Best 9 Bright And Zesty Broccoli Recipes

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Broccoli, a green vegetable belonging to the cruciferous family, is known for its nutritional value and distinct flavor. It is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in various ways, but to truly appreciate its vibrant character, it's essential to highlight its natural brightness and zest. This article aims to provide you with the ultimate guide to cooking broccoli that retains its lively color, crisp texture, and refreshing taste. We'll explore different cooking techniques, seasoning options, and creative recipe ideas to help you create a dish that not only nourishes your body but also tantalizes your taste buds. So, get ready to embark on a culinary journey where broccoli takes center stage as the bright and zesty star.

Let's cook with our recipes!

ZESTY BROCCOLI



Zesty Broccoli image

"This is a last-minute side dish that hardly takes any time at all," says Myra Innes of Auburn, Kansas. "The sauteed florets stay bright green and fresh-looking, and the garlic and pepper add a spark of flavor."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 15m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 garlic clove, minced
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large bunch fresh broccoli, cut into florets (3-1/2 cups)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt, optional

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, saute garlic and pepper flakes in oil. Add broccoli and toss to coat; saute for 8 minutes or until crisp-tender. Sprinkle with salt if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 60 calories, Fat 5g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 19mg sodium, Carbohydrate 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

ZESTY GARLIC BROCCOLI



Zesty Garlic Broccoli image

I've been a vegetarian for over 20 years and often experiment with flavors compatible to the many vegetables I prepare. My nephew, who lived with me for a year while going to graduate school, thought this was one of my best creations. -Louiza Kemyan, Palm Springs, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
Dash crushed red pepper flakes

Steps:

  • Place first five ingredients in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until broccoli is crisp-tender, 5 minutes. Drain. Toss with pepper flakes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 42 calories, Fat 3g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 49mg sodium, Carbohydrate 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

BRIGHT AND ZESTY BROCCOLI



Bright and Zesty Broccoli image

This recipe is a wonderful way to get anyone to eat fresh broccoli. It's a wonderful side that can be served with a variety of main courses. The orange adds a bright flavor.

Provided by MrsFugrim

Categories     Broccoli Side Dishes

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons grated orange zest
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 head broccoli, cut into small pieces with stalks peeled
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add the orange zest and red pepper flakes and allow to heat briefly, about 1 minute. Stir the broccoli into the mixture; season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking about 5 minutes more; transfer to a serving bowl. Pour the orange juice over the broccoli and toss to coat. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 63.1 calories, Carbohydrate 6.6 g, Fat 3.7 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 2.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 135.1 mg, Sugar 2 g

BRIGHT AND ZESTY BROCCOLI



Bright and Zesty Broccoli image

This recipe is a wonderful way to get anyone to eat fresh broccoli. It's a wonderful side that can be served with a variety of main courses. The orange adds a bright flavor.

Provided by MrsFugrim

Categories     Broccoli Side Dishes

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons grated orange zest
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 head broccoli, cut into small pieces with stalks peeled
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add the orange zest and red pepper flakes and allow to heat briefly, about 1 minute. Stir the broccoli into the mixture; season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking about 5 minutes more; transfer to a serving bowl. Pour the orange juice over the broccoli and toss to coat. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 63.1 calories, Carbohydrate 6.6 g, Fat 3.7 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 2.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 135.1 mg, Sugar 2 g

BRIGHT AND ZESTY BROCCOLI



Bright and Zesty Broccoli image

This recipe is a wonderful way to get anyone to eat fresh broccoli. It's a wonderful side that can be served with a variety of main courses. The orange adds a bright flavor.

Provided by MrsFugrim

Categories     Broccoli Side Dishes

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons grated orange zest
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 head broccoli, cut into small pieces with stalks peeled
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add the orange zest and red pepper flakes and allow to heat briefly, about 1 minute. Stir the broccoli into the mixture; season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking about 5 minutes more; transfer to a serving bowl. Pour the orange juice over the broccoli and toss to coat. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 63.1 calories, Carbohydrate 6.6 g, Fat 3.7 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 2.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 135.1 mg, Sugar 2 g

BRIGHT AND ZESTY BROCCOLI



Bright and Zesty Broccoli image

This recipe is a wonderful way to get anyone to eat fresh broccoli. It's a wonderful side that can be served with a variety of main courses. The orange adds a bright flavor.

Provided by MrsFugrim

Categories     Broccoli Side Dishes

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons grated orange zest
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 head broccoli, cut into small pieces with stalks peeled
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add the orange zest and red pepper flakes and allow to heat briefly, about 1 minute. Stir the broccoli into the mixture; season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking about 5 minutes more; transfer to a serving bowl. Pour the orange juice over the broccoli and toss to coat. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 63.1 calories, Carbohydrate 6.6 g, Fat 3.7 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 2.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 135.1 mg, Sugar 2 g

ZESTY BROCCOLI CASSEROLE



Zesty Broccoli Casserole image

This recipe is originally from Cooking Light magazine. I have made a few changes to it to suit our tastes. It's delicious! This is a great way to get your family to eat veggies.

Provided by Realtor by day

Categories     Vegetable

Time 35m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 (10 ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets, thawed
cooking spray (I use olive oil in a Misto)
1 1/2 cups milk
2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup chopped onion (about 1/2 medium)
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Steps:

  • Arrange broccoli in an even layer in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray; set aside.
  • Combine milk, flour, salt, and pepper in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute or until thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add cheddar and cream cheeses; stir until smooth. Stir in mayonnaise and onion. Spoon cheese mixture evenly over broccoli.
  • Place panko in a small bowl. Drizzle with butter, and toss. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over cheese mixture. Lightly spray breadcrumb layer with cooking spray. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until mixture begins to bubble and breadcrumbs brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 316.6, Fat 20, SaturatedFat 7.5, Cholesterol 37.4, Sodium 597.2, Carbohydrate 26.1, Fiber 3.9, Sugar 4.7, Protein 10.7

BRIGHT AND ZESTY BROCCOLI



Bright and Zesty Broccoli image

This recipe is a wonderful way to get anyone to eat fresh broccoli. It's a wonderful side that can be served with a variety of main courses. The orange adds a bright flavor.

Provided by MrsFugrim

Categories     Broccoli Side Dishes

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons grated orange zest
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 head broccoli, cut into small pieces with stalks peeled
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add the orange zest and red pepper flakes and allow to heat briefly, about 1 minute. Stir the broccoli into the mixture; season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking about 5 minutes more; transfer to a serving bowl. Pour the orange juice over the broccoli and toss to coat. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 63.1 calories, Carbohydrate 6.6 g, Fat 3.7 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 2.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 135.1 mg, Sugar 2 g

BROCCOLI WITH ZESTY SAUCE



Broccoli With Zesty Sauce image

The sour cream sauce gets its name and zesty flavor from vinegar, poppy seeds, and ground red pepper. Something a little different to do with broccoli, a vegetable that seems to make often appearances on my table! I found this at a library fundraiser.

Provided by breezermom

Categories     Vegetable

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb broccoli, fresh
2 tablespoons onions, minced
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 1/2 cups sour cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon poppy seed
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 dash ground red pepper, add more if you like things spicier
1/3 cup cashews, chopped

Steps:

  • Trim off the leaves of the broccoli, and remove the tough ends of the stalks. I cut it into large spears. Wash broccoli thoroughly; cook in a small amount of boiling water or steam it for 8 minutes (for large stalks, less time for flowets), or until tender. Drain well. Set broccoli aside and keep warm.
  • While the broccoli is cooking, saute the onion in butter in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until tender. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the sour cream and the rest of the ingredients, except cashews. Cook, stirring constantly, until thoroughly heated. Pour over the reserved broccoli and sprinkle with the cashews. Serve immediately.

Tips:

- To achieve the perfect roasted broccoli, choose fresh, firm broccoli crowns with tightly closed florets. - Cut the broccoli into uniform florets for even cooking. - Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper to enhance their flavor. - Roast the broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure even browning. - Watch the broccoli closely towards the end of roasting to prevent burning. - For a crispy texture, roast the broccoli at a high temperature (425°F) for a shorter duration. - For a more tender texture, roast the broccoli at a lower temperature (375°F) for a longer duration. - Add your favorite seasonings and herbs, such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, or freshly chopped parsley, to infuse the broccoli with extra flavor.

Conclusion:

Roasted broccoli is a versatile and delicious side dish that can perfectly complement various main courses. With its vibrant green color, crisp-tender texture, and savory flavor, it's a healthy and flavorful addition to any meal. Experiment with different seasonings and roasting techniques to find the perfect combination that suits your taste preferences. Whether you prefer it roasted with a hint of garlic and paprika or dressed with a tangy lemon-tahini sauce, roasted broccoli is a dish that will surely satisfy and impress. So next time you're looking for a quick and nutritious side dish, give roasted broccoli a try – you won't be disappointed!

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