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Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan is a simple yet elegant side dish featuring fresh asparagus spears, typically tossed in olive oil, seasoned, grilled until tender-crisp, and finished with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. It's a popular preparation in modern Western cuisine, particularly in American and Italian-inspired cooking, often served alongside grilled meats or fish.
This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates and moderate in fat (from the olive oil and Parmesan), with a good amount of plant-based protein from the asparagus and dairy. A typical serving provides fiber, vitamins K and C, folate, and antioxidants, with a calorie ballpark of around 100-150 calories per serving.
Asparagus is one of the few vegetables cultivated and eaten by ancient Romans and Egyptians, and pairing it with Parmesan—a cheese with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in Italy—creates a delightful contrast between earthy, fresh greens and salty, umami-rich cheese. Nutritionally, the combination offers a synergistic boost of vitamin K (for bone health) and calcium from the Parmesan.