rewrite this title White Bean Bowl With Broccoli Pesto

It takes only six ingredients to make this dish (not including salt, pepper and oil, which we consider freebies). Frozen broccoli plays two starring roles here. A good amount of whole florets bulk up the bowl, while some is processed into an easy pesto sauce.

The white beans and broccoli in this dish are highly functional for your health. The fiber in the beans feeds the healthy bacteria in your gut, while the broccoli contains a powerful antioxidant called glucosinolates (1, 2).

Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 15 minutes

White Bean Bowl With Broccoli Pesto

Ingredients

6 cups (936g) frozen broccoli florets
1/4 cup (56g) olive oil
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 small clove garlic
1/2 cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, shredded, divided
1 1/2 cups precooked farro
2, 15.5 oz. cans reduced-sodium cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

Directions

Place broccoli in a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 5–7 minutes, or until crisp-tender.

Transfer 1 1/2 cups of the broccoli to a food processor. Add olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic, and process until nearly smooth. Add 1/4 cup Parmesan and pulse 2–3 times to combine. If needed, add water 1 tbsp at a time to thin the pesto to your desired consistency.

Add the beans, farro, and pesto to the remaining broccoli in the bowl and toss gently to combine. Divide the mixture evenly among four shallow bowls and top with the remaining cheese.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups bean mixture and 1 tbsp cheese

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 522; Total Fat: 19g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 11g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 11mg; Sodium: 487mg; Carbohydrate: 67g; Dietary Fiber: 23g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 28g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 1536mg; Iron: 35%; Vitamin C: 7%; Calcium: 21%

Originally published May 14, 2020; Updated March 2026