7 Broccoli Rabe Recipes, From Creamy Mac and Cheese to Hot Garlicky Sandwiches

If you had to guess, you’d probably say that, out of all the vegetables, broccoli rabe is most closely related to broccoli. But actually, despite its bright green stalks and florets, this popular Italian vegetable is more like a turnip. This is why, in Italian, it’s called cime di rapa, which means “turnip greens.”

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But just like its not-so-identical twin, broccoli rabe, which is also commonly referred to as rapini, is incredibly nutrient-dense. And it also has that magic ability to take any delicious recipe to the next level in terms of taste and texture. Intrigued? Find seven tasty ways to cook broccoli rabe below.

What is broccoli rabe?

Broccoli rabe is easily confused with broccolini, but it’s actually completely different from the Japanese vegetable. While both have long, green stalks with green buds at the end, broccolini is a product of the broccoli family (it’s a combination of broccoli and Chinese broccoli), while broccoli rabe is closely related to turnips.

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But the differences don’t end there. Broccoli rabe also has a more distinctive taste than broccolini, which is subtly sweet. The flavor is bolder and a little bitter, much like turnip greens, for example. This is why it’s a popular ingredient in Italian cuisine—it brings a depth of flavor to many different pasta dishes, for example.

Is broccoli rabe as nutritious as broccoli?

Both broccoli and broccoli rabe are nutrient-dense vegetables. Both are high in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, and fiber, for example, which is vital for supporting digestive and gut health. But while broccoli is a good source of folate, broccoli rabe has a higher content of calcium and iron.

Connoisseurus Veg

Like most plant-based ingredients, broccoli rabe and broccoli also contain an abundance of antioxidants and phytochemicals. These are potent plant compounds that help to reduce inflammation and tackle free radical damage in the body, which, in turn, helps to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. 

7 vegan-friendly recipes with broccoli rabe

Broccoli rabe can be cooked in many different ways. You can bake it, fry it, saute it, steam it, or air-fry it, depending on your preference. For cooking inspiration, find some of our favorite broccoli rabe recipes below, from orecchiette to mac and cheese.

Allyson Kramer

1 Vegan Buttery Broccoli Rabe Almondine

The bitterness of broccoli rabe is balanced out beautifully by the sweet almond sauce in this delicious recipe. It’s nourishing, packed with flavor, and is guaranteed to impress your friends and loved ones at your next potluck.
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The First Mess

2 Broccoli Rabe and Chive Pesto Orecchiette

Orecchiette and chive pesto are the perfect accompaniment for broccoli rabe, as this recipe from The First Mess demonstrates. “[It’s] a fresh and flavorful meal with lots of satisfying texture,” notes recipe developer Laura Wright. Crispy chickpeas and a delicious dairy-free sunflower parmesan cheese take it to the next level.
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Cookie and Kate

3 Broccoli Rabe and Black Bean Quesadillas

Broccoli rabe might be a popular Italian ingredient, but that doesn’t mean it’s reserved exclusively for Italian recipes. This dish from Cookie and Kate shows that the bitter green is a great addition to black bean quesadillas, especially when it’s marinated in lime and garlic first. Note that while the recipe calls for dairy cheese, this can be easily swapped for a vegan alternative.
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Connoisseurus Veg

4 Hot Garlicky Broccoli Rabe Sandwich

Forget ham, turkey, or cheese, you need to start putting hot and garlicky broccoli rabe in your sandwiches. Don’t believe us? Let this flavor-packed recipe from Connoisseurus Veg convince you otherwise. “This sucker was good,” declares recipe developer Alissa Saenz. “If you like broccoli rabe, make this.”
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Those Vegan Chefs

5 Garlic Tofu With Broccoli Rabe

Tofu is protein-packed and versatile, which means it works well with pretty much any other ingredient you decide to pair it with, including garlic confit and broccoli rabe. “When combined, these three ingredients create a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy plant-based dish,” notes the recipe blog Those Vegan Chefs.
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Rabbit and Wolves

6 Vegan Broccoli Rabe Pesto Ravioli

Ravioli can be stuffed with everything from meat to cheese to mushrooms, but if you haven’t tried it with broccoli rabe pesto yet, you’re missing out. “Broccoli rabe is a little bitter, and needs to be blanched first before you make the pesto,” says recipe developer Lauren Hartmann. “Afterwards it has a very unique and intriguing flavor that marries very well with the other pesto ingredients.”
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Harvest Club

7 Broccoli Rabe Vegan Mac ‘n Cheese

A good hearty, comforting vegan mac and cheese goes well with everything, including, you guessed it, broccoli rabe. It pairs beautifully with the plethora of plant-based ingredients required to make this creamy dish, including butternut squash, carrots, and yellow onion.
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