The Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Grilled Asparagus is a vibrant, smoky dish that feels like summer on a plate. With grilled asparagus, a tangy tomato-bread sauce, and the rich saltiness of Spanish ham, it’s a sophisticated yet simple recipe that’s packed with Mediterranean charm. I served this as a weekend lunch with a glass of chilled white wine—it was divine. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)
Ingredients Needed
- 500g asparagus
- 250g mixed-colour cherry tomatoes
- 150g sourdough bread
- 100g Pata Negra or quality Spanish ham
- Smoked paprika, for dusting
How To Make Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Grilled Asparagus
- Grill the Asparagus: Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus. Heat a griddle pan over high heat and cook the asparagus for about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally until charred and tender.
- Blend the Sauce: Add cherry tomatoes to a blender with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Remove crusts from the sourdough, soak it briefly in water, squeeze dry, and add to the blender.
- Season and Finish the Sauce: Blend the mixture until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon of red wine vinegar and a splash of water if needed to loosen. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread the tomato sauce onto serving plates. Arrange grilled asparagus on top. Lay over the ham slices, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and dust lightly with smoked paprika.

Why I Love This Recipe
It’s elegant without being fussy. The grilled asparagus gets that lovely smoky char, the sauce is zesty and smooth, and the ham adds indulgent richness. It’s quick to make but tastes like something you’d get in a restaurant.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh asparagus for the best texture and flavor.
- Get your pan hot to achieve great grill marks without overcooking.
- Blend until smooth—a creamy sauce makes a perfect base.
- Choose good-quality ham—it really makes a difference.
- Serve immediately so the textures and flavors are spot-on.
How To Store This Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Grilled Asparagus
- In the Fridge: Store sauce and asparagus separately in airtight containers. Eat within 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat asparagus in a pan or enjoy cold. Sauce is best fresh but can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Freezing Not Recommended: Asparagus and sauce don’t freeze well due to texture changes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can I use another bread instead of sourdough? Yes, but sourdough gives the sauce the best texture and flavor.
- What if I don’t eat ham? Try grilled halloumi or marinated mushrooms as a veggie alternative.
- Can I make the sauce ahead? Yes! Keep it chilled and use within 2 days.
- Do I need a griddle pan? Nope! A hot frying pan or grill works too—just get it smoking hot.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 247 kcal
- Fat: 10.7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.3g
- Protein: 14.4g
- Carbohydrates: 24.4g
- Sugars: 5.7g
- Salt: 1.8g
- Fibre: 3.7g
Try More Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Recipes:
- Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Salad Tunisienne
- Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients French Salad
- Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Charred Okra Salad
- Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Island Salad
Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Grilled Asparagus
Course: 5 Ingredients Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalThis fresh and smoky Grilled Asparagus by Jamie Oliver is served over a creamy tomato sauce and topped with Spanish ham—an easy, elegant dish full of Mediterranean flavor.
Ingredients
500g asparagus
250g cherry tomatoes
150g sourdough bread
100g Spanish ham
Smoked paprika
Directions
- Grill asparagus until charred and tender.
- Blend tomatoes, soaked sourdough, olive oil, and seasonings until smooth.
- Add vinegar, adjust thickness, season.
- Spread sauce on plates, top with asparagus and ham. Drizzle oil, dust with paprika.