Charred Broccoli Zesty Lemon (Printable Version)

Smoky roasted broccoli with lemon zest and Parmesan, enhanced by garlic and toasted nuts.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

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

→ Dressing

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

→ Garnish

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

# How To Make It:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The charring transforms broccoli into something genuinely crave-worthy, not just virtuous.
  • It comes together in 25 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without stress.
  • Works equally well warm from the oven or at room temperature, so you can make it ahead.
02 -
  • Don't crowd the baking sheet; broccoli needs space to char, not steam, so spread it in a single layer or it will emerge sad and pale.
  • The dressing truly matters here—combine it while the broccoli is still hot so the flavors meld and the garlic softens slightly.
03 -
  • If using an air fryer, you'll likely need to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even charring on all sides.
  • Fresh lemon juice matters more than zest here; bottled juice loses its brightness and won't deliver the same sparkle.
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