Broccoli With Olive Butter
Broccoli with Olive Butter combines tender cooked broccoli with a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, lemon, and sliced olives. This flavorful side dish offers a delightful blend of savory, tangy, and briny notes, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests who appreciate bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat butter and crushed garlic over low heat in a small saucepan for about 15 minutes.
- Add lemon juice, black pepper, and sliced olives; heat thoroughly but do not boil.
- Cook frozen broccoli according to package directions. Drain and arrange in a heated serving dish.
- Sprinkle lightly with seasoned salt.
- Pour the olive butter sauce over the broccoli and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. If you don’t have stuffed olives, green or black olives can work as a substitute. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like feta or Parmesan, for extra creaminess. This dish complements well with other vegetarian recipes, such as Southern Squash Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the broccoli with olive butter as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. It also pairs wonderfully with rice or quinoa for a vegetarian option. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with toasted pine nuts or fresh herbs like parsley. This dish can be a vibrant addition to any holiday spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the broccoli in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it gently in a pan over low heat, adding a bit of olive oil or butter if needed to refresh the sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli With Olive Butter contains roughly 1140 calories, with 9g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 103g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 660mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
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 fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh broccoli, steam it until tender before adding the olive butter sauce. Fresh broccoli will offer a crisp texture and vibrant color, enhancing the overall presentation of the dish.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan butter. Ensure the olives you choose are also vegan-friendly, and enjoy the same delicious flavors without the dairy.
What type of olives work best for this recipe?
Stuffed green olives are recommended for their briny flavor, but you can also use Kalamata or black olives for a different taste. Choose olives according to your preference, as they will influence the final flavor of the olive butter sauce.
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).