Lemon Scented Broccoli

Brighten up your table with the zesty, aromatic flavors of Lemon Scented Broccoli—an easy, vibrant side dish that combines tender-crisp broccoli with the fresh tang of lemon and the subtle kick of garlic. Perfectly blanched to preserve its vivid green color and crisp texture, this healthy recipe is elevated with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of freshly grated lemon zest, and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Quick to prepare in under 20 minutes, this dish pairs beautifully with grilled proteins or can be served as a star ingredient in a light, seasonal meal. Packed with flavor yet refreshingly simple, this lemon and garlic broccoli recipe is your next go-to for a fresh, healthy, and crowd-pleasing side.

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:8 mins

Total Time:18 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and drain the broccoli florets thoroughly, ensuring there is no excess moisture.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt to it. Blanch the broccoli florets for 2 minutes until vibrant green and slightly tender.

Step 3

Immediately drain the broccoli and transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps retain its color and crisp texture. Drain again and set aside.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 6

Stir in the lemon zest and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for another 30 seconds.

Step 7

Add the blanched broccoli florets to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the garlic-lemon mixture.

Step 8

Drizzle the lemon juice over the broccoli, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the broccoli to a serving dish.

Step 10

Serve warm as a fresh and flavorful side dish. Optionally, garnish with additional lemon zest or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra pop of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(570.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	393.3

Total Fat 28.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1327.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 29.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.2g	0%
Total Sugars 6.7g
Protein 18.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 255.8mg	0%
Iron 4.8mg	0%
Potassium 77.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.2%

Protein: 16.5%

Carbs: 26.3%