Grilled Asparagus Wrapped In Smoked Salmon Recipe

When I discovered the magical combo of smoky salmon and grilled asparagus, wrapped together in a blissful bite, it quickly became my go-to for impressing friends with minimal effort but maximum flavor!

I adore creating dishes that merge simplicity and flavor, such as my Grilled Asparagus Wrapped in Smoked Salmon. The fresh asparagus is full of fiber and has all the essential nutrients that you could want.

It’s complemented beautifully by the smoked salmon, which is not only delicious but is also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids—a nutrient that is sorely lacking in many people’s diets. I drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the asparagi for an extra zing, and I season them with freshly ground black pepper and sea salt.

For a finishing touch, I throw some chopped fresh dill on top and serve the dish with lemon wedges, and if I do say so myself, this is a pretty delightful meal.

Ingredients

• Fresh Asparagus: Rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K; supports digestion and bone health.
• Smoked Salmon: High-quality protein source; rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D.
• Olive Oil: Contains healthy monounsaturated fats; supports heart health and anti-inflammatory.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a refreshing tang; high in vitamin C to help boost immunity.
• Fresh Dill: Aromatic herb; provides antioxidants and enhances flavor without extra calories.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 8 slices smoked salmon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving

How to Make this

1. Warm up the grill to a temperature of no less than medium-high.

2. In a tiny mixing bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, sea salt, and fresh black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together to create an even mixture.

3. Arrange the asparagus spears in a shallow dish, and drizzle the olive oil mixture over them. Make sure that each spear is well coated.

4. Cook the asparagus on a grill for about 5-7 minutes, turning it occasionally, until it’s tender and has just a bit of char on it.

5. Take the asparagus off the grill and allow it to cool for a moment.

6. Place a slice of smoked salmon on a clean, flat surface.

7. At one end of the salmon slice, place 2-3 spears of grilled asparagus.

8. Wrap the salmon around the asparagus, making a tight bundle.

9. Repeat with the other salmon slices and asparagus spears.

10. On a serving platter, arrange the asparagus wrapped in salmon. If desired, use fresh dill to garnish. Serve with lemon wedges.

Equipment Needed

1. Grill
2. Small mixing bowl
3. Whisk
4. Shallow dish
5. Tongs
6. Serving platter
7. Knife (for cutting lemon and trimming asparagus)

FAQ

• Can I use canned asparagus instead of fresh?For this recipe, fresh asparagus is recommended because the texture of canned asparagus is not conducive to successful grilling. Canned asparagus is too soft to withstand the direct heat of a grill and too mushy to be a generally appetizing addition to an otherwise delightful dish.
• How do I know when the asparagus is done grilling?The asparagus must be slightly charred and tender-crisp. It usually takes about 4-5 minutes on medium-high heat.
• What can I substitute for olive oil?Melted butter or avocado oil can be used in place of olive oil in this recipe.
• Is there a substitute for smoked salmon?You can use prosciutto or another type of cured meat instead of smoked salmon, if you prefer.
• How can I store leftovers?An airtight container in the refrigerator is the best thing to store leftovers in. They can last for up to 2 days in that form. When the time comes to eat them, it’s best to reheat them gently—better yet, enjoy them cold.
• What is the purpose of lemon juice in the recipe?The richness of the smoked salmon is nicely balanced by the fresh, zesty flavor of lemon juice. It adds a delightful flavor and improves the taste of the dish.
• Is fresh dill necessary?Adding fresh dill is not mandatory; however, it provides a charmingly herbal taste that works splendidly with salmon and asparagus.

Grilled Asparagus Wrapped In Smoked Salmon Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Smoked salmon. For a different flavor, you can substitute prosciutto or turkey bacon.
Avocado oil: Use olive oil or clarified butter as an alternative.
Lime juice: If you don’t have lime juice, try using lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar.
Dill, fresh: For a different kind of herby taste, use fresh parsley or chives.
Salt from the sea: Use kosher salt or pink salt from the Himalayas.

Pro Tips

1. Trim the Asparagus Properly To ensure even cooking, hold an asparagus spear at both ends and bend it until it snaps. It will naturally break at the tender part, and you can use this as a guide to trim the rest.

2. Grill Marks and Flavor For beautiful grill marks and enhanced flavor, preheat the grill for about 10 minutes before adding the asparagus. Also, consider brushing the grill grates with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

3. Keep an Eye on the Grill Asparagus can cook quickly and easily become over-charred. Grill with the lid open to keep a close watch, ensuring it is just tender with a hint of char.

4. Enhance with Additional Flavors Experiment by adding a touch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the olive oil mixture for an extra layer of flavor.

5. Serve Immediately For the best taste and texture, wrap the grilled asparagus in smoked salmon while the asparagus is still warm. This helps meld the flavors together for a delicious combination.