Change up your typical side dish and make prosciutto-wrapped asparagus instead! Fresh asparagus spears are wrapped in prosciutto slices and grilled until tender; topped with a creamy lemony honey mustard dressing, this asparagus recipe offers a salty, savory bite. These are elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for a mid-week family meal. Low calorie and made with real ingredients, this is a healthy, flavorful side.
The perfect side dish
This prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is a delightful variation on roasted or grilled asparagus. Wrapping each spear in thinly sliced prosciutto adds a salty, savory crispness that contrasts beautifully with the tender green of the asparagus. Finish the dish with a bright, creamy lemon-honey mustard dressing—either drizzled over the spears or served on the side for dipping.
Serve alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, or simply with fish for a balanced plate. The savory prosciutto and bright dressing pair especially well with simply seasoned mains, making this a versatile accompaniment for both casual dinners and special occasions.
What is prosciutto? Can I use ham?
Prosciutto is an Italian dry-cured ham, typically sliced very thin and enjoyed uncooked (crudo). When cooked briefly, prosciutto deepens in flavor and becomes delightfully crisp, which makes it ideal for wrapping around vegetables like asparagus.
I don’t recommend substituting regular ham here. If you prefer a smokier, fattier option, bacon-wrapped asparagus is an alternative—however, prosciutto’s delicate saltiness and texture are what make this particular recipe special. The dressing helps balance the salty notes from the prosciutto with bright lemon and a touch of sweetness.
What you’ll need to make prosciutto-wrapped asparagus
- Asparagus (one bundle, about 16 spears)
- Prosciutto (about 4 oz, roughly 8 slices, each torn in half lengthwise)
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- Olive oil spray or light brush of olive oil
- Plain non-fat Greek yogurt (about 2 tbsp) — adds creaminess to the dressing without tasting like yogurt
- 1/2 tbsp honey mustard
- 1/2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup as an alternative)
- 1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
How to make prosciutto-wrapped asparagus
This recipe is quick and straightforward. Follow these steps for crisp, flavorful spears:
- Tear each prosciutto slice in half lengthwise so each asparagus spear is wrapped with a thinner strip.
- Trim the woody ends from the asparagus. Hold a spear and bend it gently—where it snaps is where the woody part ends—and cut off the tough end.
- Wrap each asparagus spear with a half slice of prosciutto, starting at one end and spiraling to the other.
- Lightly season the wrapped spears with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. Because prosciutto is salty, use salt sparingly.
- Heat a grill pan over medium heat and spray or brush with olive oil. Arrange the spears in a single layer and cook about 10 minutes total, turning frequently so the prosciutto browns evenly and the asparagus becomes tender but still bright green.
- Remove from the pan and transfer to a platter. Serve immediately plain or with the dressing below.
Dressing
Whisk the following together in a small bowl:
- 2 tbsp plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 tbsp honey mustard
- 1/2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
Taste and adjust balance of lemon or honey to preference. Drizzle the dressing over the plated spears or serve it on the side for dipping.
Servings and tips
One recipe makes about 16 wrapped spears (one spear per serving as listed below). A common serving is 4 spears per person, which would serve approximately four people. The recipe is easily doubled for larger crowds.
Tips:
- Choose asparagus spears that are similar in thickness so they cook evenly.
- Use thinly sliced prosciutto so it crisps quickly without overcooking the asparagus.
- If your grill pan is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even browning.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat briefly in a hot skillet to bring back some crispness.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Summary: Fresh asparagus spears wrapped in thin prosciutto, grilled until the prosciutto is crisp and the asparagus tender, finished with a creamy lemony honey mustard dressing.
Author: Steph
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Servings: about 16 spears
- Calories: approximately 33 kcal per spear
Equipment
- Grill pan or skillet
Ingredients
- 1 bundle asparagus (approx. 16 spears)
- 4 oz prosciutto (about 8 slices, torn in half lengthwise)
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- Olive oil spray or a light brush of olive oil
- 2 tbsp plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tbsp honey mustard
- 1/2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
Instructions
- Tear each prosciutto slice in half lengthwise.
- Trim the woody ends from the asparagus spears.
- Wrap each half slice of prosciutto around each asparagus spear.
- Season lightly with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper.
- Heat a grill pan over medium heat, add olive oil spray, and cook the asparagus for about 10 minutes total, rotating frequently.
- Ensure the prosciutto is evenly browned and the asparagus is tender.
- Combine the yogurt, lemon zest and juice, honey mustard, and honey in a small bowl to make the dressing.
- Plate the cooked asparagus and either drizzle with the dressing or serve it alongside for dipping.
Nutrition (per spear)
- Serving: 1 asparagus spear
- Calories: 33 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Sodium: 49 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Weight Watchers: 1 point
Variations and serving ideas
Try pairing these spears with a simply grilled protein or a light starch like orzo. For a different flavor profile, swap the honey mustard dressing for a lemon vinaigrette or a light balsamic glaze. If you prefer a smokier element, consider a bacon-wrapped version, though cooking times and texture will differ.
You might also enjoy these asparagus dishes:
- Roasted Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
- One Pot Orzo, Bacon and Asparagus
- One Pot Creamy Spaghetti with Asparagus and Chicken
Tried this recipe? Mention @sweetsavoryandsteph or tag #sweetsavoryandsteph when sharing photos.