Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan & Garlic Aioli Dip

If you're an asparagus lover, this is a must-try recipe! And, if you've been tentative about asparagus in the past, this just may be the recipe that will convert you into an asparagus lover.

Grilling asparagus brings out its sweetness and depth of flavor. The stalks cook up crisp-tender and are simply amazing paired with this creamy dip enhanced with the flavors of Parmesan cheese, garlic and lemon.

(P.S. This dip is, also, amazing with fresh veggies or served for dipping with oven-roasted fries.)


Ingredients:

FOR THE DIP:

1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, peeled and grated
Black pepper (to taste)

FOR THE ASPARAGUS:

1 bunch asparagus spears, washed and ends trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt (if desired)

Directions:

Combine the ingredients for the dip in a small mixing bowl. Set aside or store in fridge until ready to serve.

Drizzle olive oil over asparagus in a large bowl. Toss to coat.

Lay out spears onto a grill pan set over medium-high heat. Grill until deep green color develops and slight char marks emerge - about 8 - 10 minutes. (Roll the spears around a couple of times to ensure even cooking on all sides.) You may have to work in batches if you have a small grill pan.

Season with salt if desired prior to serving. Serve with aioli dip.

Adapted from Lesley Stowe.