Superfood: Broccoli

Updated: November 02, 2015
Considered one of the most nutritious vegetables around broccoli is packed with numerous vitamins and minerals to help fight cancer, build strong bones, and lower cholesterol.
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Superfood: Broccoli

Photo: Lee Harrelson, Stylist: Mindi Shapiro
Superfood: Broccoli
Broccoli has long been touted as one of the healthiest veggies because of its nutritional makeup. This superfood is loaded with fiber, antioxidants to fight cancer, and vitamin C to aid in iron absorption. While broccoli doesn't provide as much calcium as a glass of milk, it is a great source of calcium to help control blood pressure and build strong bones. Aim to eat broccoli as well as other cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts) several times per week to reap the good-for-you benefits.
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Roasted Broccoli with Pistachios and Pickled Golden Raisins

Photo: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Paige Hicks
Roasted Broccoli with Pistachios and Pickled Golden Raisins Recipe
Some version of broccoli, usually laden with cream and cheese, lands on many a Thanksgiving table. But this dish, with its beautifully balanced flavors, is much lighter--and vegan.

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Bacon-Powered Broccoli

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen
Bacon-Powered Broccoli Recipe
Down a dose of veggies for breakfast by folding leftovers into scrambled eggs.
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Lemon-Scented Broccoli Soufflé

Photo: Karry Hosford
Lemon-Scented Broccoli Soufflé Recipe
Don't let this soufflé's airy texture fool you. It is densely packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals. This dish is an elegant solution for your leftover broccoli.

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Peanut-Broccoli Stir-fry

Jennifer Davick; Buffy Hargett; Vanessa McNeil Rocchio
Peanut-Broccoli Stir-fry Recipe
You don't need to worry about going hungry after this one-dish meal because it contains 25 percent of your daily fiber needs. And even though this is a meatless dish, you'll get plenty of protein from the tofu.

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Broccoli with Red Pepper Flakes and Toasted Garlic

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross
Broccoli with Red Pepper Flakes and Toasted Garlic Recipe
Pairing the toasted garlic with broccoli gives this side dish a double dose of heart-healthy antioxidants. When choosing fresh broccoli, look for heads with compact clusters and a bright green (not yellow) color.
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Parmesan-Crumb Broccoli

Photo: David Prince
Parmesan-Crumb Broccoli Recipe
Prepare this light and flavorful side dish during the winter months when broccoli is in peak season. Try fresh thyme and grated Parmesan cheese for a low calorie flavor kick.

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Broccoli, Orange, and Watercress Salad

Becky Luigart-Stayner
Broccoli, Orange, and Watercress Salad Recipe
Get a triple dose of vitamin C from the combination of broccoli, orange, and watercress. Like broccoli, watercress is packed with phytochemicals and antioxidants making this superfood salad a must-have with any meal.

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Broccoli Bread

Randy Mayor; Lydia DeGaris-Pursell
Broccoli Bread Recipe
This kid-friendly recipe is an excellent way to prepare broccoli that the whole family can enjoy. Make sure to remove any excess liquid from the frozen broccoli for a light and fluffy product.
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Broccoli and Cheese Soup

Photo: Lee Harrelson
Broccoli and Cheese Soup Recipe
This creamy soup provides more than one-third of your daily calcium needs and around 30 percent of your protein requirements. With the abundance of vitamin C and potassium found in the broccoli, this is the perfect soup for those sick days in bed.
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