Grilled broccoli with lemon and parmesan is tender and flavorful, with crispy bits and a slightly smoky flavor. An easy side dish, it is ready in just 20 minutes using four simple ingredients.
Grilling your vegetables can add so much extra delicious flavor. Our favorites include grilled cauliflower as well as grilled brussels sprouts. Another great option is grilled broccoli!
With crispy caramelized bits and a slightly smoky flavor, grilled broccoli is one of our favorite ways to cook it!
This recipe is super simple to prep, cook, and clean up, and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Serve it with this perfect grilled chicken breast and unbelievably crispy grilled potatoes for the perfect summer dinner!
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This lemon parmesan grilled broccoli
- has only 4 ingredients (plus salt & pepper)
- is ready in under 20 minutes
- tastes just as good as roasted broccoli!
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Ingredients you'll need
- broccoli florets- you'll need 1 lb or roughly 8 cups for this recipe; make sure to cut them into equal sized 1.5 inch florets so that they cook through evenly
- olive oil- to toss the broccoli florets in; this helps the edges caramelize while grilling. Feel free to swap for avocado oil or another high smoke point oil
- lemon- provides acidity and flavor. We are using the juice of half a lemon to toss the broccoli in, and slicing the other half to go onto the grill. Grilling lemons concentrates their sweetness and enhances their flavors.
- parmesan cheese- just before serving, sprinkle the broccoli with parmesan cheese for added saltiness and umami. I highly recommend using freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than the shelf-stable kind.
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Preparing the broccoli
Start by washing the broccoli. Chop it into even-sized florets, roughly 1.5 inches each. Try to get them as equal-sized as possible so that they cook through evenly.
Toss the broccoli florets in olive oil and lemon juice, and you are ready to grill!
A vegetable grilling basket is your best friend
The major risk with grilling broccoli is that they could fall between the grates. The solution is to invest in a vegetable grilling basket! (This is the one I own!)
When adding the broccoli to the basket, spread it out as much as possible. If the broccoli is placed too close together, it will steam rather than roast, and you will miss out on those golden caramelized bits.
Grill for 7-10 minutes, turning it as needed with tongs. Since all grills cook slightly differently, it's important to keep an eye on it and use your judgement as to when it's ready to take off.
The finishing touches
Just before serving, sprinkle the grilled broccoli generously with freshly ground parmesan. This adds some much needed salt, and pairs so well with the lemon.
Squeeze the charred lemon onto the broccoli, and enjoy!
Storage Tips + Recipe Variations
- cut up your broccoli up to 1 week ahead and store in an air tight container in the fridge
- leftover grilled broccoli can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- chili lime- swap the lemon for lime and add a sprinkling of chili powder
- asian sesame- skip the lemon + parmesan and toss in soy sauce and sesame oil before grilling. Sprinkle with sesame seeds to serve
- balsamic feta- swap the lemon juice for balsamic vinegar and the parmesan for feta cheese. Before serving, drizzle with this 2-ingredient balsamic reduction for a sweet and tangy finish!
Serve it with
- 3-Ingredient Maple Glazed Salmon
- Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken
- Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipes
- 7 Easy Rice Recipes
- Sugar Snap Peas- 3 Ways
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
Grilled Broccoli with Lemon & Parmesan
Ingredients
- 1 lb broccoli florets (roughly 8 cups; cut into 1.5 inch florets)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ lemon (juiced)
- ½ lemon (sliced)
- salt & pepper
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Heat grill to medium heat (350°F).
- Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, lemon juice and lemon slices. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Grill broccoli (I recommend using a vegetable grilling plate) for 7-10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes. Broccoli is done when it is bright green with some crispy, brown bits.
- Transfer broccoli to serving plate, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve.
To prep ahead
- This broccoli recipe is best served right after cooking, however you may pre-chop the broccoli florets and store in the fridge for up to 7 days.
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Tips:
- chili lime– swap the lemon for lime and add a sprinkling of chili powder
- asian sesame– skip the lemon + parmesan and toss in soy sauce and sesame oil before grilling. Sprinkle with sesame seeds to serve
- balsamic feta- swap the lemon juice for balsamic vinegar and the parmesan for feta cheese. Before serving, drizzle with this 2-ingredient balsamic reduction for a sweet and tangy finish!
Nutrition Information
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Linda F. Resnick says
I don't have a grill can you roadted the brocolloand lemond in oven?
Denise Bustard says
Hi Linda, thank you for your patience with my reply (holidays!). I think this would work well in the oven. I do 425°F for 25-30 minutes; you could add the parmesan before or after roasting (check out my roasted cauliflower for an idea: https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/roasted-cauliflower-recipe/)
Sarah says
Just made this and it’s VERY delicious! So quick and easy too. Thank you so much for sharing!
Denise Bustard says
Hurray! So happy to hear this, Sarah. I appreciate you taking the time to come back and leave a review 🙂
Stella says
Loved this. It was so simple and delicious!
Denise says
I'm glad you enjoyed, Stella! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
Brittany Audra @ Audra's Appetite says
I love the idea of grilling broccoli! Never tried before, but can't wait!
Megan says
This was so yummy!!
Denise says
So happy you enjoyed, Megan! Thank you for reporting back 🙂