|

What Goes With Broccoli?

This post may contain affiliate links which might earn us money. Please read my Disclosure and Privacy policies here

Are you staring at a plate of steamed broccoli, unsure of what to pair it with? As a cruciferous vegetable with a slightly bitter taste, broccoli can be challenging to match with other foods.

However, with some creativity and experimentation, you can discover various delicious options that complement the flavor and texture of this nutritious veggie. Whether you're looking for a hearty main dish or a lighter side, read on for some tasty ideas on what goes with broccoli.

Save This Recipe

Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox!

A close-up shot of broccoli on a plate with another broccoli on the background.

Broccoli is known to be one of the most versatile vegetables out there. This veggie never fails to impress, whether you prefer it raw or cooked, in salads or soups. It can be a delicious topping for a baked potato, a flavorful addition to pasta dishes, or even the star of its own recipe.

Plus, it's packed with nutrients like Vitamin C and folate, making it a great choice for a healthy diet. With so many ways to enjoy it, broccoli is a must-have ingredient in any kitchen.

Pairing broccoli with other ingredients enhances its taste and creates a flavorful dish. You can add a new dimension of flavor by combining broccoli with ingredients like lemon butter sauce, garlic parmesan sauce, soy sauce, sesame seeds, or honey mustard dressing.

Also, roasted sweet potatoes, oven-roasted carrots, and roasted Brussels sprouts make excellent side dishes that complement the taste of broccoli. Whether you're creating a stir-fry, pasta dish, or salad, pairing broccoli with the right ingredients can elevate its taste and make for a delicious meal.

You will enjoy these posts:

What meals pair well with broccoli?

Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that pairs well with a variety of meals. Try pairing broccoli with grilled salmon or roasted chicken for a nutritious and satisfying option. If you prefer meatless options, tofu stir-fry or a quinoa salad with broccoli make great choices.

Broccoli complements dishes that include brown rice, couscous, or roasted sweet potatoes. The possibilities are endless for creating delicious meals with broccoli as a flavorful addition. 

What is a good vegetable to pair with broccoli?

Broccoli pairs well with various vegetables, but carrots are one of the best options. Both vegetables have a similar texture and complement each other in terms of flavor. The vibrant orange color of carrots adds visual appeal to any dish containing broccoli, making it even more appetizing. Additionally, combining these two vegetables provides a good balance of nutrients, making it a healthy and delicious choice.

What enhances the taste of broccoli?

One of the best ways to enhance the taste of broccoli is by pairing it with other ingredients. Broccoli has a bland taste on its own, but when combined with the right flavors, it can become absolutely delicious. Ingredients like lemon butter sauce, garlic parmesan sauce, soy sauce, sesame seeds, or honey mustard dressing can add a burst of flavor to broccoli.

Also, roasted sweet potatoes, oven-roasted carrots, or grilled salmon can perfectly complement the taste of broccoli. By experimenting with different combinations, you can discover the perfect pairing to enhance the taste of broccoli. 

What is a good side dish for beef and broccoli?

When it comes to finding the perfect side dish for beef and broccoli, several options can enhance the flavors and complement the dish. Some popular choices include pineapple fried rice, grilled bok choy, and chow mein. These dishes provide a nice balance of textures and flavors that pair well with the beef and broccoli.

Also, options like vegetable egg rolls, Chinese cabbage salad, and ginger carrot salad can add a crunchy element to the meal. The key is choosing a side dish that adds variety and enhances the overall dining experience. 

Lemon Butter Sauce

Lemon Butter Sauce is a simple yet delicious way to enhance the taste of broccoli. This sauce adds a zesty and tangy flavor to the vegetable with just a few ingredients like butter, lemon juice, and a hint of cayenne pepper.

Whether you pair it with pasta, bread, or as a side dish to your favorite protein, this sauce brings out the best in broccoli and elevates its taste to a whole new level. 

Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Garlic Parmesan sauce is a delicious and versatile option for enhancing the taste of broccoli. The combination of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and creamy sauce adds a burst of flavor to the vegetable.

Pan-frying broccoli in this sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that will leave you wanting more. Whether you're serving it as a side dish or incorporating it into a main meal, garlic Parmesan sauce is a winner every time. 

Soy Sauce and Sesame Seeds

Soy sauce and sesame seeds are perfect for broccoli, adding a savory and nutty flavor to enhance its taste. Combining the rich umami notes from soy sauce and the subtle crunch of sesame seeds creates a delightful contrast to the tender texture of the broccoli. It's a simple yet delicious way to elevate the flavors of this versatile vegetable.

Honey Mustard Dressing

Honey Mustard Dressing is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. Made with simple ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, or Greek yogurt, this dressing adds a creamy and tangy flavor to salads, vegetables, and even grilled meats.

It's the perfect way to enhance the taste of broccoli and create a refreshing and flavorful dish. Whether you're hosting a summer cookout or just looking to add a burst of flavor to your everyday meals, Honey Mustard Dressing is a must-have in your kitchen. 

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy choice for a side dish. When paired with broccoli, they create a flavorful combination that will surely please. Simply arrange the sweet potatoes and broccoli on a roasting pan, drizzle with olive oil, and season with your favorite spices—roast in the oven until the vegetables are tender and browned. The result is a dish that is both nutritious and satisfying.

Oven-Roasted Carrots

Oven-roasted carrots are a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with broccoli. The carrots become tender and slightly caramelized in the oven, bringing out their natural sweetness. When roasted alongside broccoli, the flavors blend together beautifully.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with broccoli. Combining these two vegetables enhances their flavors and creates a visually appealing dish.

Roasting them together with olive oil, spices, and balsamic vinegar brings out their natural sweetness and adds a touch of caramelization. The result is a crispy, flavorful combination that will satisfy your taste buds. 

Grilled Salmon

Grilled salmon is a healthy and delicious choice and pairs perfectly with various ingredients to enhance its flavor. One of the best options is to serve it with a side of foil-pack sesame broccoli.

The bright green and crisp-tender broccoli complements the rich, smoky flavor of the grilled salmon. Toss the broccoli with some carrots and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then seal it in a foil pack and grill until it's lightly charred and perfectly cooked.

Top the salmon with a spoonful of chili garlic sauce and sprinkle the vegetables with sesame seeds for a fantastic burst of flavor. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, grilled salmon with foil-pack sesame broccoli is a winning combination that will please your taste buds. 

Roasted Chicken

Roasted chicken is a classic and delicious dish that pairs perfectly with broccoli. Combining juicy chicken and roasted broccoli creates a satisfying and healthy meal. Whether you choose to use chicken breasts or thighs, the result is a flavorful and hearty dish that will please your taste buds.

Plus, roasting the chicken and broccoli together in one pan makes for easy cleanup. Try this one pan-roasted chicken with broccoli recipe for a tasty and hassle-free meal. 

Steak with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Steak with creamy mushroom sauce is a delicious and indulgent dish that combines the richness of beef with the earthy flavors of mushrooms. The creamy sauce adds a velvety texture and enhances the overall taste of the steak. It's a perfect choice for a special dinner or when you want to impress your guests.

Pair it with a side of broccoli, which adds a fresh and healthy element to the meal. Combining steak, creamy mushroom sauce, and broccoli creates a flavorful, well-balanced dish.

Tofu Stir-Fry

Looking for a healthy and flavorful meal idea? Try a tofu stir-fry with broccoli! Tofu is a great source of protein, and when paired with crispy broccoli and a sticky ginger garlic sauce, it becomes a delicious and balanced meal.

You can even add other veggies or your choice of protein to customize the stir-fry to your liking. Try this easy and tasty recipe, and enjoy a satisfying and nutritious meal!

Brown Rice

Brown rice is a nutritious and delicious option to pair with broccoli. It adds a hearty and wholesome element to any dish. Whether you're making a stir-fry or a pilaf, brown rice perfectly complements broccoli's taste.

Plus, it's packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. So, next time you plan a meal with broccoli, consider serving it with brown rice for a satisfying and healthy combination.

Quinoa

Quinoa is a versatile ingredient that pairs wonderfully with roasted broccoli. Not only does it add a nutty flavor to the dish, but it also provides a great source of protein, riboflavin, magnesium, and potassium. Quinoa salads, like the Roasted Broccoli Quinoa Salad, makes for a hearty and healthy meal option.

Combining quinoa, roasted broccoli, spinach, pistachios, green onion, lemon, and feta cheese creates a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course. Don't forget to try different variations with other veggies to keep things interesting! 

Couscous

Couscous is a versatile and delicious ingredient that pairs perfectly with broccoli. Whether you're looking for a healthy side dish or a complete meal, couscous can elevate the flavors of broccoli and create a satisfying dish. With its nutty flavor and fluffy texture, couscous adds a delightful element to any broccoli recipe.

Try making a roasted broccoli salad with couscous for a wholesome and flavorful meal that will leave you wanting more. Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to enhance the taste of this dynamic duo.

A pinterest image of different broccoli pairings with the text - 14 Perfect Partners for Broccoli, Elevate Your Broccoli Dishes With These Perfect Pairs! The site's link is also included in the image.
Keto Broccoli Salad Recipe

Keto Broccoli Salad Recipe

Yield: 2 Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Loaded with nutritious ingredients, this Keto Broccoli Salad is a favorite for anyone whether you are on a diet or just into a healthy eating way.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • Salt
  • 1 Red onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 Bacon strips, cooked until crispy
  • ¼ cup almonds, chopped
  • ¼ Cup parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tbsp mayo
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp dijon mustard
  • ½ Tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place a large pot on the stove. Fill it with water and season with salt. Bring to a boil. Add the broccoli and boil for 2 minutes. 
  2. Meanwhile, in another bowl prepare an ice bath. Drain the broccoli and transfer to the ice bath until cold. Drain and pat dry. 
  3. Transfer to a bowl. Top with red onion, bacon, almonds, and parmesan cheese.
  4. Prepare the dressing. In a small bowl whisk mayo, vinegar, olive oil, mustard, garlic powder and salt and pepper until creamy and incorporated. Drizzle over the salad.
  5. Toss so everything gets coated in the dressing. 
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 609Total Fat: 51gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 39gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 1483mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 8gSugar: 5gProtein: 19g

These nutritional calculations might not be accurate. Please speak with a licensed nutritionist to assist you.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply