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Home » Recipes » Christmas Day Recipes

Lemon and Garlic Broccoli

Published: Mar 25, 2023 · Modified: Feb 25, 2025 by Debra Clark · 20 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Easy to make Lemon and Garlic Broccoli is a simple side dish and goes with just about every meal!

Fresh broccoli from the farmers market in March - gotta love that!
Fresh broccoli from the farmers market.
Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • FAQ's
  • Deb's tips
  • More great side dish recipes
  • Roasted Broccoli with Lemon

Why you'll love this recipe

Fresh vegetables just don't need too much fuss, don't you agree? Like my recipe for Roasted Carrots with Mint or 3 Ingredient Steamed Green Beans - simple perfect and delicious!

✔️ It's an easy-to-make side dish!

✔️ Lemon and garlic broccoli is a great option for a healthy side with your meal.

✔️ Topping it with fresh lemon gives it a super bright flavor and fresh taste!

Earlier this week I stopped by a roadside farmers stand and was surprised to see broccoli. This is the first broccoli of the season and it is soo good. First, I was going to make some soup. However, since the weather was so nice we decided to grill, so roasting the broccoli definitely was the way to go.

Ingredients

  • 6-8 cups broccoli florets or broccolini
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • garlic powder
  • salt and pepper
  • fresh lemon
Broccoli on sheet pan.
Separate the spears so they roast evenly.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Wash and clean the broccoli well. Also, dry it completely (you want it to roast, not steam). A salad spinner works great for this.
  3. Add a spritz of non-stick coating to the baking sheet or cast iron skillet.
  4. Add the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the broccoli and mix well to combine. Pour on the baking sheet and tuck it into the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Depending on the size of your broccoli it will take 10 to 15 minutes to roast.
  5. When roasting is complete, remove it from the oven and place it on a serving dish. While the broccoli is still hot, sprinkle with grated zest from the lemon (just the yellow part of the skin!) and finish with a squeeze of lemon. Serve additional lemon wedges on the side if desired.

After drying them off, I put them in a small bowl and seasoned the broccoli with olive oil, salt and pepper - that's it! Then I lightly coated the roasting pan with a spray of non-stick coating and spread out the spears so they roast evenly.

400 degrees - 10 minutes and they were done!

FAQ's

Should broccoli be boiled before roasting?

You can blanch the broccoli if you like it super tender. However, if you do, make sure you dry it well before roasting or it will steam and not caramelize.

Why is my roasted broccoli mushy?

If your roasted broccoli is mushy it's probably because you've crowded the pan. Make sure there is room between the spears so air can circulate.

Is broccoli better roasted or steamed?

Personally, I prefer broccoli roasted, BUT steamed broccoli is a healthier option because there's no added fat.

Should you salt vegetables before roasting?

Yes! Salting vegetables before roasting will bring out even more flavor.

Roasted Broccoli with lemon on platter.
Roasted Broccoli with lemon is an easy side dish and completely delicious!

Deb's tips

Couple hints when you're roasting broccoli (or any fresh vegetable)

  • Preheat the oven - you want the oven HOT when the pan is inserted
  • Use an aluminum sheet pan (not non-stick), cast iron or Dutch oven - that's how you'll get even browning, caramelized edges and flavor. 

So even if your farmer's market aren't open yet you can still have this amazing side dish. Use broccolini or slice the broccoli into small florets. Your cooking time may vary, but you can still enjoy this super easy side dish.

After washing use your salad spinner to dry it. You want all of the water gone because you want it to roast, not steam.

Broccoli on fork.

More great side dish recipes

  • Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
  • Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
  • Steamed Artichokes
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted broccoli on white plater with lemon.
5 from 3 votes

Roasted Broccoli with Lemon

Do you roast vegetables? I love roasted broccoli! Topping it with fresh lemon gives it a super bright flavor and fresh taste!
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Prep Time10 minutes mins
Total Time20 minutes mins
Course: Vegetables and Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 85kcal
Author: Deb Clark

Ingredients

  • 6-8 cups broccoli florets well cleaned & dried off
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 lemon

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • Wash & clean the broccoli well. Also, dry it completely (you want it to roast, not steam). A salad spinner works great for this.
  • Add a spritz of non-stick coating to the baking sheet or cast iron skillet.
  • Add the olive oil, salt & pepper to the broccoli and mix well to combine. Pour on the baking sheet and tuck it into the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Depending on the size of your broccoli it will take 10 to 15 minutes to roast.
  • When roasting is complete, remove it from the oven and place it on a serving dish. While the broccoli is still hot, sprinkle with grated zest from the lemon (just the yellow part of the skin!) and finish with a squeeze of lemon. Serve additional lemon wedges on the side if desired.

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    Nutrition

    Calories: 85kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Sodium: 627mg | Potassium: 468mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 850IU | Vitamin C: 136mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 1.2mg

    If you live on the East Coast of the United States, just close out this email. You will hate me I'm sure.

    For my friends in the midwest? You probably should do the same.

    You know why?

    It was 87 degrees here yesterday! Yup, spring is here a week early in the valley! This time next week and it will officially be spring, yay!

    I have to say I do not miss living in the midwest. I miss the people yes, but the weather... not in the least!

    Living in the valley definitely has it's bonuses!

    More Christmas Day Recipes

    • Sliced ham on platter.
      Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple
    • Roasted Green Beans and Carrots on platter.
      Roasted Green Beans and Carrots
    • Monkey bread in baking dish with glaze being spooned over the rolls.
      Sticky Sweet Pull Apart Cinnamon Rolls
    • A fresh out of the oven cinnamon roll on a spatula that has been made with frozen bread dough.
      Cinnamon Rolls from Frozen Bread Dough

    About Debra Clark

    Hey I'm Deb Clark, and I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over! We live in the sleepy little town of Scappoose, Oregon. And I admit it... I love food! Join me in this foodie journey (even if you've never cooked before!) I will help you learn to be confident in the kitchen! Want to learn more? Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

    Comments

      5 from 3 votes

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Janette@CulinaryGinger.com says

      March 29, 2017 at 7:18 am

      I'm at the beach here in L.A and we are having the best weather. Roasting broccoli is the best way to prepare it in my book and I lemon really is the best addition.

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        March 29, 2017 at 2:11 pm

        Enjoy that beach weather Janette, that sounds wonderful and enjoy those veggies!

        Reply
    2. Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says

      March 27, 2017 at 5:24 pm

      I love roasted broccoli. I can't wait to add the lemon!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        March 28, 2017 at 8:27 pm

        Thanks Dorothy, I hope you like the combo - simple, but really brightens the flavors!

        Reply
    3. Kavey says

      March 24, 2017 at 2:10 pm

      Lovely to see you showcase early sprouting broccoli, one of my favourites of the late winter brassicas.

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        March 25, 2017 at 7:45 pm

        Love those tender delicious veggies - thanks Kavey!

        Reply
    4. Andrea @ Cooking with Mamma C says

      March 20, 2017 at 1:19 pm

      5 stars
      We love roasted broccoli! You can't beat that caramelization from the high heat. Speaking of heat, it's nowhere near 87 degrees where I live! Enjoy it!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        March 21, 2017 at 8:02 am

        Oh yes, loving every minute of it Andrea! Roasted broccoli is so yummy - thank you!!

        Reply
    5. Raia Todd says

      March 20, 2017 at 12:26 pm

      Love simple side dishes like this! So easy and delicious.

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        March 21, 2017 at 8:02 am

        Me too - no reason to make mealtime complicated. Thank Raia!

        Reply
    6. Allison - Celebrating Sweets says

      March 20, 2017 at 12:18 pm

      It's warm here in Arizona too. I'm loving every minute of it! This broccoli looks like the perfect light and fresh way to ring in spring!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        March 21, 2017 at 8:03 am

        Yes, yes and yes!! Glad you're enjoying this beautiful weather Allison!!

        Reply
    7. Luci's Morsels says

      March 20, 2017 at 11:15 am

      5 stars
      I love roasted broccoli and this recipe sure seems like it won't disappoint. This looks so good and I can almost taste the lemon. Yummy!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        March 21, 2017 at 8:04 am

        Thanks Luci - such a bright and light bite!!

        Reply
    8. Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes says

      March 20, 2017 at 11:11 am

      I totally DO hate you. Just kidding. Lol. But seriously, I could use something green right about now. We're still covered in snow and months away from broccoli! My younger daughter loves broccoli prepared like this. She'll devour her serving and ask for seconds. It's like magic!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        March 21, 2017 at 8:05 am

        Hahaha! Love it Katie!! We'll be wishing we were your way during the heat of the summer I'm sure! Glad to hear there are more broccoli eaters out there - enjoy!!

        Reply
    9. Liza says

      March 19, 2017 at 12:37 am

      5 stars
      I meant to comment sooner, but I was crazy busy. But I just HAVE to place a comment here! This broccoli looks SO GOOD!!!! It's super-healthy (obviously), but it's made so that you WANT to eat it! I crave this broccoli So Bad!!!! OK, I'm putting the broccoli on my shopping list asap! 🙂

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        March 20, 2017 at 7:09 am

        Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule, I so appreciate it! You will LOVE this broccoli and so easy too, gotta love those simple, delish sides! Have a great week my friend!!

        Reply
    10. debi at Life Currents says

      March 16, 2017 at 7:09 am

      This broccoli looks fabulous! Totally my kind of dish! But honestly, it was too hot this week here. I could go for some easing into spring, you know with warming temps, not hot! But, I guess if the temps bring yummy looking veggies like this, I should be happy about it! hee hee

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        March 16, 2017 at 10:30 am

        I know huh? It was crazy here this week. Looks like we'll be getting a cool down next week though and maybe a little more rain? That would be good - enjoy those veggies Debi!

        Reply
    Blogger Deb Clark smiling at camera holding a plate filled with a casserole.
    Welcome to Bowl Me Over!

    Hey I'm Deb Clark! I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over. We live in a sleepy little town just north of Portland in the beautiful Pacific Northwest... (read more)

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