This Roasted Broccoli Caesar Salad works great as a side with your favorite protein. Antioxidant-rich broccoli is simply seasoned and becomes charred and sweet from roasting. A garlicky yogurt-based Caesar dressing has just the right amount of saltiness from Parmesan and reduced-sodium Worcestershire sauce, while Dijon mustard rounds out the flavors. A sprinkling of crushed homemade croutons adds the finishing, crunchy touch. Keep reading for more of our expert tips, including how to get the broccoli perfectly fork-tender.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!

• If you want this recipe to be vegetarian, look for a vegetarian Parmesan cheese that’s made without animal rennet and choose vegan Worcestershire sauce.


• To save time on preparation, use store-bought croutons, Caesar dressing and prewashed, precut broccoli florets.


• For a more authentic Caesar flavor, use a little anchovy paste or some chopped capers. Additionally, adding a tablespoon of mayonnaise to the dressing can enhance its richness.


• You can substitute the broccoli with Brussels sprouts and add chopped kale or grilled chicken.

Nutrition Notes

• Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that is packed with plant power. Its fiber will help fill you up and keep things moving through your gut, and its vitamin C will boost your immunity. The vitamin K in broccoli is great for your bones and healthy blood clotting. Eating broccoli regularly has been linked with lower inflammation and reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.


• Greek-style yogurt is a great source of protein and calcium. The calcium and phosphorus in yogurt will help strengthen your bones, while its selenium is necessary for healthy thyroid function. Greek-style yogurt is creamier and has more protein than regular yogurt, though regular yogurt contains more calcium than Greek-style. Both types add beneficial bacteria to your gut, helping to create a healthy, thriving microbiome.


• Parmesan cheese is one of the saltier types of cheese, so a little goes a long way. If you follow a vegetarian eating pattern, look for Parm made with vegetable rennet as opposed to animal rennet; the label will tell you.