Healthy side dishes are not difficult to come by. However, healthy side dishes that are also completely delicious are few and far between. I love a side dish like this Parmesan Broccoli that I look forward to as much as the main dish. The parmesan, lemon and garlic really enhance the flavor of fresh broccoli.
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Tell me all about this parmesan broccoli
- Fresh – Using fresh broccoli, fresh parmesan, fresh lime juice and garlic really gives this simple side dish so much flavor.
- Pairs With – I honestly love broccoli with just about anything (it’s the one vegetable both my kids will eat), but see below for a list of great main dish recipes.
- Texture – Cooking the broccoli just a few minutes keeps the broccoli with a light crunch, but still soft and warm.
- Flavor – Warm broccoli brightened with lemon with a light coating of melted parmesan and little zing of garlic makes for a delicious side dish.
- Difficulty – The only trick in this recipe is cooking the broccoli to get just the right amount of crunch and softness. 5 minutes has been just right for us, but of course it will depend on your stove and pan. To check the broccoli, I like to stick a fork through the thick part of the stem. It should still be firm, but soft enough to go through.
Recipes that pair well with parmesan broccoli
- Balsamic Fig Pork Loin – This pork loin has tons of flavor, so a light side dish is perfect.
- Italian Cordon Blue – I can’t tell you how much I love this recipe. Lightly breaded chicken rolled up with brie and prosciutto. Mmm!
- Blackened Chicken – Chicken with a thick layer of spices cooked in a pan to create a spice-crust. So delicious!
- Olive & Artichoke Chicken – My favorite make-ahead meal. Just combine ingredients and refrigerate. Throw in the oven when ready!
- Grilled Steak with Blue Cheese Salsa – Also a great make-ahead meal, this time for the grill.
Love this parmesan broccoli recipe? Try these other amazing side dish recipes!
Make Ahead Creamy Mashed Potatoes 
Spinach Bacon Quinoa Side Dish
If you decide to give this recipe a try, be sure to snap a photo to share, tagging @theovenlight and #theovenlight on Instagram or Facebook!
Perfect Parmesan Broccoli
The ultimate healthy and simple side dish.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 C fresh broccoli large stem removed and cut into small hunks
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 C shredded parmesan
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil more if needed
Instructions
- Heat oil over medium high heat, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add broccoli and lemon juice.
- Cook until lightly browned about 5 minutes (Add more oil if needed)
- Turn off heat and add Parmesan, stirring the broccoli to slightly melt the cheese.
- Serve immediately.
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