Grilled Broccoli Raab with Lemon Zest
Grilled Broccoli Raab with Lemon Zest is a vibrant Italian-inspired side dish where tender-crisp broccoli raab florets are charred on a grill or grill pan, then brightened with fresh lemon zest. The dish typically features broccoli raab (rapini), olive oil, garlic, salt, and a generous finishing of lemon zest. It's a popular preparation in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in Southern Italy and Sicily, often served alongside grilled meats or pasta.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is low in carbohydrates and calories, with a typical serving containing around 80-100 calories, and provides a good amount of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. It's an excellent source of vitamins C and K, folate, and antioxidants, with the olive oil adding heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 55 kcal |
| Protein | 5.5 g |
| Carbs | 6 g |
| Fat | 2.5 g |
| Fiber | 3.5 g |
| Sugar | 1.5 g |
| Sodium | 45 mg |
| Vitamin K | 250 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 45 mg |
| Vitamin A | 300 mcg RAE |
| Folate | 120 mcg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Calcium | 100 mg |
| Iron | 1.8 mg |
| Magnesium | 25 mg |
Per 1 cup (150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Broccoli raab is nutritionally unique as a cruciferous vegetable that's technically more closely related to wild mustard than to broccoli, giving it a distinct, pleasantly bitter flavor that mellows beautifully with grilling. The addition of lemon zest not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the vitamin C content, which can help the body absorb the iron present in the greens.
