Charred Broccoli Smoky Salad (Printable)

Smoky roasted broccoli with lemon, Parmesan, and toasted nuts offers a fresh, flavorful side or light dish option.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large head broccoli, about 1.1 lb, cut into florets
02 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

→ Dressing

03 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
05 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced
06 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
07 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

08 - 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan cheese, about 1.4 oz
09 - 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional)
10 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Set oven to 425°F or air fryer to 400°F to prepare for roasting.
02 - Toss broccoli florets with 2 tablespoons olive oil, half the lemon zest, sea salt, and black pepper.
03 - Arrange broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet or air fryer basket. Roast or air-fry for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once, until edges are charred and broccoli is tender.
04 - In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add sliced red onion to the baking sheet or air fryer basket if using.
05 - Whisk remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and remaining zest in a large bowl.
06 - Add hot roasted broccoli (and onions if used) to the bowl with dressing and toss thoroughly to coat.
07 - Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with shaved Parmesan, toasted nuts, and chopped parsley as desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The broccoli transforms into something crispy and caramelized, nothing like steamed or plain roasted versions.
  • It comes together in 25 minutes total, making it perfect for weeknight sides or when you need something impressive without fuss.
  • Works beautifully warm, at room temperature, or even chilled the next day if you have leftovers.
02 -
  • Don't be afraid of dark edges on the broccoli. That's where the flavor lives. Pale broccoli will taste bland no matter how good your dressing is.
  • Toss the hot broccoli in the dressing immediately so it absorbs the lemon and garlic. Cold broccoli won't meld with the flavors the same way.
03 -
  • Toast your own nuts or seeds in a dry pan for 2 to 3 minutes before using. Store-bought toasted nuts taste flat by comparison, and your own take just minutes.
  • Make the dressing first and let the garlic sit in the lemon juice for a minute or two. It mellows out and distributes more evenly instead of hitting you with sharp bites.
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