Charred Broccoli Zesty Salad (Printer View)

Smoky roasted broccoli tossed with lemon, garlic, and Parmesan for a fresh, vibrant dish.

# What you'll need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large head broccoli (about 17.6 oz), 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 (about 1.4 oz)
09 - 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional)
10 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F or air fryer to 400°F.
02 - Toss broccoli florets with 2 tablespoons olive oil, half the lemon zest, sea salt, and black pepper.
03 - Arrange broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet or air fryer basket. Roast or air-fry for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once, until edges are charred and florets are tender.
04 - If using, add sliced red onion to the baking sheet or air fryer basket during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
05 - Whisk together remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and remaining zest in a large bowl.
06 - Immediately add hot charred broccoli and onions, if included, to the dressing. Toss thoroughly to coat.
07 - Transfer 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 edges get gloriously crispy while the florets stay tender, giving you texture in every bite.
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like you fussed over it all afternoon.
  • Works warm, cold, or anywhere in between, making it endlessly flexible for your table.
02 -
  • Don't skip turning the broccoli halfway through roasting—the undersides need direct heat to develop that char and crispy texture.
  • If your oven runs cool, the broccoli might not char enough. Don't be afraid to go a minute or two longer if the edges aren't dark and crispy.
03 -
  • If your air fryer is small, work in batches rather than crowding the basket—the broccoli needs space to crisp up properly.
  • Taste the dressing before tossing with the hot broccoli. It should be punchy and assertive because the warmth of the vegetables will mellow it slightly.
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