Roasted Broccoli with Lemon Balsamic Vinaigrette

Name: Roasted Broccoli with Lemon Balsamic Vinaigrette
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets (or 1 lb precut broccoli florets); ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; ½ lemon, freshly squeezed; 1 clove garlic peeled, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1-2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

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If you're looking for a tasty and healthy side dish, look no further than roasted broccoli with lemon balsamic vinaigrette. This recipe is an excellent option for busy weeknights because it's quick and easy to prepare.

Roasted Broccoli Sprouts with Lemon Balsamic Vinaigrette and a lemon wedge on an oval platter next to a striped napkin.

Even those who claim not to be broccoli fans will change their tune once they’ve tried this easy roasted balsamic broccoli recipe! Roasting is my favorite way to cook vegetables because roasting a vegetable makes it tastes lightly crisp and caramelized on the outside and tender on the inside. Because the oven brings out the vegetables’ natural sweetness, when you combine that with the sweet and tangy flavor from the lemon balsamic vinaigrette, you’ve got vegetable (or broccoli) perfection! Sprinkle with a little Parmesan cheese, and it’s a chef’s kiss perfection!

This dish is typically served with a balsamic glaze or balsamic reduction that is reduced on the stove top in a small saucepan and applied after the veggies are roasted. But I’ve eliminated the reduction step by combining everything in the glaze and pouring it over the vegetables BEFORE you roast. It simplifies steps and reduces time in the kitchen for you. This roasted broccoli salad makes a great side dish and is also one of my healthy recipes your whole family will enjoy.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: This dish is delicious for many reasons! The broccoli florets are tossed in a sweet and tangy delicious lemon balsamic vinaigrette and then roasted until its irresistibly caramelized on the edges. This dish is then sprinkled with shredded Parmesan cheese for an added nutty flavor to round out the dish.

Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients that you already have on hand. Simply whisk the lemon balsamic vinaigrette together and coat the broccoli florets. Toss on a sheet pan and roast! Now you have an easy side dish that can go with the rest of the meal.

Broccoli, lemon balsamic vinaigrette, parmesan cheese

Ingredients Needed for Roasted Broccoli

broccoli
extra-virgin olive oil
balsamic vinegar
lemon
garlic cloves
salt (table salt or sea salt)
black pepper
Parmesan cheese

You will often find a recipe for a lemon balsamic vinaigrette with Dijon mustard. I have omitted that ingredient because it's not one of our family favorite ingredients. However, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard to your vinaigrette if you'd like!

See the recipe card below for quantities.

How to Make Crispy Roasted Broccoli

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the broccoli florets into a large bowl and set aside. Now, prepare the lemon balsamic vinaigrette. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt and black pepper in a bowl until it is emulsified.

Now drizzle over the broccoli florets until well coated. Transfer the broccoli to a sheet pan, being careful not to overcrowd the vegetables. Roast until tender and lightly browned. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon and enjoy!

See below for exact recipe instructions.

Storage

Let the broccoli cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

When ready to eat, reheat the broccoli in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Roasted Broccoli FAQs

Can I substitute a different cheese for Parmesan in this recipe?

Yes! There are a variety of different cheeses you could use for this recipe:

Parmesan: The nutty, salty flavor of Parmesan cheese complements the earthy flavor of roasted broccoli very well. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan over the broccoli before serving.

Gouda: Gouda cheese has a creamy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with roasted broccoli. Try melting some gouda over the broccoli or serving it alongside for dipping.

Feta: Feta cheese is tangy and salty, which contrasts nicely with the sweet flavor of roasted broccoli. Crumble some feta over the broccoli before serving.

Blue Cheese: The strong, pungent flavor of blue cheese complements the mild sweetness of roasted broccoli. Try sprinkling some crumbled blue cheese over the broccoli before serving.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you could easily make this into a vegan broccoli salad by simply omitting the cheese!

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh raw broccoli?

While fresh broccoli is generally preferred for roasting, you can still use frozen broccoli if you don't have fresh broccoli on hand. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using frozen broccoli for roasting:

Thaw the broccoli: Before roasting, thoroughly thaw the frozen broccoli and pat it dry with a paper towel. This will help remove excess moisture and ensure the broccoli roasts evenly.

Adjust the roasting time: Frozen broccoli may take longer to roast than fresh broccoli, as it contains more moisture. Start by roasting the broccoli for 10-15 minutes and check it frequently until it is tender and slightly browned.

Remember that frozen broccoli's texture and flavor may not be as good as fresh broccoli. However, it can still be a convenient and tasty option when fresh broccoli is not available.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Ideally, this dish would be served right after it is made. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. If making this side dish ahead of time, I would not sprinkle the Parmesan cheese until you are done reheating and ready to serve.

What should I serve this dish with?

Serve this dish with grilled chicken or salmon fillet and quinoa or brown rice.

If you give this recipe a try, please leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and don’t forget to tag me @homesweetfarmhome on Instagram and use the hashtag #homesweetfarmhome. I’d love to see what you come up with and share with our community. Cheers!