Kale has been the “it” vegetable for years, stealing the thunder from its other cruciferous cousins. But let’s not forget one of original superfoods — broccoli. Both the stalks and florets are edible and nutritious. These treelike veggies are a good source of vitamins C and K, dietary fiber and potassium. Broccoli is versatile and can be eaten raw or roasted, in soups, salads or stir-fries. Make this deep-green powerhouse veggie the star of your next meal with these 10 tasty recipes.
1. BROCCOLI QUESADILLA WITH AVOCADO, GARLIC & DILL | MOUNTAIN MAMA COOKS
These gorgeously green-hued quesadillas are perfect for a quick meal when hunger strikes. Each quesadilla is filled with sautéed broccoli and melted sharp cheddar. The avocado adds a layer of creamy, superfood goodness. Recipe makes 2 servings at 1 quesadilla each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 343; Total Fat: 22g; Saturated Fat: 7g; Monounsaturated Fat: 9g; Cholesterol: 30mg; Sodium: 294mg; Carbohydrate: 23g; Dietary Fiber: 7g; Sugar: 2g; Protein: 13g
2. GARLICKY BROCCOLI “ZOODLES” WITH BACON | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES
An unbelievably simple dish with garlic, olive oil and broccoli, this recipe by Inspiralized showcases the extreme versatility of the spiralizer and what it empowers you to make out of everyday vegetables. Bacon makes this dish all the more mouthwatering and flavorful — without blowing your daily total fat budget. Recipe makes 4 servings at 1 cup each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 194; Total Fat: 13g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 5g; Cholesterol: 14mg; Sodium: 234mg; Carbohydrate: 13g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 10g
3. ULTIMATE SUPERFOOD SALAD | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES
If you could take a multivitamin in food form, why wouldn’t you? This is why you need to try the ultimate superfood salad from The Roasted Root. It is densely packed with vitamins A and C, folate, potassium and fiber. The salad itself is made from kale, red cabbage, bell pepper, carrots, broccoli, walnuts and avocados, tossed with ginger-lemon dressing. Try it as a refreshing entree or serve a smaller portion as a side. Recipe makes 8 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 203; Total Fat: 16g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 5g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 39mg; Carbohydrates: 13g; Dietary Fiber: 6g; Sugars: 3g; Protein: 5g
READ MORE > A LOVE LETTER TO BROCCOLI: WHERE IS THE RESPECT?
4. CHEESY VEGGIE BAKE | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES
Increase any picky eater’s vegetable intake by hiding them in Food Fanatic’s cheesy broccoli-zucchini egg bake! Save time by prepping veggies the night before. Don’t have a spiralizer? Just slice zucchini into thin matchsticks instead, and follow instructions as directed. Recipe makes 8 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 164; Total Fat: 8g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 121mg; Sodium: 301mg; Carbohydrate: 10g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 16g
5. LIGHTENED UP BROCCOLI CHEDDAR TWICE-BAKED POTATOES | FIT FOODIE FINDS
If you are skeptical that twice-baked potatoes can be healthy, think again! While traditional twice-baked potatoes use heavy cream, butter and sour cream, these are filled with broccoli, cheddar, Greek yogurt and milk. Bring these yummy, healthier spuds to your next gathering to share with family and friends. Recipe makes 6 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 157; Total Fat: 9g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 12mg; Sodium: 256mg; Carbohydrate: 12g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 2g; Protein: 8g
6. EASY BROCCOLI-SPINACH RISOTTO | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES
Enjoy a fancy risotto dinner with less fuss using this recipe tweak — bake your risotto! Traditional risotto requires stirring small batches of hot broth into the rice every few minutes, but our baked method creates a similar consistency without extra tending. This vegetarian version comes loaded with broccoli and spinach, but feel free to add your favorite veggies instead. Recipe makes 4 servings at 1 1/4 cup each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 301; Total Fat: 6g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 11mg; Sodium: 676mg; Carbohydrate: 49g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 10g
7. | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES
Now the ultimate comfort food side can be your main entree. Our recipe features Skinnytaste’s healthier spin on traditional mac and cheese. Each satisfying portion is loaded with broccoli florets, whole-wheat pasta and reduced-fat cheddar cheese. You can savor the taste and still get your veggies in to boot! Recipe makes 8 servings at 1 cup each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 322; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 28mg; Sodium: 381mg; Total Carbohydrate: 43g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugars: 1g; Protein: 20g
8. CASHEW BEEF WITH BROCCOLI STIR-FRY | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES
Make quick and tasty cashew beef with broccoli stir-fry for dinner courtesy of the “Fiber Up Slim Down” cookbook. Trimmed beef top round and crisp broccoli is cooked in a savory soy sauce base. Serve over brown rice or another whole grain of your choice. Recipe makes 4 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 291; Total Fat: 17g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 5g; Cholesterol: 54mg; Sodium: 515mg; Carbohydrate: 11g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 23g
9. | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES
Want a low-carb dinner? This simple caprese chicken marries the fresh flavors of a caprese salad with a dose of lean protein. Ripe tomatoes, tangy balsamic and fragrant basil are a yummy ways to dress up your lean chicken breast. Serve with a side of roasted broccoli. Recipe makes 4 servings at 1/2 chicken breast + 3/4 cup broccoli each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 341; Total Fat: 20g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Monounsaturated Fat: 8g; Cholesterol: 60mg; Sodium: 502mg; Carbohydrate: 18g; Dietary Fiber: 6g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 26g
10. “LOADED” POTATO SOUP | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES
Turn a childhood favorite, the fully loaded baked potato, into a hearty, warm bowl of soup — all fixings included. Fiber-rich cauliflower makes the soup more filling with less calories. And with both bacon and broccoli, this creamy soup is nutritious and packed with flavor. Recipe makes 4 servings at 1 1/2 cups soup + 1 tablespoon sour cream + 2 tablespoons cheese + 2 heaping tablespoons broccoli + 1 tablespoon bacon each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 231; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 30mg; Sodium: 469mg; Carbohydrate: 23g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 12g
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MyFitnessPal’s Recipes Healthy, delicious and simple: That’s what we’re about at MyFitnessPal! We make ourrecipes in our own test kitchen or our registered dietitian hand-selects them personally. Look for nutrition information at the bottom of the recipe or log it directly to MyFitnessPal through the “Log-It” button. Check out our entire collection or explore: low-carb,high-protein • high-fiber • gluten-free • dairy-free • vegetarian • vegan • low sodium
