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–+ servings
Platter of grilled broccoli Caesar topped with grated parmesan, crispy tofu bacon and lemony breadcrumbs with grilled lemon slices on the side.

Grilled Broccoli Caesar

Ashley
This Grilled Broccoli Caesar isn’t your average Caesar salad! The smoky char of grilled broccoli pairs perfectly with creamy dressing, crunchy breadcrumbs, and savory tofu bacon. Even better, it’s just as delicious served warm off the grill as it is chilled straight from the fridge!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Lunch/Dinner, Main, Main Course, Meal Prep, Salad, Side Dish
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

Tofu Bacon:

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon liquid smoke optional, for extra smokiness
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 8 oz (228g) super firm tofu, crumbled into small pieces

Grilled Broccoli Caesar:

  • 2-3 large bunches of broccoli (about 1.5 LBS / 680 g), trimmed and ends sliced off
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup vegan-friendly Caesar dressing homemade or store-bought
  • Tofu bacon
  • ½ cup lemony breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup vegan parmesan cheese grated or shredded
  • Grilled lemon slices for serving, optional

Instructions
 

  • To make the tofu bacon, place the soy sauce, maple syrup, oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, liquid smoke and pepper in a large bowl, whisking to combine.
  • Toss in the crumbled tofu and set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
  • Place the crumbed tofu in an even layer in your air-fryer basket.
  • Air-fry at 375°F until golden and crispy, shaking halfway through, 20 to 25 minutes. Set aside.
  • Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium high (375°F - 400°F) heat.
  • Toss the broccoli with the olive oil, salt, and pepper until coated.
  • Grill for 5 to 6 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the edges are slightly charred but the broccolini is still bright green and tender crisp. (Note: you can serve immediately off the grill warm or chill the broccoli in the fridge for a couple hours to serve chilled).
  • To serve, arrange the broccoli on a serving platter.
  • Drizzle generously with Caesar dressing.
  • Top with the tofu bacon, lemony breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese.
  • Serve with grilled lemon slices and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
  2. Toss broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Arrange in an even layer in the basket (you may need to work in batches).
  4. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway, until tender with lightly browned edges.

Oven Roasting Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Toss broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread out on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
  4. Roast for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden at the edges.
Pro Tip: For both air frying and oven roasting, you can squeeze a little lemon juice over the broccoli right after cooking to brighten the flavors and mimic that fresh-off-the-grill taste.
Keyword broccoli caesar salad, easy vegan grilling recipes, grilled broccoli, grilled broccoli salad, grilled broccolini caesar, grilled caesar, healthy vegan summer side, tofu bacon, vegan bbq side dish ideas, vegan caesar salad with broccoli
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