Broccoli is a powerhouse vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a fantastic choice for a healthy vegan side dish. Whether you’re preparing a casual weeknight dinner or an elegant holiday feast, broccoli’s versatility shines in countless recipes that are both delicious and nutritious.
In this blog post, we’ll explore several vibrant and mouthwatering vegan broccoli side dish recipes that are easy to make and sure to impress. From simple roasted broccoli to creative dressings and flavor combinations, these recipes bring out the best in this green veggie without relying on any animal products.
Get ready to discover how to make broccoli the star of your plate with fresh herbs, tangy sauces, and hearty spices. Plus, you’ll find tips to customize each recipe to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.
Vegan or not, these broccoli side dishes will quickly become staples in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These vegan broccoli side dishes are not only packed with nutrients but are also incredibly flavorful and easy to prepare. They bring a vibrant green pop to your meals and offer a delightful combination of textures—from crispy edges to tender stalks.
Plus, they complement a wide variety of main courses, making them perfect for any occasion.
Broccoli is rich in antioxidants and vitamins C and K, which support immune function and bone health. Incorporating it into your meals in creative ways will help you enjoy its health benefits without getting bored.
These recipes require minimal ingredients and equipment, making them accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
You’ll also appreciate how easy it is to tweak the flavors to your liking—whether you prefer spicy, tangy, or savory. These recipes also pair well with other vegan dishes like our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or the hearty Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes.
For a refreshing drink to accompany your meal, try the Huckleberry Margarita Recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds or pine nuts (optional for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Baking sheet or roasting pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Garlic press or small grater (optional)
- Spatula or tongs
- Oven or stovetop skillet
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat will help achieve a crispy texture on the broccoli edges.
- Prepare the broccoli: Rinse the broccoli head under cold water and pat dry. Cut into bite-sized florets, and peel and slice the stalks if desired for extra texture.
- Toss the broccoli: In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until all pieces are coated.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Spread the broccoli in a single layer to ensure even roasting. Avoid overcrowding to get those perfect crispy edges.
- Roast in the oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 18-22 minutes, tossing halfway through. The broccoli should be tender with browned, crispy tips.
- Add finishing touches: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with nutritional yeast and lemon juice. Toss gently to combine.
- Garnish and serve: Top with toasted almonds or pine nuts and fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.
Tips & Variations
For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- For a smoky twist, try adding a dash of liquid smoke or smoked sea salt.
- Swap almonds for walnuts or cashews for a different crunch.
- Mix in some sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean flair.
- For a creamy element, drizzle a tahini sauce or vegan cashew cream over the roasted broccoli.
- Instead of roasting, steam the broccoli for 5-7 minutes and then sauté with garlic and spices for a softer texture.
- Try adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of soy sauce or tamari for an Asian-inspired side.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Vitamin C | 90 mg (100% DV) |
| Vitamin K | 100 mcg (83% DV) |
Serving Suggestions
This roasted broccoli side dish pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Serve it alongside a hearty grain bowl with quinoa or brown rice for a complete vegan meal.
It also complements lentil or chickpea-based entrees perfectly.
For an elegant dinner, try pairing it with vegan mushroom gravy or alongside our Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe alternative dishes for non-vegans. If you’re looking for a light lunch, serve it atop fresh greens with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
More Delicious Vegan Broccoli Side Dish Recipes
Garlic and Lemon Sautéed Broccoli
- Ingredients: Broccoli florets, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper.
- Instructions: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant, add broccoli and cook until bright green and tender. Finish with lemon zest and juice.
Broccoli and Chickpea Salad with Tahini Dressing
- Ingredients: Steamed broccoli, cooked chickpeas, red onion, cherry tomatoes, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, water, salt.
- Instructions: Combine broccoli, chickpeas, and veggies. Whisk tahini with lemon juice, garlic, and water to make dressing. Toss salad with dressing and serve chilled.
Spicy Roasted Broccoli with Cashew Parmesan
- Ingredients: Broccoli, olive oil, chili flakes, garlic powder, salt, cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder (for cashew parmesan).
- Instructions: Roast broccoli with olive oil and spices. Blend cashews, nutritional yeast, and garlic powder until crumbly. Sprinkle cashew parmesan over warm broccoli.
Broccoli Stir-Fry with Ginger and Sesame
- Ingredients: Broccoli florets, fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce or tamari, sesame oil, sesame seeds, green onions.
- Instructions: Sauté ginger and garlic in sesame oil, add broccoli and stir-fry until tender-crisp. Add soy sauce, sprinkle sesame seeds, and garnish with green onions.
Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta
- Ingredients: Broccoli, pasta (gluten-free if desired), garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, crushed red pepper, fresh parsley.
- Instructions: Cook pasta and broccoli together. Sauté garlic in olive oil, add lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Toss pasta and broccoli with sauce and parsley.
- Ingredients: Steamed broccoli, cooked chickpeas, red onion, cherry tomatoes, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, water, salt.
- Instructions: Combine broccoli, chickpeas, and veggies. Whisk tahini with lemon juice, garlic, and water to make dressing. Toss salad with dressing and serve chilled.
Spicy Roasted Broccoli with Cashew Parmesan
- Ingredients: Broccoli, olive oil, chili flakes, garlic powder, salt, cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder (for cashew parmesan).
- Instructions: Roast broccoli with olive oil and spices. Blend cashews, nutritional yeast, and garlic powder until crumbly. Sprinkle cashew parmesan over warm broccoli.
Broccoli Stir-Fry with Ginger and Sesame
- Ingredients: Broccoli florets, fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce or tamari, sesame oil, sesame seeds, green onions.
- Instructions: Sauté ginger and garlic in sesame oil, add broccoli and stir-fry until tender-crisp. Add soy sauce, sprinkle sesame seeds, and garnish with green onions.
Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta
- Ingredients: Broccoli, pasta (gluten-free if desired), garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, crushed red pepper, fresh parsley.
- Instructions: Cook pasta and broccoli together. Sauté garlic in olive oil, add lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Toss pasta and broccoli with sauce and parsley.
- Ingredients: Broccoli florets, fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce or tamari, sesame oil, sesame seeds, green onions.
- Instructions: Sauté ginger and garlic in sesame oil, add broccoli and stir-fry until tender-crisp. Add soy sauce, sprinkle sesame seeds, and garnish with green onions.
Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta
- Ingredients: Broccoli, pasta (gluten-free if desired), garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, crushed red pepper, fresh parsley.
- Instructions: Cook pasta and broccoli together. Sauté garlic in olive oil, add lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Toss pasta and broccoli with sauce and parsley.
These recipes make broccoli exciting and versatile for any vegan meal plan. Feel free to experiment with flavors and textures to keep your meals interesting and satisfying.
Conclusion
Vegan broccoli side dishes are a fantastic way to incorporate more greens and nutrients into your diet without sacrificing flavor. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, these recipes fit perfectly into busy lifestyles while still delivering satisfying, wholesome food.
Whether you prefer roasting, sautéing, or tossing broccoli in a vibrant dressing, these dishes offer plenty of options to please your palate and nourish your body.
Broccoli’s natural flavor pairs beautifully with garlic, lemon, and spices, making it a versatile canvas for your culinary creativity. Incorporate these recipes into your weekly meal rotation to enjoy the health benefits and delicious taste of broccoli in new and exciting ways.
Don’t forget to explore our other recipes like the Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food and the Cajun Ranch Wing Sauce Recipe to continue your vegan cooking adventure!
📖 Recipe Card: Garlic Lemon Roasted Broccoli
Description: A simple and flavorful vegan broccoli side dish roasted with garlic and lemon. Perfectly crisp-tender and brightened with fresh lemon juice.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, toss broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Spread broccoli evenly on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 18-20 minutes until edges are crisp and broccoli is tender.
- Remove from oven and drizzle with lemon juice.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 8 g
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