Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Fresh broccoli works best for roasting as it caramelizes beautifully. Frozen broccoli tends to release too much moisture and won't achieve the same crispy edges. If frozen is all you have, thaw and pat it very dry before roasting, and expect to add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free bread for the sourdough croutons, or skip them altogether and add toasted nuts for crunch instead. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your bacon packaging to be sure.

My family doesn't like feta cheese. What can I use instead?

Goat cheese provides a similar creamy texture with a milder flavor. For something completely different, try shredded mozzarella for a melty option or even small cubes of cheddar for a sharper flavor. You could also omit the cheese entirely and add a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.

Can I prepare components ahead of time for a dinner party?

Absolutely! Roast the broccoli, bacon, and shallots up to a day in advance and store in the refrigerator. Make the croutons up to 6 hours ahead and store in an airtight container at room temperature. When ready to serve, warm the broccoli mixture slightly, then toss everything together with the fresh lemon and garlic.

Liz's Roasted Broccoli Salad Recipe

Name: Liz's Roasted Broccoli Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Modern
Ingredients: 2 bags of broccoli florets (24 ounces total); Olive oil; Salt; 12 slices bacon, cut into small pieces; 1–2 shallots, thinly sliced; 4 ounces crumbled feta; 3–4 thick slices sourdough, cut into cubes; Zest of 2 lemons; Lemon juice to taste; 1 clove garlic, grated; Salt, pepper, olive oil to finish

This Roasted Broccoli Salad is a game-changer for anyone who thinks salads are boring! With crispy bacon, toasted sourdough croutons, melty feta cheese, and perfectly roasted broccoli, this dish delivers incredible texture and flavor in every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s the perfect side dish or light main that works beautifully warm, cold, or at room temperature.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Versatile: Enjoy it hot from the oven, cold from the fridge, or at room temperature – it’s delicious every way!
Texture Paradise: The combination of crispy bacon, crunchy croutons, tender broccoli, and creamy feta creates an incredible mouthfeel that keeps you coming back for more.
Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Most of the cooking happens on a single sheet pan in the oven, letting you focus on other things while dinner practically makes itself.
Crowd-Pleaser: Even broccoli skeptics tend to fall in love with this dish – it’s that good!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Broccoli florets: The star of the show! Roasting transforms broccoli from ordinary to extraordinary, giving it beautiful caramelized edges and a nutty flavor.
Bacon: Adds smoky, salty goodness and its fat helps flavor other components of the dish.
Shallots: Roasting mellows their flavor while bringing out natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
Feta cheese: Adds creamy, tangy richness that slightly melts when added to the warm ingredients.
Sourdough bread: Makes the best croutons with its chewy interior and crisp exterior, plus it soaks up all that amazing bacon flavor.
Lemons: Both zest and juice brighten everything up with fresh citrus notes that balance the rich elements.
Garlic: Just one clove, grated fresh, provides a punchy aromatic note that ties everything together.
Olive oil: Helps the broccoli roast beautifully and adds richness to the finished dish.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make It Vegetarian

Skip the bacon and roast the broccoli and shallots with a bit more olive oil. Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a hint of that smoky flavor.

Add Some Sweetness

Toss in a handful of dried cranberries or golden raisins for pops of sweetness that complement the salty bacon and feta.

Nut Lover’s Version

Add toasted pine nuts, sliced almonds, or walnuts for extra crunch and nutritional boost.

Different Cheese Options

Swap feta for goat cheese, blue cheese, or even shredded parmesan if that’s more your style.

How to Make Roasted Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Roast the Broccoli, Bacon, and Shallots

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Arrange broccoli florets on one side of a large sheet pan, and the bacon pieces and sliced shallots on the other side. If things feel crowded, use two pans to avoid steaming. Drizzle the broccoli with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Roast everything for 20-30 minutes until nicely browned and caramelized.

Step 2: Make the Croutons

Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F. Transfer the roasted ingredients to a bowl. Add sourdough cubes to the same pan, allowing them to coat in the remaining bacon fat (this is flavor gold!). Add a little more olive oil if needed to ensure even coating. Bake for 5-7 minutes until they’re crispy and golden brown.

Step 3: Combine and Finish

In a large bowl, combine the warm roasted broccoli, bacon, and shallots with the crumbled feta (adding it while everything is still warm creates magical melty pockets). Add lemon zest and fresh lemon juice to taste. Toss in the crispy sourdough croutons. Finish with a grated garlic clove, a final drizzle of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give your broccoli space to roast rather than steam for better caramelization.
Watch the croutons carefully: They can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on them during those last few minutes.
Add the feta while everything’s hot: This creates a slightly melty texture that distributes the flavor beautifully throughout the salad.
Taste before serving: The amount of lemon juice, salt, and pepper needed can vary based on your ingredients, so always taste and adjust before serving.

How to Serve

Main Dish

Turn this salad into a complete meal by adding a protein like grilled chicken breast or chickpeas.

Side Dish

Pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a simple piece of fish.

For a Crowd

Double the recipe and serve it at room temperature for potlucks or dinner parties – it holds up well and doesn’t wilt like traditional salads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely as it sits, though the croutons will soften over time.

Make Ahead Strategy

Roast the broccoli, bacon, and shallots up to a day ahead. Store in the refrigerator, then reheat slightly before adding the fresh croutons, feta, and lemon when ready to serve.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad as the textures will suffer significantly upon thawing.

Reheating

Enjoy cold straight from the fridge, at room temperature, or gently warm in the microwave or oven. If reheating, add fresh croutons afterward to maintain their crunch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Fresh broccoli works best for roasting as it caramelizes beautifully. Frozen broccoli tends to release too much moisture and won’t achieve the same crispy edges. If frozen is all you have, thaw and pat it very dry before roasting, and expect to add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free bread for the sourdough croutons, or skip them altogether and add toasted nuts for crunch instead. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your bacon packaging to be sure.
My family doesn’t like feta cheese. What can I use instead?

Goat cheese provides a similar creamy texture with a milder flavor. For something completely different, try shredded mozzarella for a melty option or even small cubes of cheddar for a sharper flavor. You could also omit the cheese entirely and add a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Can I prepare components ahead of time for a dinner party?

Absolutely! Roast the broccoli, bacon, and shallots up to a day in advance and store in the refrigerator. Make the croutons up to 6 hours ahead and store in an airtight container at room temperature. When ready to serve, warm the broccoli mixture slightly, then toss everything together with the fresh lemon and garlic.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Broccoli Salad has become my go-to recipe whenever I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. It transforms humble ingredients into something truly special, and the way the flavors and textures come together is nothing short of magical. Whether you’re a salad enthusiast or someone who typically passes on the greens, give this recipe a try – I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!