat grill to medium high heat.
  2. Prep the foil. Place three 16 inch pieces heavy duty foil on a flat surface and form a bowl by crimping the sides up slightly.
  3. Add the ingredients. Place the asparagus in the center of the foil and top with the butter, lemon slices, garlic cloves, basil, salt and pepper.
  4. Assemble. Fold the foil over the asparagus and seal it completely on all sides.
  5. Grill. Grill the asparagus foil packet for 15 minutes.
  6. Check it. Carefully (it will be hot) open the foil packet and check the asparagus for doneness. It should be firm, yet tender.
  7. Enjoy! Sprinkle with cheese, if using, and serve immediately.
Asparagus is covered in squares of butter, lemon slices, and basil.

What To Serve With Asparagus

You already have the grill up and running, right? So why not make your entree something grilled and delicious! Here are just a few tasty ideas:

What Else To Cook With Asparagus

I love this recipe just the way it is, and that’s the truth. The simplicity of just the basil, lemon slices, butter with just a dash of salt and pepper is a delicious way to season this fresh side dish!

However, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love throwing some extra garlic cloves in there, too. I mean, who doesn’t love garlic, especially when it’s grilled and tender?!

If you want to add even more of an herbal flavor to the side dish, consider sprinkling some Italian seasoning on top of the asparagus before grilling. Garlic salt instead of regular salt would also be a delicious way to enhance the garlicky flavor! And if you really want to elevate this dish, toss some chopped white onions in the foil, too. They’ll cook so tenderly and also adapt to the other flavors in there!

Asparagus with fresh toppings is wrapped in foil and ready to be grilled.

Looking to add more healthy dishes into your dinner routine? Here are just a few of my weeknight go-to side dishes that the whole family loves!

Overhead shot of baked asparagus on a white platter with a crispy panko crust.

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Asparagus is cooked and wrapped in foil, topped with lemon slices.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus in Foil

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
An easy summer side dish, Grilled Asparagus in Foil is packed with garlic-y goodness, lemon-y tang and is easy to clean up! Super simple on the grill, in the oven or on your campfire.
5 from 1 vote
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Ingredients

  • 1 pound asparagus stalks, woody ends trimmed
  • 8 tablespoons butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 12 basil leaves
  • 6 whole garlic cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, optional

Equipment

  • grill

Instructions 

  • Preheat grill to medium high heat.
  • Place three 16 inch pieces heavy duty foil on a flat surface and form a bowl by crimping the sides up slightly.
  • Place the asparagus in the center of the foil and top with the butter, lemon slices, basil, garlic, salt and pepper.
  • Fold the foil over the asparagus and seal it completely on all sides.
  • Grill the asparagus foil packet for 15 minutes.
  • Carefully open the foil packet and check the asparagus for doneness. (It should be firm, yet tender.)
  • Sprinkle with cheese, if using, and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t have a grill? You can make the Asparagus Foil Packets in the oven at 400˚F for 15 minutes.
Calories: 60kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 6mg, Sodium: 389mg, Potassium: 285mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 981IU, Vitamin C: 21mg, Calcium: 109mg, Iron: 3mg
Author: Kellie
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American