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This side dish recipe is super simple and healthy, featuring crispy roasted broccoli topped with a homemade balsamic reduction and fresh basil. This recipe is gluten-free and vegan, but I guarantee even meat-eaters will love it! Oh, and it’s also only FIVE ingredients.

roasted broccoli with balsamic reduction and basil

A while back I asked you guys which vegetables you wanted easy side dish recipes for, and one of the most popular requests was for broccoli!

As a dietitian, I want you to know that broccoli is not only incredibly nutritious, but it also can be SO delicious when made correctly. Enter: this easy Balsamic Roasted Broccoli With Basil.

This healthy broccoli recipe is made with just FIVE ingredients – fresh broccoli, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, and salt. It’s so yummy, proving that simple ingredients are truly just the best!

Want more side dish inspiration? Check out my roundup of 20+ easy, healthy vegetable side dish recipes for more ideas. Love broccoli? Check out my roundup of simple broccoli recipes for more creative ways to cook with it!

roasted broccoli with balsamic reduction and basil

Broccoli Nutrition Benefits

This green cruciferous vegetable is a great source of:

Micronutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, folate, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium

  • Broccoli is one of the best sources of Vitamin C out there – just one cup provides 135% of your daily vitamin C needs

Dietary fibre – one cup provides 2.3 grams of fibre, which is 9% of your daily fibre needs

  • Fibre is known to help with digestion, heart health, blood sugar control, and weight management.
chopped broccoli florets in a bowl

How To Roast Broccoli

Hands down my favourite way to cook any vegetable is by roasting it. Broccoli is no different – it gets crispy and oh-so-good.

All you need to do is follow these simple steps:

  • Start by chopping two heads of fresh broccoli into ~1-inch florets
  • Toss those florets in 2 Tbsp of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt
  • Spread florets onto a baking sheet, ensuring some space between florets
  • Pop them into the oven at 400F for 20 minutes, or until slightly browned and tender
  • Remove from oven and serve!

While the broccoli is in the oven, it’s time to make the balsamic reduction…

roasted broccoli

How To Make A Balsamic Reduction

Making a balsamic reduction (or glaze) at home is super simple to do, and only requires one ingredient – balsamic vinegar!

All you need to do is:

  1. add 1 cup balsamic vinegar to a small pot
  2. bring it to a boil
  3. then reduce the temperature + simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally

After 15 minutes of simmering, you may think that the reduction appears too thin. I promise you it will continue to thicken as it cools, so be sure not to overcook it!

The first time I made a balsamic reduction, I overcooked it and it was so thick I could barely use it. Lesson learned – stick to 15 minutes!!

If it does end up getting too hard, simply add a bit of water to thin it out.

If you don’t use up all the reduction in this recipe, refrigerate the remainder in a sealed container for a few weeks. You can use it to drizzle over veggies, salads, avocado toasts, and more.

homemade balsamic reduction

Why Make Your Own Balsamic Reduction?

If you take a look at store-bought balsamic reductions, you’ll notice that they’re full of unnecessary additives!

Things like added sugar, emulsifiers, caramel colourings…even in health food stores, it’s hard to find a balsamic reduction that doesn’t contain these ingredients.

There’s really no need to purchase it when you can make it so easily at home, using only one ingredient (that you probably already have on hand!)

homemade balsamic reduction

What To Pair With Balsamic Roasted Broccoli

roasted broccoli with balsamic reduction and basil

More Easy Broccoli Recipes

Did you give this Balsamic Roasted Broccoli Side Dish a try? Let me know by leaving a comment and recipe rating below!

If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. You can also subscribe to my email list to never miss a new recipe or nutrition education post!

Get the Recipe: Balsamic Broccoli Side Dish (Vegan)

This balsamic roasted broccoli features fresh basil and a homemade balsamic reduction. A simple, healthy, and vegan side dish. Plus, it's only 5 ingredients!
roasted broccoli with balsamic reduction and basil
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Ingredients

  • 2 heads broccoli, chopped into florets
  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400F.
  • Chop heads of broccoli into florets. In a large bowl, toss broccoli florets with olive oil and salt.
  • Spread broccoli on a large baking sheet. Place in oven for 20 minutes.
  • While the broccoli is in the oven, add balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer. Continue to simmer balsamic for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
  • Remove broccoli from oven and serve into a bowl. Drizzle with balsamic reduction and sprinkle with freshly chopped basil. Enjoy!

Notes

*While best enjoyed immediately, this dish can be kept in the fridge for a couple days and enjoyed cold as well.
*Do not over-reduce balsamic reduction. It may not appear super thick after 15 minutes of cooking, but it will still continue to thicken as it cools! If you find that it’s too thick, thin it out with a bit of water. 
*Any leftover balsamic reduction can be kept in the fridge for later use!

Nutrition

As a dietitian, I create recipes with whole food ingredients that provide the nutrients needed for optimal health. My nutrition philosophy does not focus on numbers; however, I understand that this information can be helpful.

Do note that the nutrition info provided is an estimate and I cannot guarantee correctness of the displayed values. These numbers will differ depending on brands used, recipe modifications, and amount eaten. If you require specific nutrition information due to medical reasons, please consult with your dietitian or physician.

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know by leaving a recipe rating below, or by tagging @walderwellness on Instagram. I love seeing your beautiful creations!

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