Charred Broccolini with Preserved Lemon & Caper Dressing Recipe

If you’re ready to fall head over heels for a side dish, let me introduce you to Charred Broccolini with Preserved Lemon & Caper Dressing! This speedy, savory, and vibrant recipe transforms humble broccolini into a smoky, tangy showstopper—crisp-edged, beautifully green, and absolutely popping with flavor from briny capers and zesty preserved lemon. It’s nutritious enough for a weeknight, yet dazzling enough for dinner parties!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Charred Broccolini with Preserved Lemon & Caper Dressing comes down to just a handful of high-impact ingredients—each one plays a unique role, from adding crunch or creaminess to infusing bold, zippy flavor. With the right components, even a simple veggie can absolutely sing!

• Broccolini (or regular broccoli): Tenderstem broccolini is my go-to for quick charring and crisp-tender texture, but regular broccoli florets work beautifully, too!
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness, helps the broccolini crisp up, and forms the golden base of our zippy dressing.
• Capers: Little flavor bombs—chopped capers bring briny depth and a bright, savory punch to the salad.
• Preserved lemon skins (or puree): This secret ingredient lends an irresistibly tangy, salty, and slightly floral lift. Homemade or store-bought both work; check the notes for easy substitutes.
• Garlic: Just one clove, finely minced—enough to perfume the dressing without overpowering the vegetables.
• Lemon juice: Fresh is best, delivering zip and balancing the richness of olive oil and feta.
• Salt: Brings everything into focus and enhances those charred edges.
• Parsley: For herby freshness and a pop of green, both in the dressing and as a garnish.
• Feta (optional): Creamy, tangy, and a little bit salty—skip for a vegan version or add lavishly for extra luxury.
• Toasted seeds (optional): Sunflower, pumpkin, or a seed mix—crunchy bits that make the dish feel festive and substantial.

Variations

One thing I adore about Charred Broccolini with Preserved Lemon & Caper Dressing is how endlessly adaptable it is—consider this recipe your springboard for creativity! Tweak the toppings, swap ingredients, or adjust the seasonings to suit whatever you’ve got in the kitchen or fit any dietary needs.

• Make it vegan: Omit the feta and load up on toasted seeds or add a sprinkle of your favorite vegan cheese alternative for richness.
• Use different herbs: Don’t have parsley? Try fresh dill, mint, or cilantro for a different but equally delicious herby touch.
• Switch up the veg: Broccoli rabe, asparagus, or even tender green beans all taste fabulous with this same bright, briny dressing.
• Add nuts: A handful of roasted almonds, pine nuts, or pistachios amps up the crunch and makes it perfect for a heartier salad course.

How to Make Charred Broccolini with Preserved Lemon & Caper Dressing

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven & Prep the Pan

Pop a sheet pan in your oven and preheat it to a toasty 440°F (non-fan/conventional setting). Starting with a hot pan is the key to getting those crispy, caramelized edges that make this broccolini so irresistible—no limp or soggy spears here!

Step 2: Toss the Broccolini

While the oven is working its magic, place your trimmed broccolini (or broccoli florets) in a large bowl. Drizzle with half the olive oil and use your hands (or a spatula) to coat absolutely every inch—that generous oil coating helps all the flavors latch on later!

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

When your oven is hot, carefully (seriously, that tray is blazing!) spread out the broccolini on the sheet so the pieces aren’t crowded. Roast for 15–20 minutes, giving them a toss at the 10-minute mark; if using regular broccoli, you might want 25–30 minutes for a deep char and tender stalks. Watch as the tips crisp up and turn beautifully golden-brown.

Step 4: Whip Up the Dressing

While the broccolini roasts, get the reserved mixing bowl and add the rest of the olive oil, chopped capers, preserved lemon, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon salt, and most of the parsley. Give it a good stir—the brighter and punchier, the better!

Step 5: Marinade While Hot

Once the broccolini is perfectly charred and just tender, transfer it immediately into the bowl of dressing—even if you’re planning to serve it cool. Toss everything so the hot broccolini soaks up every last drop of that flavorful marinade.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Arrange your Charred Broccolini with Preserved Lemon & Caper Dressing on a serving platter. Sprinkle over the remaining parsley for a fresh finish. If you want to transform it into a broccolini salad, wait for it to cool, then add feta crumbles and toasted seeds for a textural, savory upgrade!

How to Serve Charred Broccolini with Preserved Lemon & Caper Dressing

Garnishes

A final dusting of chopped parsley always adds a lively touch! For extra flair, sprinkle toasted seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin) for crunchy contrast, or scatter crumbled feta to introduce creamy, salty pops against the zesty broccolini.

Side Dishes

This Charred Broccolini with Preserved Lemon & Caper Dressing absolutely sings alongside simple roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or pan-fried tofu. For a complete vegetarian spread, serve with herby grain salads, creamy hummus, or lemony lentils.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the broccolini in elegant bundles on individual plates, topped with extra lemon zest and microgreens for a restaurant-worthy look. Or, pile it high on a rustic wooden board, drizzle with the dressing, and invite guests to serve themselves family-style—it’s a total conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Charred Broccolini with Preserved Lemon & Caper Dressing keep brilliantly—just pack them in an airtight container. They’ll stay crisp-tender and flavorful in the fridge for up to 3 days, and are delicious eaten straight from the container or repurposed into a grain bowl.

Freezing

While broccolini can technically be frozen, its sweet spot is really fresh or refrigerated. If you do freeze it, expect a slightly softer texture when thawed—so it’s best used tossed into stir-fries or pasta rather than served as a salad.

Reheating

To revive the broccolini, reheat gently in a hot skillet or oven just until warmed—this helps restore a bit of its char. If you’ve already added feta or seeds, only reheat the broccolini and add the toppings after warming through for best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I promise, once you try Charred Broccolini with Preserved Lemon & Caper Dressing, you’ll find yourself craving those bold, punchy flavors again and again. Whether you serve it warm, at a fancy dinner, or pack it for an easy lunch, this dish brings a burst of joy and color to any table. Give it a try soon—your taste buds will thank you!

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