Grilled Tomato and Asparagus Delight with Herbed Pesto
This vibrant summer dish showcases the natural sweetness of ripe plum tomatoes and the crispness of fresh asparagus, all elevated by a luscious homemade pesto. The combination of herbs, nuts, and garlic in the pesto perfectly complements the grilled vegetables, creating a dish that bursts with flavor. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a side at your dinner table, this recipe remains light yet satisfying. Enjoy the wonderful harmony of the ingredients, and don't forget the creamy ricotta finish, adding a touch of indulgence to every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ripe plum tomatoes
6 (halved)
Asparagus spears
18 (rough ends removed)
Olive oil
1/2 cup (divided)
Light soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Parsley (or mint)
1 cup (fresh, washed)
Pecans
1/2 cup (roasted, chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Ricotta cheese
1/3 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2
In a food processor, combine the parsley (or mint), roasted pecans, garlic, and olive oil. Pulse until you reach a smooth pesto consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Set aside to chill.
3
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon light soy sauce (or simply use salt, if preferred).
4
Prepare the ripe plum tomatoes by removing the stem end and halving them. Set aside.
5
Trim the rough ends off the asparagus spears.
6
In a large resealable storage bag, add the halved tomatoes and asparagus spears. Pour in the olive oil and soy sauce mixture, seal the bag, and gently toss to coat the vegetables evenly.
7
Carefully place the coated tomatoes and asparagus on the preheated grill. Grill for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until the vegetables are blistered and have grill marks.
8
Remove the tomatoes and asparagus from the grill and season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
9
On a serving platter, arrange the grilled asparagus and halved tomatoes beautifully. Top with dollops of creamy ricotta cheese and generous spoonfuls of the herbed pesto.
10
Garnish with extra pecans and herbs if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main recipe name?
The recipe is Grilled Tomato and Asparagus Delight with Herbed Pesto.
What type of tomatoes are best for this dish?
The recipe specifically calls for ripe plum tomatoes.
How many asparagus spears do I need?
You will need 18 asparagus spears with the rough ends removed.
What ingredients are in the herbed pesto?
The pesto consists of parsley or mint, roasted pecans, garlic, and olive oil.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly grilled vegetable dish.
What kind of cheese is used as a topping?
The dish is topped with dollops of creamy ricotta cheese.
How should I prepare the grill?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before cooking the vegetables.
How long do the tomatoes and asparagus need to grill?
Grill the vegetables for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are blistered.
What nuts are used in the pesto?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of roasted, chopped pecans.
Can I substitute the soy sauce?
Yes, you can use salt instead of the 1/2 teaspoon of light soy sauce.
How much olive oil is required in total?
You will need 1/2 cup of olive oil, which is used in both the pesto and the vegetable coating.
How do I ensure the vegetables are coated evenly?
Place the tomatoes and asparagus in a large resealable bag with the oil mixture and toss gently.
What is the recommended herb for the pesto?
You can use either one cup of fresh parsley or fresh mint.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
Should the pesto be served immediately after making?
The instructions suggest setting the pesto aside to chill while you prepare the other components.
How should the tomatoes be sliced?
The plum tomatoes should be halved after removing the stem end.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
It is recommended to serve the dish warm after grilling.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Tags include grilled vegetables, pesto, tomatoes, asparagus, and summer recipes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients listed for this dish.
What tools do I need for the pesto?
You will need a food processor to pulse the herbs, nuts, and garlic.
What is the texture of the finished vegetables?
The vegetables should be blistered and have visible grill marks.
Can I garnish the dish with anything extra?
Yes, you can garnish with extra pecans and fresh herbs if desired.
How much ricotta cheese is needed?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of ricotta cheese for topping.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Is this recipe considered a side dish or main course?
It is ideal as a side dish at a dinner table, barbecue, or picnic.
What kind of pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests using freshly cracked pepper to taste.
How do I prepare the pecans?
The pecans should be roasted and chopped before being added to the pesto.
Should I turn the vegetables while grilling?
Yes, turn them occasionally during the 3-4 minute grilling time.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
The current data does not specify calories, fat, or other nutritional metrics.
What defines this dish as a summer recipe?
It uses vibrant seasonal ingredients like fresh asparagus and ripe plum tomatoes.