The Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Recipe is a fresh and crunchy side dish. It is sweet, tangy and full of flavor. This salad combines fresh broccoli with bacon, red onion and a creamy dressing.
Many people love the Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Recipe because it is simple and perfect for family meals or potlucks.
If you want to learn How to make Paula Deen Broccoli Salad, this guide will show you easy step-by-step instructions.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first made this salad for a summer picnic. I wanted something fresh and easy to prepare. The broccoli salad looked colorful and inviting.
When I tasted it, I loved the crunch of fresh broccoli and the sweetness of the dressing. The bacon added a salty flavor that balanced the sweetness.
My family finished it quickly. Everyone asked for the recipe. Now I make this salad whenever I want a quick, healthy and delicious side dish.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 220 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk or small bowl for dressing
- Spoon for mixing
Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Broccoli Salad
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds (optional)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Broccoli
Wash fresh broccoli thoroughly. Cut into small, bite-sized florets. Dry with paper towels. Place broccoli in a large mixing bowl for easy mixing later.
2. Chop the Onion
Peel and finely chop the red onion. Add the onion to the bowl with broccoli. Mix gently to spread evenly.
3. Cook the Bacon
Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels. Crumble the bacon into small pieces. Add bacon to the broccoli and onion mixture.
4. Add Cheese and Seeds
Add shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Sprinkle sunflower seeds over the top. These add extra flavor and crunch to the salad.
5. Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar and sugar. Stir until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper for taste.
6. Combine Salad and Dressing
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are coated evenly. Ensure broccoli, onion, bacon and cheese are well mixed.
7. Chill the Salad
Cover the salad with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling allows flavors to blend and makes the salad taste even better.
8. Taste and Adjust
Taste the salad before serving. Add extra salt, pepper or sugar if needed. Toss gently to redistribute the dressing before serving.
9. Serve the Salad
Spoon the salad into a serving bowl. Garnish with extra bacon or sunflower seeds if desired. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh broccoli for the best crunch and flavor.
- Cook bacon until crispy for maximum texture.
- Chill the salad to allow flavors to blend.
- Add sunflower seeds for extra crunch and nuttiness.
- Adjust sugar or vinegar to your taste preference.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Serving Suggestions
The Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Recipe is perfect as a side dish for barbecues, picnics or family dinners. It pairs well with grilled chicken, baked ham or roasted turkey.
Serve it chilled to enjoy the crunchy texture and creamy dressing. You can also serve it as part of a buffet table for parties.
Best Sides To Serve With
This broccoli salad goes well with many dishes. Serve it alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or casseroles. It is also excellent with potato salad, coleslaw or dinner rolls. Pair it with fresh fruit for a light and refreshing meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to three days.
Do not freeze, as the mayonnaise may separate. Toss gently before serving again. Always serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- ½ cup red onion finely chopped
- ½ cup cooked bacon crumbled
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds optional
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Broccoli
- Wash fresh broccoli thoroughly. Cut into small, bite-sized florets. Dry with paper towels. Place broccoli in a large mixing bowl for easy mixing later.
Chop the Onion
- Peel and finely chop the red onion. Add the onion to the bowl with broccoli. Mix gently to spread evenly.
Cook the Bacon
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels. Crumble the bacon into small pieces. Add bacon to the broccoli and onion mixture.
Add Cheese and Seeds
- Add shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Sprinkle sunflower seeds over the top. These add extra flavor and crunch to the salad.
Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar and sugar. Stir until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper for taste.
Combine Salad and Dressing
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are coated evenly. Ensure broccoli, onion, bacon and cheese are well mixed.
Chill the Salad
- Cover the salad with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling allows flavors to blend and makes the salad taste even better.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste the salad before serving. Add extra salt, pepper or sugar if needed. Toss gently to redistribute the dressing before serving.
Serve the Salad
- Spoon the salad into a serving bowl. Garnish with extra bacon or sunflower seeds if desired. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for the best crunch and flavor.
- Cook bacon until crispy for maximum texture.
- Chill the salad to allow flavors to blend.
- Add sunflower seeds for extra crunch and nuttiness.
- Adjust sugar or vinegar to your taste preference.
FAQs about Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Recipe
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad tastes even better when made a few hours ahead. Chilling allows flavors to blend for a richer taste.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh broccoli is best, but you can use frozen. Thaw and drain completely before mixing. Too much moisture will make the salad soggy.
Can I make it without bacon?
Yes, you can skip bacon for a vegetarian version. Add extra sunflower seeds or nuts for crunch and flavor.
How long should I chill the salad?
Chill at least one hour before serving. Longer chilling enhances the flavor and keeps the salad crisp and refreshing.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?
Yes, adjust sugar in the dressing to your taste. Add more for sweeter salad or reduce for less sugar.
Conclusion
The Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Recipe is a simple, crunchy and creamy dish. It is perfect for family meals, picnics and holidays.
Learning How to make Paula Deen Broccoli Salad is easy. The ingredients are simple and steps are quick.
With the right Ingredients for Paula Deen Broccoli Salad, you can make a fresh, flavorful and colorful salad. Serve chilled and enjoy every bite.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
