Charred Broccoli Zesty Salad (Printable version)

Smoky charred broccoli tossed with lemon, Parmesan, and nuts for a fresh, flavorful side or light meal.

# Needed ingredients:

→ Vegetables

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

→ Dressing

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

→ Garnish

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

# How to make it:

01 - Heat oven to 425°F or preheat air fryer to 400°F.
02 - Toss broccoli florets with 2 tablespoons olive oil, half of the lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
03 - Arrange 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 just tender.
04 - During the last 5 minutes, add sliced red onion to the tray or basket and continue cooking.
05 - In a large bowl, whisk remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil with minced garlic, lemon juice, and remaining lemon zest.
06 - Add hot broccoli and onions, if using, to the bowl and toss well to coat evenly with dressing.
07 - Transfer salad to a serving platter and sprinkle with shaved Parmesan, toasted nuts, and parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The char brings out a nutty sweetness that raw broccoli could never deliver, making each bite feel indulgent.
  • It's quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve when people are coming over.
  • The bright lemon and creamy Parmesan balance the smokiness in a way that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
02 -
  • Don't skip turning the broccoli halfway through roasting; the underside needs direct heat to develop that beautiful char that makes this dish special.
  • The dressing should be made before the broccoli finishes cooking so the hot florets can actually absorb the flavors instead of just sitting on top of them.
  • If your Parmesan comes in a block, shaving it thin with a vegetable peeler or microplane makes a world of difference in how it integrates into the salad.
03 -
  • An air fryer actually excels at this dish—the circulating hot air creates even more dramatic charring with less fussing and no need to stir halfway through.
  • Toast your own nuts in a dry skillet for exactly three minutes and you'll taste the difference; store-bought toasted nuts have already begun to fade.
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