As a foodie who also loves to workout, I always prefer eating healthy dishes, with my favorite being Paula Deen’s broccoli salad recipe! I enjoy a variety of dishes while being vigilant about my health, so this salad recipe surely came as a savior.
On a quest to maintain a healthy lifestyle, I started following a diet regime, and this broccoli salad by Paula Deen always stood out! I came across this wonderful salad recipe from my friend at the health club. She gave me an idea of how amazing this salad tastes while being nutritious.
I became eager to try this salad. I tried it once, and this recipe immediately won my heart as it balanced my cravings and nutritional needs. Paula Deen’s broccoli salad recipe made me understand that eating healthy can never be boring!
So here I have mentioned my exciting experimentation with this recipe, which I follow regularly! You can try making the same recipe, with the exact ingredients or substitutions if needed, for your salad and make your healthy eating journey more enjoyable.
So why the wait? Come and join me in making this nourishing and flavorful salad, which is a quick mix! Moreover, the whole preparation of this fresh bowl only takes 10 minutes, which is surely a plus!
Equipment Required
- Mixing Bowl: I prefer using a medium-sized bowl to mix the required ingredients. Depending on your quantity, you can also use a large bowl.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Both these equipment are required mainly to get the exact measurements of your ingredients.
- Knife: I recommend using a sharp knife to perfectly chop your veggies and cheese.
- Pan: My go-to is to use a frying pan to easily fry the bacon.
- Large Spoon: I prefer using a large spoon to mix all the ingredients.
Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: The quantities of the ingredients mentioned below are enough to serve 6-8 portions. You may adjust the ingredients quantities to serve more or fewer portions.
- One Head of Broccoli: I prefer fresh florets and tender stalks in my salads. However, you can use frozen broccoli if that’s all you have.
- ¼ Cup Caster Sugar: If you are out of caster sugar, you can use brown sugar for a caramel-like flavor or honey.
- ½ Cup Halved Cherry Tomatoes: If necessary, you can also try using Grape tomatoes, which are similar in size to cherry tomatoes.
- Two Tablespoons White Vinegar: If you don’t have white vinegar, I recommend using lemon or lime juice for a citrus flavor in dressing your salads.
- 8 Oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese, cut into very small chunks: You can also opt for feta cheese, which is sharp in flavor, or milder Swiss cheese as a substitute.
- 1 Cup Mayonnaise: I recommend adding Greek yogurt or sour cream as an alternative to mayonnaise.
- ½ Cup Raisins: If you don’t like raisins like me, you can also add cherries or dried apricots as a fruity substitute.
- ½ Cup Chopped Red Onion: White onions can also be an alternative if you want a less intense flavor like my salads.
- 8 Slices of Cooked Crumbled Bacon: If you want an alternative to bacon, you can also substitute crispy Prosciutto.
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Minutes | 5 Minutes | 20 Minutes |
How To Make Paula Deen Broccoli Salad
Step 1- Add mayonnaise to a medium-sized bowl.
Step 2- Then add the measured amount of sugar along with mayonnaise.
Step 3- Now, add white vinegar to the bowl.
Step 4- Once everything is added, stir it gently.
Step 5- Cut the florets of broccoli along with its tender stalks into bite-sized pieces.
Step 6- Add the finely cut broccoli to the salad dressing bowl.
Step 7- Chop the red onions if you haven’t already; they can now be added to the salad.
Step 8- Cut the cherry tomatoes into two halves.
Step 9- Mix the onions and tomatoes into the bowl and add the cheese chunks.
Step 10- Add raisins to the bowl.
Step 11- Finally, add the cooked and crumbled bacon to the bowl and stir it gently.
Step 12- Your Paula Deen broccoli salad recipe is ready to serve!
Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Recipe Video
Here’s a recipe video that you can watch before making this Paula Deen Broccoli Salad at your home.
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- I recommend sprinkling chili flakes or pepper on the salad for an extra hot punch.
- If you prefer your salad to be extra crunchy, add some toasted nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews for a robust flavor, and raisins, just like I do.
- You may add grapes, apple chunks, and broccoli to make the salad sweeter.
- I add grated lemon zest to my salad dressing with white vinegar for a citrus flavor and aroma; you may also try it.
- I customize my salad by adding chopped mint or cilantro leaves for a fresh, herby taste.
- I often like my salad a little meaty, so you can try the same by adding boiled chicken cubes or stripes and bacon.
- You can also try adding other vegetables to this salad along with broccoli, like carrots, celery, or bell peppers, to make it more flavorful.
FAQs About Paula Deen Broccoli Salad
Nutritional Information
Paula Deen broccoli salad recipe is a power bowl of nutrition as broccoli contains vitamins, antioxidants, and fibers that are a good energy source. Hence, it is a healthy option while also being delicious and satisfying.
I have mentioned the exact nutritional value of Paula Deen’s broccoli salad recipe below.
| Calories | 196 kcal |
| Fat | 13.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 701 mg |
| Sodium | 301 mg |
| Potassium | 423 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 16.3 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Protein | 6.2 g |
This broccoli salad recipe from Paula Deen is a great option for people who follow a regular diet. It is also good for people with gluten intolerance, but it cannot be consumed by those on a keto diet, a dairy-free diet, vegans, or vegetarians.
Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Ketogenic Diet: Sugar is the only issue for a person following a keto diet, so I recommend replacing it with stevia for a sweet dressing on your salad.
- Vegan Diet: A few ingredients, such as cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and bacon, butter, are added to this recipe so that you can replace them with plant-based cheese or soy cheese; for mayonnaise, you can alter it with vegan mayonnaise, and instead of bacon you can add roasted tofu, chickpeas or kidney beans. This way, the salad will become suitable for vegans.
- Dairy-Free Diet: Just like for vegans, cheddar cheese can be replaced with plant-based cheese or soy cheese on this diet.
- Low-Sugar Diet: If you follow a low-sugar diet, you can completely replace caster sugar with cane sugar or date powder.
Storing And Reheating This Recipe
Storing –
- In The Refrigerator: I always store my leftover salad in the refrigerator. You can do the same, transferring your salad to an airtight container and keeping it in your refrigerator. This way, it stays fresh for a week.
- In The Freezer: You can also store your salad in the freezer, but I suggest this method only if you have no other option. Pack your leftovers in an airtight container and store them inside the freezer. This may last up to a month.
What To Serve With This Recipe
I like eating my salads with different sides. I have also tried a variety of sides that perfectly match this salad, and you, too, will enjoy it! A fantastic combination, I often prefer this broccoli salad with food options like roasted chicken or roasted vegetables. This combo serves a heavenly satisfaction.
If not, you can also eat your salads with crusty bread or dinner rolls, which are also good choices. For a sweeter option, you may try eating your salad with herb and butter-brushed corn. If, at all, you can finally balance your salad with sliced seasonal fruits, this would be a much healthier choice.
Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Printable Version
Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 head Broccoli
- 1/4 cup Caster Sugar
- 1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
- 2 tablespoons White Vinegar
- 8 ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese cut into small chunks
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Raisins
- 1/2 cup Red Onion chopped
- 8 slices Cooked Crumbled Bacon
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Knife
- Pan
- Large Spoon
Instructions
- Add mayonnaise to a medium-sized bowl.
- Then add the measured amount of sugar along with mayonnaise
- Now add white vinegar to the bowl
- Once everything is added, stir gently.
- Cut the florets of broccoli along with its tender stalks into bite-sized pieces
- Add the finely chopped broccoli to the salad dressing bowl.
- Chop the red onions if you haven't already; they can now be added to the salad.
- Cut the cherry tomatoes into two halves.
- Mix the onions and tomatoes into the bowl and add the cheese chunks.
- Add raisins to the bowl.
- Finally, add the cooked and crumbled bacon to the bowl and stir it gently.
- Your Paula Deen broccoli salad recipe is ready to serve!
Nutrition
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Conclusion
Eating nutritional food is not complicated or dull; it’s always a relishing method. This fantastic broccoli salad recipe by Paula Deen is proof of the same and an excellent way to make your food nutritious and yummy. I added this recipe to my weight loss journey and found the exact result, so you, too, can try the same!
While attempting this recipe, I suggest using the exact ingredients or substitutions, if needed, to achieve a better outcome. Measure the ingredients and adjust them according to your preferences.
So, once you attempt this recipe with the same techniques and ingredients, I can guarantee that it will be super good in taste and texture.
Now begin your food plan with this amazing salad recipe and maintain your fitness. I bet, once you enjoy eating this salad, you will be repetitive in making it! Let me know your doubts. I will be back again with another exciting recipe! Till then, have a great workout!
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