This 5-ingredient roasted broccolini is simple, nutritious, and packed with flavors you'll love! Roasting the broccolini with garlic and lemon makes it taste even better, turning it into a side dish that's quick, healthy, delicious, and ready in just 20 minutes!
Roasted broccolini is the perfect way to enjoy seasonal spring vegetables. The best part is that it’s not only gluten-free but also vegan, paleo, keto, and whole30 compatible. It’s the perfect side dish for a weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy
At the same time, it doesn’t compromise on flavor - the broccolini is roasted to perfection with a hint of garlic and a squeeze of lemon for that extra zing. It’s not only delicious but incredibly easy to make!
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Serving this roasted broccolini is a breeze. It's best served hot, straight from the oven, with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten its flavors. It's a wonderful side dish for family dinners, but it's also elegant enough for special occasions. Plus, it's a great way to get kids to eat their greens!
While I love creating new recipes and even come up with ideas in the middle of the night, this roasted broccolini is not one of those. I've been making this since before the kids were born. In fact, I can remember each of my little ones in their high chairs munching on this, eating it with their fingers. So this recipe is definitely kid-friendly too!
What’s more is that it is versatile enough to pair with a variety of main dishes. Whether you're serving it with grilled chicken, pan-seared salmon, or a hearty vegan stew, it’s a side dish that can easily adapt to your meal. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Broccolini
- Quick and Easy: This roasted broccolini recipe is the epitome of simplicity. With a quick preheat of the oven and a few minutes of prep time, you'll have a delicious, healthy side dish ready in just 20 minutes.
- Gluten-Free: Those with dietary restrictions don’t need to worry about this dish. It is completely gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for those following a gluten-free diet.
- Versatile: This recipe is not only perfect for a casual family dinner but also sophisticated enough to serve at a dinner party. You can also easily adjust the seasonings to match your main course.
- Simple Ingredients: All you need for this recipe are broccolini, olive oil, garlic, lemon, and salt and pepper. These are common ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, making this recipe super easy to prepare.
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters in your family will love this roasted broccolini. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the broccolini, while the garlic and lemon add a burst of flavor that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
- Perfect for Beginner Cooks: With its straightforward instructions and simple ingredients, this recipe is an excellent choice for those just starting to explore the kitchen. It is almost impossible to mess up, and the result is a delicious, healthy side dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
This roasted broccolini recipe is simple to prepare with ingredients that are easy to source. You'll find all of these basic ingredients at your local grocery store, and many of them may already be in your pantry!
- Broccolini: It is a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli, and is the star of this dish. It is tender, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. Roasting brings out its natural sweetness and gives it a pleasingly crisp-tender texture.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil enhances the flavor of the broccolini and helps it roast to perfection. It’s also a heart-healthy fat that adds richness to the dish.
- Garlic: Chopped garlic adds a delicious twist to the broccolini. When roasted, it becomes sweet and slightly caramelized, adding a depth of flavor to the dish.
- Lemon: Half a lemon brings a burst of freshness to the roasted broccolini. The acidity of the lemon juice balances the richness of the olive oil and highlights the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the broccolini, garlic, and lemon. They're a must for bringing out the best in any dish.
How to Make Roasted Broccolini
Here's a simple guide on how to achieve perfectly roasted broccolini. For more detailed instructions and nutrition facts, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1.
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°. This is the ideal temperature for roasting broccolini, guaranteeing that it gets nicely browned and crispy.
Step 2.
Prepare the Broccolini: Lay your broccolini on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. This will prevent the broccolini from sticking to the pan and make clean-up easier.
Step 3.
Season: Next, drizzle olive oil over the broccolini. Add garlic, salt, and pepper, then rub the broccolini with your hands to guarantee that each piece is evenly coated with oil and seasoning.
Step 4.
Roast: Place the pan in the oven and roast for about 12-15 minutes. It is important to check at least once during this time to prevent the broccolini from overcooking.
Step 5.
Serve: Once the broccolini is done, serve it immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon will balance the richness of the olive oil and bring out the flavor of the broccolini.
Variations
- Spicy: If you like a hint of spice in your meals, try adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the broccolini before roasting. The heat from the pepper flakes will add a nice contrast to the earthy broccolini and tangy lemon.
- Grated Parmesan: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated Parmesan over the broccolini just before it is done roasting. The cheese will melt and become slightly crispy, adding a deliciously savory note to this healthy side dish.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Add a pop of color and sweetness by tossing some cherry tomatoes in with the broccolini. The tomatoes will roast and burst, creating a delicious sauce that pairs beautifully with the broccolini.
- Balsamic Glaze: For a sweet and tangy twist, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the broccolini after it has been roasted. The glaze will add a rich depth of flavor that balances the garlic and lemon beautifully.
Helpful Tips
This gluten-free roasted broccolini recipe is a flavorful way to enjoy this seasonal spring vegetable. But a few helpful tips may be helpful as you make this recipe.
- Preheat your oven: Before starting, make sure that your oven is preheated to 425°. This will guarantee your broccolini roasts evenly and becomes perfectly tender.
- Choose fresh broccolini: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh, in-season broccolini. Wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
- Don't skimp on the garlic: Garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the broccolini. Chop it finely and mix it with the broccolini before roasting.
- Season well: Don't forget to season your broccolini with salt and pepper before roasting. This will bring out the natural flavors of the broccolini.
- Keep an eye on the time: Roast the broccolini for about 12-15 minutes. Check at least once to prevent over-roasting and to make sure that it is cooked to your liking.
- Finish with lemon: After roasting, serve your broccolini with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This will give it a refreshing, tangy finish that compliments the roasted flavors beautifully.
Dietary Substitutions
This roasted broccolini recipe is perfect for those following specific dietary plans, as it is already gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, paleo, whole30, and keto compatible! This means you don’t need to change anything to adapt this recipe to these dietary restrictions.
Storage Instructions
- To Refrigerate: Keep any leftover roasted broccolini in an airtight sealed container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- To Freeze: Unfortunately, freezing isn't recommended for this dish. The texture of broccolini can become mushy and unappetizing after freezing and thawing due to its high water content.
- To Reheat: To enjoy this vegan dish again, reheat the roasted broccolini in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until it is heated through. You can also warm it up in a pan over medium heat with a touch of olive oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is broccolini?
Is it necessary to rub each piece of broccolini with oil and seasoning?
How long does it take to roast the broccolini?
Can I use regular broccoli instead of broccolini for this recipe?
Serving Suggestions
Roasted broccolini is a versatile side dish that can complement a wide range of meals. With its vibrant color and delicious flavors, it can take any meal to the next level. Here are some serving suggestions for this roasted broccolini recipe:
- Salads: Pair this roasted broccolini with salads such as a marinated tomato basil salad, a Mediterranean chickpea salad, or a California quinoa salad. The broccolini adds a nice crunch and depth of flavor.
- Mains: Serve this roasted broccolini as a side with main dishes like baked salmon with black rice, roasted rosemary lemon chicken, or a hearty vegetable lasagna. The broccolini's robust flavor profile compliments these dishes wonderfully.
- Sides: Consider pairing this broccolini with other vegetable sides like roasted sweet potatoes, asparagus with bacon, or roasted mini potatoes. The combination of flavors and textures is absolutely wonderful.
- Perfect Side For Sandwiches: This roasted broccolini makes a great side for sandwiches. Try it with a grilled cheese sandwich, a veggie-loaded panini, or even a simple avocado toast for a balanced meal.
- For Pasta Night: Roasted broccolini can be a fantastic addition to your pasta nights. Serve it alongside a creamy Alfredo pasta, a hearty lasagna, or a simple spaghetti aglio e olio.
Recipe
Roasted Broccolini
Ingredients
- 2 bunches of broccolini washed
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoon garlic chopped
- ½ lemon
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°.
- Spread a sheet pan with parchment paper and lay broccolini on it.
- Drizzle with olive oil and add garlic, salt and pepper and rub with your hands. Make sure you rub each piece of broccolini with oil and seasoning.
- Roast for about 12-15 minutes checking a least once.
- Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Nutrition
Roasting veggies is definitely a flavor enhancer as far as I'm concerned and they retain more of their nutrients.
How much we love broccolini you cannot imagine 😉 . For my husband and I they are a go-to easy, quick and tasty side dish, especially in the summer, when we have the fresh ones from my in-laws' garden. Never roasted them, though. Beautiful!