Roasted Broccoli with Lemon, Basil, Pine Nuts, and Goat Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Roasted broccoli is a simple yet flavorful way to elevate a classic vegetable. Tossed with shallots, toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, and creamy goat cheese, this dish makes a perfect side or a light salad any time of year.

Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli
- 2 shallots
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 cup goat cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Step 2: Spread the broccoli and shallots on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
- Step 3: Roast the vegetables for 30 minutes, turning them over halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Step 4: While the veggies roast, toast the pine nuts in a small sauté pan over medium heat until lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil, the juice of one lemon, and chopped fresh basil.
- Step 6: Once roasted, toss the broccoli and shallots with the lemon-basil dressing, toasted pine nuts, and crumbled goat cheese. Serve warm or chilled as a side or salad.
Tips & Variations
- For a nuttier taste, try substituting toasted walnuts for pine nuts.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a subtle kick.
- If goat cheese isn’t available, feta makes a tasty alternative.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to allow proper roasting.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, or enjoy cold as a refreshing salad.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Fresh broccoli is best for roasting as frozen tends to become too soft and watery. If you must use frozen, be sure to thaw and pat it dry before roasting.
How do I prevent the pine nuts from burning?
Toast pine nuts over medium heat and watch them closely, stirring frequently—they can go from browned to burnt very quickly.
Print
Roasted Broccoli with Lemon, Basil, Pine Nuts, and Goat Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful roasted broccoli recipe featuring tender broccoli and shallots tossed with toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, and tangy goat cheese. Perfect as a warm side dish or a refreshing salad, this healthy recipe is elevated by a bright lemon-basil vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 head Broccoli
- 2 Shallots
Oils & Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Nuts & Cheese
- 2 tablespoons Pine Nuts
- 1/4 cup Goat Cheese
Other
- 1 Lemon
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) to prepare for roasting the vegetables.
- Prepare and Roast Vegetables: Spread the broccoli head, cut into florets, and peeled shallots onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then season with salt and ground black pepper. Toss everything to ensure even coating. Place in the oven and roast for 30 minutes, turning the vegetables halfway through at 15 minutes to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Toast Pine Nuts: While the vegetables roast, heat a small sauté pan over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and cook, stirring frequently, until they are lightly browned and toasted, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Lemon Basil Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the juice of one lemon, and the chopped fresh basil to create a fresh and zesty dressing.
- Toss and Serve: Once the broccoli and shallots are roasted, transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle with the lemon basil dressing, add the toasted pine nuts, and sprinkle the goat cheese over the top. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Serve warm as a side dish or let cool slightly to serve as a salad.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese with feta or ricotta salata if preferred.
- For a nuttier flavor, you can also toast the pine nuts in the oven while roasting the vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and served cold or reheated.
- Vegan option: omit goat cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- The lemon basil dressing can be adjusted by adding a teaspoon of honey for a touch of sweetness if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: roasted broccoli, side dish, vegetarian, Mediterranean, pine nuts, goat cheese, lemon basil dressing

