Reimagining Broccoli: From Trauma to Triumph

28 Healthy, Hearty Broccoli Recipes

Broccoli is a humble little vegetable. As children, many of us were traumatized by it. A lot of that has to do with the way it’s often served to kids: overcooked to an inch of its life and soggy, relegated to a sad little spot on the dinner plate.

Others love broccoli but aren’t sure what the heck to do with it other than — you guessed it — steam and serve on the side. That’s a shame, because broccoli is a great addition to every diet. It’s a green that’s packed with vitamins, especially vitamin C and vitamin K, and is naturally high in fiber, so it’ll keep you feeling full for longer. It’s also great for your heart and digestion, packed with compounds that help fight cancer and keeps your skin looking young. (1, 2, 3) Seriously, you need more broccoli in your life.

But if you’re at a loss on how to add the veggie into your diet, you’re in luck. I’ve rounded up some of the best-tasting broccoli recipes from around the web. Not only are they all good for you, but they help you chow down on the good stuff in some unexpected ways — think breakfast patties, pizza and burgers. Try any of these, and I know you’ll become a broccoli convert.

28 Healthy, Hearty Broccoli Recipes

1. Broccoli Fritters

These crisp fritters are low-carb, made with just a handful of ingredients and super versatile. You can have them at breakfast with eggs, eat them as a snack or serve with protein or salad for a light dinner. Don’t forget your favorite dipping sauce!

2. Alfredo Chicken and Broccoli

This is quick and easy comfort food at its finest. Cheese, pasta, veggies and chicken — can you really go wrong? I love how creamy, probiotic-rich kefir gives this a true broccoli casserole texture without using any “cream of” soups.

3. Broccoli and Quinoa Breakfast Patties

They may have “breakfast” in the title, but these patties are tasty any time of day. I love that they’re made with quinoa, which is full of fiber and protein. You can eat these on a whole-grain bun as a veggie burger or alongside soup and salad.

4. Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon

This broccoli salad is perfect for potlucks and barbecues. Crunchy almonds and savory turkey bacon provide tons of flavor, while the cranberries add a bit of zest. Combined with a homemade kefir-based dressing, this may become a new favorite.

5. Broccoli Spinach Frittata with Caramelized Onions

Get a serving of greens early in the day with this breakfast broccoli recipe. You’ll get a mouthful of broccoli, eggs, onion and spinach in each bite. Add cheese if you’d like and serve with fresh avocado slices and salsa. Psst: this tastes equally delicious in the evenings, too!

Photo: Savory Lotus

6. Broccoli Veggie Burger With Brown Rice and Mushrooms

These hearty meat-free burgers take a little effort, but they are definitely worth it. The patty is stuffed with broccoli, cremini mushrooms, corn kernels, onions and brown rice. These are full of flavor and really highlight how good a veggie burger can be. Save time by prepping ahead the night before.

7. Chicken Broccoli Bake

This is one of the easiest broccoli recipes — you’ll wonder why you haven’t made this more! Combine chicken thighs, broccoli and sweet potato with seasonings and roast. It’s perfect for making a big batch on Sunday and enjoying throughout the week.

8. Creamy Broccoli Soup with Cheese

Craving creamy? I’ve got your back with this broccoli soup recipe. With heart-healthy kale and broccoli along with ghee and raw cheddar, it’s guilt-free eating at its finest.

Photo: Fox and Briar

9. Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli Bowls

Now this is a combination you don’t see often: chicken and broccoli with … buffalo sauce?! This low-carb, high-protein dinner is served over a bed of cauliflower rice for a weeknight dish that tastes super decadent.

10. Crispy Orange Beef

Why order takeout when you can make something that’s healthy and tastes even better in just 30 minutes? Coating the beef in arrowroot powder ensures it’s nice and crispy, while coconut aminos and coconut sugar make that finger-licking sauce that coats the beef and broccoli. You can toss those Chinese menus after you try this broccoli recipe!

11. Crustless Broccoli Quiche

Perfect for brunch or dinner, this low-carb quiche should be on your menu. The broccoli is spread in the bottom of the pan to provide a crust-like layer, making the quiche easy to divvy out. Baking at a low temperature, you get a silky, restaurant-worthy quiche.

Photo: I’d Rather Be a Chef

12. Delightful Broccoli Cheddar Frittata

This broccoli recipe makes the perfect frittata. It’s easy to customize to your liking, such as adding ingredients like turkey bacon or tomatoes, and reheats beautifully for breakfast throughout the week.

Photo: Contentedness Cooking

13. Detox Broccoli Soup

Have you been overindulging? Let this broccoli soup recipe help put you back on the straight and narrow. It’s unbelievably simple to make (all you need is broccoli, a can of coconut milk and seasonings) but crazy delicious. If you’re feeling fancy, you can add optional toppings like crushed macadamia nuts, fresh herbs or sliced avocado.

14. Garlic Parmesan Broccoli

When you just need a simple side dish, turn to this flavorful broccoli recipe. Ready in just 15 minutes, it makes the perfect side dish for fish or chicken main dishes.

15. Green Goddess Broccoli Crust Pizza

If you’re going low-carb, there’s no reason to skip out on pizza. This gorgeous recipe swaps a wheat-based crust for one made from broccoli, and it is divine. Pile it up with your toppings of choice (I love arugula and cherry tomatoes) and indulge.

Photo: Gimme Delicious

16. Healthy Baked Broccoli Tots

Are your kids begging you for tater tots? Feed them this healthier version instead! Broccoli is mixed with onions, cheddar, seasonings and whatever breadcrumbs you have on hand, then baked until they’re golden brown. This recipe is easy and packed full of veggie goodness.

17. Mashed Broccoli

If you’re eating a low-carb diet, you might be missing the ease of serving mashed potatoes with main dishes. Have you thought about mashed broccoli? Now, mashed broccoli doesn’t tasted like potatoes, but if you enjoy the green vegetable, it’s a terrific option. Made with lemon juice, ghee and garlic, this unique broccoli recipe is fast and flavorful.

Photo: Food, Faith, Fitness

18. Mediterranean Low-Carb Broccoli Salad

If you’re looking for a boring salad, this recipe isn’t it. If you want one that’s chock-full of Mediterranean diet goodness, I suggest you give this one a shot. This broccoli salad is packed with artichoke hearts, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, red onions and sunflower seeds and then topped with a creamy dressing made from Greek yogurt and herbs. It makes an excellent, healthy main meal

19. Miso Sweet Potato and Broccoli Bowl

Looking for a way to incorporate miso, a probiotic food, into your diet? This is a good one. It makes up the bulk of a delightful sesame dressing that’s flavored with fresh ginger and honey. You’ll pour it over roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli and your choice of grain for a vegetarian bowl.

Photo: Recipes to Nourish

20. One-Pan Broccoli Cashew Chicken

Crunchy cashews, juicy chicken and, of course, broccoli. What more do you need? This homemade version of a takeout favorite is ready in just 15 minutes (!) and is made with ingredients you likely have on hand, like coconut aminos, bone broth and ghee. It’s destined to become a weeknight staple!

21. Parmesan Barley Bowl with Roasted Broccoli and a Soft Boiled Egg

This bowl doesn’t have any “exciting” ingredients, but when you mix them all together — mmm! Look at what you’re working with: crunchy, roasted broccoli and cauliflower, fresh mushrooms, barley, freshly grated cheese and eggs. This is one broccoli recipe you can eat for any meal.

22. Quinoa Broccoli Slaw with Honey-Mustard Dressing

Looking for a slaw that doesn’t use mayonnaise? You’ve found it. This broccoli slaw is comprised of quinoa, broccoli, almonds and fresh basil, but what really puts it over the top is the honey-mustard dressing. Finished off with a dash of red pepper flakes for heat, this broccoli slaw is a fantastic alternative to traditional slaw recipes.

Photo: Nourished the Blog

23. Roasted Broccoli Chickpea Quinoa Bowls

Everything tastes better in bowls, including broccoli. Adding chickpeas into the mix here makes this super filling and gives it a protein boost, while adding a crunch factor, too.

24. Simple Sesame-Ginger Broccoli Macro Bowl

Sesame and ginger are such a great-tasting combination, and it’s showcased beautifully in this macro bowl. Here, the dressing coats brown rice, steamed broccoli and sesame seeds for a simple, nourishing bowl that’ll warm your bones and help you feel good.

25. Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Need to get dinner on the table with minimal effort? This broccoli and beef recipe fits the bill. It’s a dump-and-go recipe that cooks six to eight hours for the easiest Chinese takeout-inspired dinner ever! Serve with brown rice or in lettuce wraps for a hands-off dinner.

Photo: The Food Charlatan

26. 20 Minute Lemon Broccoli Pasta Skillet

The flavors in this meat-free broccoli recipe really pack a punch; It’s incredible what fresh lemon, butter, garlic and parmesan cheese can do! Broccoli and spinach are folded into the mix for a simple, 20-minute meal that tastes as though you’ve been slaving over the stove.

Photo: Half-baked Harvest

27. Whole Wheat Lemon Roasted Broccoli Pizza

You may have never thought to put lemon slices and broccoli on your pizza, but after trying this, you may never want to stop. This hearty pizza has so much going on — in a good way! Kalamata olives, two types of cheeses, spicy microgreens, sun-dried tomatoes and pesto all make an appearance. Switch out the whole wheat crust for a gluten-free crust, zucchini crust or other healthy pizza crust option if desired.

28. Wild Rice, Mushroom & Broccoli Skillet Side

Everyone needs a go-to side dish, and if you like broccoli, this should be yours. Made with wild rice, broccoli, mushrooms and butter, you could totally serve this on its own, but it would make a fabulous side for a roasted or grilled chicken as well.