Liz’s Roasted Broccoli Salad Recipe
Introduction
Liz’s Roasted Broccoli Salad is a flavorful, hearty dish that combines crispy bacon, tangy feta, and crunchy sourdough croutons with roasted broccoli. It’s a perfect side or light meal that can be served warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients
- 2 bags of broccoli florets (24 ounces total)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- 12 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
- 1-2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces crumbled feta
- 3-4 thick slices sourdough, cut into cubes
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Lemon juice to taste
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- Pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. On a large sheet pan, arrange broccoli florets on one side and the bacon pieces and shallots on the other. Drizzle the broccoli with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Step 2: Roast the broccoli, bacon, and shallots for 20-30 minutes until everything is nicely browned. Transfer them to a bowl once done.
- Step 3: Lower the oven temperature to 375 degrees. Drain excess bacon fat from the pan if needed, then add the sourdough cubes to the same pan. Toss to coat the bread in the bacon fat, adding olive oil or butter if necessary for even coating.
- Step 4: Bake the sourdough cubes for 5-7 minutes until crispy and lightly browned, forming flavorful croutons.
- Step 5: In the bowl with the roasted broccoli, bacon, and shallots, add crumbled feta while everything is still hot to allow it to melt slightly. Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and sourdough croutons.
- Step 6: Finish by stirring in the grated garlic, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil to taste. Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature for a delicious meal.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, try adding toasted nuts such as almonds or walnuts.
- If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, sauté the grated garlic briefly before adding it to the salad.
- Substitute feta with goat cheese or blue cheese for a different tangy twist.
- Use gluten-free bread for the croutons if you need a gluten-free option.
Storage
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The croutons will soften over time, so for best texture, keep them separate and add just before serving. Reheat gently in the oven or enjoy cold.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the bacon and roast just broccoli and shallots. Consider adding extra nuts or seeds for added texture and protein.
Is this salad good served cold?
Absolutely! Liz’s Roasted Broccoli Salad is delicious hot, warm, or cold, making it very versatile for meals or gatherings.
Print
Liz’s Roasted Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Liz’s Roasted Broccoli Salad is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines roasted broccoli, crispy bacon, caramelized shallots, tangy feta cheese, and homemade sourdough croutons. Finished with fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated garlic, this salad is perfect served hot, cold, or at room temperature for a versatile side or light meal.
Ingredients
Broccoli & Bacon
- 2 bags of broccoli florets (24 ounces total)
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt, to taste
- 12 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
- 1–2 shallots, thinly sliced
Salad & Finishings
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 3–4 thick slices sourdough bread, cut into cubes
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Lemon juice, to taste
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper, to finish
Instructions
- Roast broccoli, bacon, and shallot: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). On a large sheet pan, place the broccoli florets on one side and the bacon pieces with sliced shallots on the other side. Drizzle olive oil over the broccoli and sprinkle with salt. Roast for 20-30 minutes until the broccoli is browned and tender and the bacon is crispy. Transfer all to a large bowl.
- Make sourdough croutons: Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Carefully drain excess bacon fat from the pan if needed. Add the sourdough bread cubes to the same pan and toss to coat them evenly in the bacon fat. Add extra olive oil or butter if necessary to ensure the croutons are well coated. Bake for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the croutons are crispy and golden brown.
- Toss and serve: In the bowl with broccoli, bacon, and shallots, add the crumbled feta cheese while everything is still hot so it slightly melts. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice to taste, and the freshly grated garlic clove. Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil to finish. Toss everything together well. Serve the salad hot, cold, or at room temperature for maximum flavor enjoyment.
Notes
- You can separate the roasting between two sheet pans if you don’t have enough space on one.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and garlic based on your personal taste preferences.
- Sourdough croutons can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- This salad can be served as a side dish or a light meal.
- Use thick-cut bacon for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: roasted broccoli salad, bacon salad, sourdough croutons, feta cheese salad, lemon broccoli salad, easy roasted vegetable salad

