Broccoli microgreens have a mild, slightly peppery and crunchy flavour, with hints of mustard and cabbage, which makes them taste similar to mature broccoli but much milder and fresher. Their flavour is more delicate and less bitter than mature broccoli, making them a versatile ingredient to pair with a wide range of dishes. The mild spice and crunchy texture of broccoli microgreens add a refreshing contrast to richer foods, and they can be used both raw or lightly cooked to enhance flavour.
Here are some delicious pairings and uses for broccoli microgreens:
1. Salads
Broccoli microgreens add a mild crunch and a subtle, peppery kick to salads. They pair well with lettuce, spinach, or arugula, balancing the more delicate greens with their slight mustard-like bite. Broccoli microgreens are also excellent when combined with sweet ingredients like grapes, apples, or pomegranate, as well as creamy elements like avocado, cheese (especially goat cheese or feta), and nuts (such as walnuts or almonds). A simple lemon vinaigrette or mustard-based dressing complements their flavour.
2. Sandwiches and Wraps
Broccoli microgreens are perfect for adding crunch and freshness to sandwiches or wraps. Their mild spiciness pairs well with grilled chicken, turkey, hummus, avocado, or cheese. They also complement smoked salmon, egg salad, or even roast beef, adding a layer of texture and a zesty contrast to the other ingredients.
3. Egg Dishes
Broccoli microgreens are a delightful addition to scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas. Their peppery bite pairs well with eggs and enhances the flavour, especially when combined with ingredients like cheese, herbs, smoked salmon, or avocado. They can also be used as a fresh garnish on poached eggs or soft-boiled eggs.
4. Grilled Meats and Fish
These microgreens work wonderfully as a garnish or topping for grilled meats like chicken, beef, or pork, as well as grilled fish such as salmon or tuna. Their mild bitterness and crisp texture complement the smoky, savory flavours of grilled proteins. They also pair nicely with grilled vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers.
5. Grain Bowls
Broccoli microgreens are a great addition to grain bowls made with quinoa, farro, brown rice, or barley. Their slight spiciness balances out the richness of roasted vegetables, legumes, and grains. They pair well with ingredients like avocado, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, roasted beets, and a drizzle of lemon-tahini dressing or mustard vinaigrette for added depth of flavour.
6. Smoothies
For a healthy and slightly peppery twist, broccoli microgreens can be added to green smoothies. Their flavour blends well with fruits like pineapple, apple, mango, or citrus, which can balance out their peppery notes with sweetness. They also mix well with other greens like spinach or kale, and adding ingredients like ginger or cucumber can enhance the freshness of the smoothie.
7. Pasta
Broccoli microgreens make a delicious and nutritious topping for pasta. They work especially well on pasta primavera with roasted vegetables or a light olive oil-based sauce. Their subtle spice contrasts nicely with the richness of creamy pasta dishes, such as alfredo or carbonara, adding a fresh, vibrant note. They also pair well with a pesto sauce or a light lemon and garlic sauce.
8. Sushi and Poke Bowls
Broccoli microgreens are a fantastic garnish for sushi rolls or poke bowls. Their mild peppery flavour works well with tuna, salmon, or yellowtail and enhances the freshness of the fish. They also pair nicely with avocado, cucumber, seaweed, and soy sauce.
9. Cheese Plates
The mild, slightly spicy flavor of broccoli microgreens can cut through the richness of creamy cheeses like brie, camembert, and cream cheese. They also complement firmer cheeses such as cheddar or parmesan, offering a fresh contrast to the cheeses' creaminess and sharpness. Add them to a charcuterie board for extra colour and a crunchy, fresh element.
10. Soups
Broccoli microgreens can be used as a garnish for soups, particularly creamy or vegetable-based soups. They pair well with broccoli soup, potato leek soup, cream of mushroom, or butternut squash soup. Their mild spice adds freshness and depth to the soup, and they provide a pleasant texture contrast to the smoothness of the broth.
11. Tacos and Burritos
Add broccoli microgreens as a garnish to tacos or burritos. They complement the flavors of grilled chicken, fish, or vegetarian fillings like grilled vegetables or black beans. They pair well with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, adding a fresh, crunchy element and a subtle peppery bite to the dish.
12. Pizza
Broccoli microgreens are a fantastic fresh topping for pizza. They work well on vegetarian pizzas, especially those with goat cheese, mozzarella, or parmesan. Their mild flavour complements the richness of a cheese pizza or adds freshness to pizzas with roasted vegetables or grilled chicken. Add them after baking to preserve their crispness and flavour.
13. Dips and Dressings
Broccoli microgreens can be blended into dips or dressings. They are great in green dips like guacamole, hummus, or a creamy yogurt-based dip. You can also incorporate them into mustard vinaigrettes, green goddess dressings, or herb-based sauces, adding freshness and a slight peppery bite.
14. Roasted Vegetables
Add broccoli microgreens as a garnish to roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, or brussels sprouts. Their mild, peppery flavour balances out the sweetness of roasted veggies, enhancing the overall dish. They work especially well with roasted cauliflower or broccoli for a complementary flavour boost.