Best 9 Zesty Broccoli Recipes

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**Discover a Culinary Symphony: Zesty Broccoli Recipes to Ignite Your Taste Buds**

Broccoli, a verdant vegetable often relegated to the sidelines of dinner plates, deserves a culinary renaissance. With its vibrant green florets and slightly bitter flavor, broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, brimming with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Its versatility extends beyond simple steaming or roasting, unlocking a world of culinary possibilities waiting to be explored.

Our curated collection of zesty broccoli recipes will transform this humble vegetable into a delightful star of your meals. Embark on a culinary journey where broccoli takes center stage, tantalizing your taste buds with a symphony of flavors. From quick and easy stir-fries to hearty casseroles and innovative salads, each recipe in this article showcases broccoli's remarkable adaptability.

Ignite your senses with our fiery Szechuan Broccoli, where the vegetable takes on a spicy, aromatic journey. Indulge in the creamy decadence of Broccoli Alfredo, where broccoli florets bask in a rich, cheesy sauce. For a taste of the Mediterranean, our Broccoli and Feta Frittata will transport you to sun-drenched shores.

Roast Broccoli with Garlic and Parmesan adds an irresistible crunch and nutty depth to this classic vegetable. If you prefer a lighter touch, our Steamed Broccoli with Lemon and Butter highlights broccoli's natural sweetness with a refreshing citrusy twist. And for a delightful twist on a classic, our Broccoli Cheddar Soup promises a comforting and flavorful experience.

Whether you're seeking a quick weekday meal, a vibrant side dish, or a hearty main course, our zesty broccoli recipes offer endless options to satisfy your culinary cravings. Prepare to be amazed as broccoli sheds its mundane reputation and transforms into a culinary delight, leaving you craving more.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

ZESTY BROCCOLI AND CAULIFLOWER SALAD



Zesty Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad image

An easy broccoli and cauliflower tossed salad. Optional ingredients may include raisins or walnuts.

Provided by Deb

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes     Broccoli Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups cauliflower, chopped
1 red onion, sliced in rings
½ cup zesty Italian dressing
¼ cup sunflower seeds

Steps:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, cauliflower, onions and dressing. Toss, cover and refrigerate. Sprinkle with sunflower seeds before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 73.2 calories, Carbohydrate 4.9 g, Fat 5.6 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 1.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 265.9 mg, Sugar 2.2 g

ZESTY LEMON BROCCOLI



Zesty Lemon Broccoli image

"I invented this recipe when I began changing my eating habits to incorporate more vegetables into my diet. This broccoli tastes so decadent, you won't know it's healthy." -Brooke Szczepanski, Gloucester, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

Steps:

  • Place broccoli in a steamer basket; place in a large saucepan over 1 in. of water. Bring to a boil; cover and steam for 3-4 minutes or until crisp-tender., Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the butter, lemon zest, juice, garlic, mustard, salt and pepper. Add broccoli and pine nuts; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 97 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 8mg cholesterol, Sodium 202mg sodium, Carbohydrate 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

ZESTY BROCCOLI CHICKEN CASSEROLE



Zesty Broccoli Chicken Casserole image

Cheese, broccoli mix, cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups, rice, salsa, and chicken, with Panko seasoned bread crumbs.

Provided by Morgiana Gillfillian

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes     Creamy

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 cups cooked rice
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (16 ounce) package frozen stir-fry vegetables, thawed
2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 cup salsa
¼ cup margarine
1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Combine rice, cream of chicken soup, and cream of mushroom soup in a large bowl. Mix in vegetables, shredded chicken, 1 cup Mexican cheese blend, and salsa. Transfer chicken mixture to a baking pan. Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly on top.
  • Melt margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Add bread crumbs, stirring constantly until the crumbs turn golden brown, about 5 minutes. Pour bread crumbs evenly over the chicken mixture.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until heated through, about 45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 708.6 calories, Carbohydrate 52.7 g, Cholesterol 106.2 mg, Fat 38.7 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 38 g, SaturatedFat 15.6 g, Sodium 1876.5 mg, Sugar 4.7 g

ZESTY BROCCOLI AND ARTICHOKES



Zesty Broccoli and Artichokes image

We grow a lot of broccoli in our garden, so I've experimented with different ways to prepare it. It tastes very good and is good for you.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups water
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 can (14 ounces) water-packed artichoke hearts, rinsed and drained
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add broccoli; cook, uncovered, for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside., In a skillet, saute garlic in oil until tender. Add the artichokes and saute for 2 minutes. Add broccoli, salt, pepper and pepper sauce; saute 3 minutes longer or until broccoli is tender. Remove from the heat; sprinkle with lemon juice and Parmesan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 68 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 1mg cholesterol, Sodium 308mg sodium, Carbohydrate 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

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

ZESTY CHICKEN, BROCCOLI & ZITI



Zesty Chicken, Broccoli & Ziti image

This zesty version of a childhood favorite is sure to please even the adults. Very tasty but without being too spicy for the kids. NOTE: Depending on the cajun seasoning you use, you may need to cut back on the amount in order to adjust the spice level. Some cajun seasonings are FAR stronger than others, and the one I had used was relatively mild.

Provided by C. Taylor

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 30m

Yield 5-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite size strips)
1 lb ziti pasta
1 lb broccoli floret
1 tablespoon minced garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons cajun seasoning
salt and pepper
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Boil the pasta according to directions and when you only have about 6 minutes left, add the broccoli to the pasta and boil the remaining 6 minute and drain.
  • Meanwhile, in a nonstick pan, heat the olive oil and then add the garlic, the chicken, and the spices. Cook until the chicken has cooked through and has browned. Add this to the pasta once it has been drained.
  • In the same nonstick pan, over medium heat, melt the butter and then add the flour, mixing well to create a roux. Cook the flour for several minutes.
  • Slowly whisk in the milk trying to avoid making any lumps, and increase the temperature to med. high.Continue to stir until the sauce starts to thicken. Add in the lemon juice, cheese and the seasonings, mixing well. Continue to cook until cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened.
  • Pour sauce over chicken and ziti mixture, and gently mix well. Serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 845.5, Fat 32.2, SaturatedFat 15, Cholesterol 144.8, Sodium 530.1, Carbohydrate 83, Fiber 3.1, Sugar 3.3, Protein 55.5

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.

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 Mrs.Fugrim

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Broccoli

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

Tips:

  • Choose the right broccoli: Look for broccoli with tightly closed florets and a deep green color. Avoid broccoli with yellow or wilted florets.
  • Trim the broccoli properly: Cut off the tough ends of the broccoli stalks and remove any leaves. Cut the florets into bite-sized pieces.
  • Blanch the broccoli: Blanching the broccoli helps to preserve its color and nutrients. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the broccoli. Boil for 2-3 minutes, then drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water. Drain again and pat dry.
  • Use fresh ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the dish will taste. Use fresh lemon zest and juice, garlic, and herbs.
  • Don't overcook the broccoli: Overcooked broccoli will be mushy and lose its flavor. Cook the broccoli until it is tender but still slightly crisp.

Conclusion:

Zesty broccoli is a delicious and healthy side dish that can be enjoyed as part of a main meal or as a snack. It is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. With its bright flavors and simple preparation, zesty broccoli is a dish that everyone will enjoy.

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