Healthy Broccoli Recipes for the Whole Family Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Diet & Nutrition 7 Surprisingly Delicious Broccoli Recipes the Whole Family Will Love Broccoli, everybody’s go-to green superfood, is easy to take for granted. But the tasty, easy, family-friendly recipes here can change that, whether you’re making a soup, stir-fry, sheet-pan dinner, or veggie dip.By Jamie LudwigMedically Reviewed by Kelly Kennedy, RDNReviewed: June 18, 2019Medically Reviewed Whether you' re vegan gluten-free lactose-free keto or paleo there' s a delicious way to make this superfood part of your — and your family' s — dinner Elena Veselova/AlamyThere’s a reason Americans eat so much broccoli: It’s affordable, widely available, versatile, and packed with nutrition. While it may not be everyone’s favorite (George H.W. Bush famously hated it), there are plenty of broccoli fans out there, too (it’s on Barack Obama’s “like” list). Whether your family loves or loathes it, this cruciferous vegetable is definitely a superfood. Here’s what you need to know about broccoli, plus seven simple and delicious recipes that might win over the skeptics. Broccoli as Health Superhero You may be surprised to learn that broccoli, like citrus fruit, is an excellent source of vitamin C. “Vitamin C isn’t just an orange thing,” says Jen Bruning, RDN, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, who is based in Chicago. “One cup of broccoli gives more than a full day’s recommended amount. It’s the same with vitamin K.” Broccoli also contains significant amounts of vitamin A and folate, is a good source of potassium and fiber, and is rich in antioxidants that protect against disease. “Plus, if you see broccoli sprouts in the store, try them out in a salad or on a sandwich,” she adds. “Just like broccoli, they contains compounds shown to be potent cancer fighters.”RELATED: The Anti-Cancer Diet: Foods That Prevent Cancer A Note About Broccoli IBD and Blood Thinners Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli can cause bloating and other kinds of gastrointestinal discomfort, although cooking can lessen this response, Bruning says. People who have chronic digestive conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), should avoid these vegetables when symptoms are severe, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. Anyone on blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin and Jantoven) should also be careful with broccoli, since the high amounts of vitamin K in dark green vegetables can reduce the effectiveness of the medication. “It’s important not to drastically or suddenly change the amount of vitamin K in your diet [when you’re on one of these drugs],” Bruning says — such as avoiding dark green vegetables for a while, then having a big serving of broccoli with dinner. A physician or registered dietitian (RD or RDN) can help you find a balance that works for you.RELATED: How to Steer Clear of Side Effects of Blood Thinners 7 Broccoli Recipes That Can Change Your Cooking Game While eating broccoli raw or lightly steamed is the best way to reap its benefits, cooked broccoli still provides a big health boost. The recipes here, from some of our favorite food bloggers, feature broccoli in every form. You’ll find something to love whether you’re following a specific diet or simply looking for something easy, healthy, and delicious to make for a family dinner.426 Creamy Broccoli Soup With Crispy Shallots Running to the KitchenThis soup is not only gluten-free, but because it calls for almond milk instead of dairy it’s also vegan, lactose-free, and paleo.Get the Recipe427 Broccoli Cauliflower ' Rice' Low Carb MavenCauliflower rice, created for people following a low-carb diet, has become a bona fide trend. Adding broccoli to the mix adds even more nutrition to the plate. Try as a side dish or as the base of your “rice” bowl or burrito, or leave out the parmesan and roll into sushi.Get the Recipe428 Mia s Garlic Trees The Nutrition ProfessorThis easy dish has only three ingredients — broccoli, garlic, and vegetable broth — so it’s perfect when you’re short on time or groceries. Garlic contains nutrients like manganese, not to mention a ton of flavor.Get the Recipe429 Creamy Broccoli Salad With Bacon Low Carb MavenBacon adds richness to this raw broccoli salad, and makes it more filling. Anyone following a low-carb, high-fat eating regimen, such as keto, should give it a try.Get the Recipe430 Honey-Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Ken Cave/iStockThere’s tons of broccoli in this high-protein dish, naturally sweetened with beta carotene–rich carrots and honey.Get the Recipe431 Roasted Tilapia and Broccoli Sheet-Pan Dinner No Plate Like HomeAn entire meal baked on a single sheet pan, this recipe cooks in just 20 minutes and requires minimal cleanup. Tilapia, which goes great with broccoli and tomato (one of the world’s top sources of lycopene), is only 40 calories per ounce, but packs in 8 grams of protein and lots of omega-3s.Get the Recipe432 White Bean and Broccoli Dip With Pesto The Full HelpingYou know what they say about snacks ruining your appetite for dinner? If you’re snacking on this high-protein, high-fiber dip, who needs dinner anyway? It’s seasoned with lime juice for even more vitamin C, and antioxidant-rich garlic and thyme.Get the Recipe