Sautéed Garlic Lemon Broccoli with Cashew Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bright and tender broccoli sautéed with garlic and finished with a smooth cashew sauce, perfect as a Whole30-friendly side dish. This american-inspired whole30 (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes blends broccoli florets, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 1/2 cup raw cashews in warm filtered water for 30 minutes, then drain and rinse.
  2. Step 2: Blend the soaked cashews with 3/4 cup filtered water, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a high-speed blender for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy; set aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 cups broccoli florets to the skillet and toss to coat with oil and garlic, cooking for 6-8 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
  6. Step 6: Season the broccoli with 3/4 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, then pour the prepared cashew sauce over the broccoli and stir gently to combine and warm through for 2 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and serve immediately as a flavorful Whole30 side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Lemon Broccoli with Cashew Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Garlic Lemon Broccoli with Cashew Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Lemon Broccoli with Cashew Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sautéed Garlic Lemon Broccoli with Cashew Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Sautéed Garlic Lemon Broccoli with Cashew Sauce whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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