Broccoli With Lemon And Onions
A vibrant, lemon-infused broccoli dish accented with onions and toasted almonds, perfect for healthy sides or vegetarian mains with fresh, zesty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Microwave fresh broccoli pieces on High for 8 to 10 minutes in a 2-quart casserole with 1/2 cup of water. Cover and stir after half the time.
- Microwave frozen broccoli spears on High for 8 to 12 minutes in a 2-quart casserole with 1/2 cup of water. Cover and stir after half the time.
- Combine onion slices and butter in a small dish.
- Microwave on High about 2 1/2 to 5 minutes or until tender.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Drain the cooked broccoli.
- Spoon the lemon butter mixture over the broccoli.
- Sprinkle with toasted almonds before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For the freshest flavor, use organic broccoli if available. If you don't have fresh broccoli, you can substitute with an additional package of frozen broccoli. Adding a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes can enhance the dish's flavor profile. To save time, consider prepping the lemon butter mixture while the broccoli cooks.
Serving Suggestions
This broccoli dish is best served warm, with a sprinkle of toasted almonds on top for added crunch. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish and can be served alongside a light salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with Cheddar Apple Pizza for a delicious contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on low power in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid reheating too long to prevent overcooking the broccoli and losing its vibrant color.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli With Lemon And Onions contains roughly 88 calories, with 3g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of onion?
Yes, you can substitute the small onion with shallots or green onions for a milder flavor. Just adjust the quantity according to your taste preference. Both options will add a nice depth to the dish without overpowering the lemon and broccoli.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can replace butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. The flavor will still be delicious, and it will cater to those following dairy-free or vegan diets. Just ensure your lemon zest and juice are fresh for the best taste.
How can I add more protein to this dish?
To boost the protein content, consider adding cooked chickpeas or white beans to the broccoli before serving. You could also serve it alongside grilled chicken or tofu to create a heartier meal, making it a well-rounded vegetarian option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).