Broccoli is loaded with vitamins, fiber and other nutrients that make it a powerhouse of a vegetable. It’s also one of the easiest vegetables to find in supermarkets year-round. The mighty tree-shaped vegetable gets mixed reviews from diners, though. While many people absolutely love the slightly bitter yet earthy flavor, others almost run screaming from the table when it’s served! The trick to convincing even the pickiest eaters to try broccoli is in preparing it in an irresistible way. These broccoli recipes do just that.
1. Pesto Broccolini
Sometimes all it takes is a bit of pesto and spice to make broccoli taste truly amazing. The great thing about this Brazilian broccoli recipe is that you can dial up the spice-factor to any level you prefer.
2. Skinny Orange Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
Chicken and broccoli are practically considered soul mates in some parts of the world. Mix in the delectably sweet flavor of fresh oranges and you have an irresistible dish that has everyone going back for seconds. The Sriracha sauce gives this recipe a nice kick.
3. Broccoli Cheese Soup
Broccoli and cheese go together like, well, broccoli and cheese! Warm up on a cold night with this delicious soup recipe that marries the two flavors together in perfect harmony. With only four ingredients, you can whip it up in no time!
4. Cheesy Roasted Broccoli Patties
This recipe is another fine example of how beautifully broccoli and cheese go together. The patties make a great side dish for dinner. If you prefer extra cheesiness, just toss in a bit more than the recommended ½ cup of cheddar.
5. Barely-Blanched Broccoli Salad with Feta and Fried Almonds
Blanching the broccoli for exactly three minutes helps keep the vegetable’s signature texture while allowing it to better absorb the vinaigrette. Almonds add a nice crunch to this broccoli recipe while the Feta goat cheese gives it a bit of a flavor contrast.
6. Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin Mac n Cheese
Everyone’s favorite comfort food grows up with this delicious broccoli recipe. Keep all the pasta and cheese goodness you love while adding the health benefits of broccoli and cauliflower to the mix.
7. Chicken and Broccoli Braid
Chicken, broccoli and cheese all come together in a delicious bread package. You get an entire meal in every slice, making this the ideal healthy and delicious broccoli recipe for those days when you don’t have time to sit down at the table for a full meal.
8. Curried Broccoli Salad
Turn up the heat and the crunch factor with this delicious and healthy broccoli salad recipe. Make a little bit for a healthy lunch or a big bowl for family gatherings.
9. Broccoli Beef
Forget meat and potatoes—beef and broccoli is where it’s at! This classic Chinese-American dish makes broccoli the star with beef and rice as its backup singers. A piping hot pan is the key to making sure your flank steak comes out tender and juicy.
10. Broccoli Pickles
While cucumbers are usually the star of the pickle world, you can actually pickle just about anything, including broccoli. This recipe is the perfect accompaniment to an egg roll and other side dishes in a Bento box.
11. Broccoli Paratha
Trying to lay off the breads but still need something to dip into your favorite hummus or spicy gravy recipe? Broccoli Paratha looks like little green pita breads without all the starches.
12. Broccoli White Pizza
You can’t talk broccoli recipes without mentioning white pizza! While white pizza is delicious in its own right, some find the sauce-free comfort food a bit bland for their tastes. Broccoli adds just the right amount of flavor to really bring home the taste of the dough and cheeses.
13. Broccoli & Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a staple during the warmer months and a favorite at family picnics. This broccoli & fruit salad recipe is so colorful it practically beckons even the pickiest eaters to dive in.
14. Mini Quiche with Broccoli
These mini quiches are easy to whip up in small batches and make the perfect brunch recipe. While quiche can be an intimidating dish for novice cooks, the miniature size makes this dish less daunting.
15. Broccoli Green Smoothie
“Green” smoothies are all the rage right now, and true broccoli lovers are in for a treat with this recipe. It’s incredibly simple to whip up in the blender and versatile enough that you can substitute ingredients for what you have on hand.
Add these delicious broccoli recipes to your weekly dinners and you’ll have everyone loving the healthy vegetable in no time!
Also check out: 11 Benefits of Broccoli to Convince Anyone to Eat it
Featured photo credit: Beantown Baker via beantownbaker.com
