Roasted Broccoli Tastes 10X Better When You Add This Zesty Dressing (It's Pure Magic)

Despite what some may think, broccoli is a pretty versatile food. It can be boiled or steamed for an old-school, low-calorie side dish, or it can be dressed up with oil and spices before being charred to a crisp. Most versions produce a good result, but one of the most flavorful ways to prepare broccoli is to roast it, and if you take advantage of one zesty dressing, you can make it the star of the show.

Catalina dressing is a tomato-based variation of the ever popular French dressing. It has a sweet and tangy flavor with some smoky undertones, and many versions have a little kick of spice. All of these elements complement the natural earthiness of broccoli, giving it a brighter, bolder flavor that pairs well with a number of dishes. 

The acidity in the dressing will also help cut through any bitterness in the stalks, leading to a more balanced finish. And the pairing couldn't be easier to put together — you just need a simple roasted broccoli recipe, such as a roasted garlic Parmesan broccoli, and a bottle of store-bought dressing.

After cutting up the raw broccoli into florets and removing any tough stems, toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread out on a baking tray and roast at around 400 degrees Fahrenheit until the edges start to brown. It should take about 20 minutes. When the broccoli is out of the oven, place it in a bowl and drizzle a little Catalina dressing over the top before tossing. You can use as much as you like but a few tablespoons should do it.

You can serve the broccoli as is or add some chopped almonds, cashews, or pumpkin seeds for a little crunch. Bacon is also a delicious addition, as is red onion, which you can roast right alongside the florets. A little feta, cheddar, or mozzarella cheese would also work well. For an even zestier finish, serve on a bed with leaves with chopped apples or mandarins. As for proteins, Mediterranean grilled chicken is always a classic.

Catalina dressing is easy to find in stores but you can make your own version with this easy recipe. Just mix ketchup with maple syrup, red wine vinegar, and oil, and add a little Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and garlic and onion powders. For the best flavor, let everything marinate together for a few hours before using.