Grilled Balsamic Asparagus Nachos
These easy grilled balsamic asparagus nachos put a delicious twist on a regular the regular version. Tender crisp grilled asparagus tossed in a balsamic glaze and sprinkled over nachos and melted cheese is a perfect summertime meal for family, or an appetizer when entertaining a crowd!
If you are anything at all like me, I am always looking for something to grill other than your typical burgers, steaks and hot dogs. These grilled asparagus nachos received two very enthusiastic thumbs up from the family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- no need to heat up the kitchen
- perfect appetizer or light summer meal idea
- a great way to sneak in some veggies for the kids
- easy and quick to prepare
Asparagus Facts
In working with the folks at Michigan Asparagus I learned a few fun facts……
- Â New asparagus spears emerge every day, and in the right growing conditions can grow a half inch per hour
- Green asparagus gets its colour from the sun due to the chlorophyl which is a pigment produced when exposed to the sunlight
- It is a nutrient-dense, low-calorie vegetable with no fat, no cholesterol, and very little sodium
I also discovered that my new farmhouse sink with its raised grid makes the perfect place to rinse vegetables!!
Grilled asparagus are so easy to prepare and take less than 10 minutes to reach that tender and slightly charred stage that brings out their delicious flavour.
A quick rinse, pat them dry and drizzle with olive oil & a sprinkle of salt if you wish.
Arrange them in a grilled basket and over low heat grill until tender, using tongs to carefully toss them every few minutes to ensure even cooking.
Remove from the grill and carefully transfer grilled asparagus to a cutting board. Roughly chop into 1/2″ to 1″ pieces.
And, now these yummy grilled asparagus are ready to become the highlight of a big plate of cheesy nachos finished off on the BBQ! No need to heat up the house!
I sprinkled on a few chopped fresh tomatoes and a wee bit of grated Parmesan cheese. The fresh flavor of the asparagus didn’t need heaps of salsa or sour cream. They were perfect just like this!
Fresh asparagus is also delicious roasted. This parmesan roasted asparagus is especially good!
Grilled Balsamic Asparagus Nachos
Equipment
- grill basket for veggies
- grill pizza pan
- outdoor grill
Ingredients
- ½ pound fresh asparagus trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup good quality balsamic vinegar
- Restaurant style nacho chips
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- ½ fresh tomato finally chopped
- 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Arrange asparagus in a grill basket in a single layer, drizzle with olive oil.
- Grill over low heat, tossing occasionally until tender and some pieces are slightly charred, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and carefully transfer to a cutting board, chop into 1/2 inch to one inch pieces.
- In a small saucepan bring balsamic vinegar to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until thickened and reduced by half.
- Toss the chopped asparagus with the balsamic glaze.
- On a performed pizza pan or rimmed heatproof baking dish, arrange the nachos, top with cheddar, asparagus and chopped tomatos.
- Place the pan on the grill over low heat, close the lid and heat for 4 to 5 minutes (checking every couple of minutes) until cheese is melted.
- Carefully remove from heat and immediately sprinkle with grated parmesan.
Just when I thought I couldn’t love nachos any more, there’s this!
I LOOOOOVE all things nacho but never thought to do asparagus! What a fun idea!
I have recently started eating asparagus – I never used to like it because it was usually overcooked. I will definitely try grilled asparagus!
What an awesome inventive recipe. I have got to give this a try.
Oh my gosh.. looks so good Maureen.
Asparagus is my newest favourite veggie!
Well I would never have thought to try this! How scrumptious! I have some leftover and I think this will be perfect to try!
Such a fun idea!
I will be perfectly honest with you, I would have never thought to make nachos using asparagus! Now that I have seen this recipe, I know I need to make them. Can you guess what we will have for dinner on Saturday night?
You will love them! Even my non-asparagus eating husband had seconds!
I’ve never tried asparagus on nachos. Sounds like a great idea I’ll have to try soon!
OMG yum! I would have never thought to grill asparagus before! I have to try this. Asparagus is one of my favorite summer foods with lemon!
I love the idea of grilling the asparagus to top the nachos but also putting them on the grill too! Brilliant!
Love the uniqueness of this recipe! I can’t wait to try it out.