Tangy Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Recipe Bursting with Crunch

Paula Deen’s broccoli salad explodes with a symphony of flavors that transform mundane vegetables into a culinary sensation.

Emerald-green florets dance alongside crisp bacon bits and sweet raisins, creating a tantalizing texture mosaic.

Creamy dressing weaves through each ingredient, binding them in a luxurious embrace of taste.

Southern charm radiates from this vibrant dish, celebrating fresh produce and bold seasonings.

Crunchy elements contrast velvety undertones, promising a roller-coaster of sensory experiences.

Unexpected flavor combinations elevate this salad from simple side to star performer at any gathering.

You are about to be amazed by this irresistible recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Paula Deen’s Broccoli Salad

• Prep Broccoli Powerhouse

Rinse your broccoli under cool water, stripping away any tough outer leaves. Chop the veggie into small, appealing florets and tender stem pieces, creating a crisp foundation for your salad.

• Unleash Flavor Boosters

Crumble bacon into delightful crispy bits. Dice red onion for a sharp kick. Sprinkle in sweet raisins if you’re feeling adventurous. Cube some tangy cheddar cheese to add creamy richness to your mix.

• Whip Up Dreamy Dressing

Blend creamy mayonnaise with zesty white vinegar and a touch of sugar. Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a silky, smooth sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Create Sensational Salad

Drizzle your luscious dressing over the broccoli mixture. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each morsel gets a loving coating of flavor. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for half an hour, allowing the ingredients to mingle and develop a more profound taste. Serve cool and watch everyone dive in with excitement.

Cooking Tips & Flavor Twists for Broccoli Salad (Paula Deen Style)

• Swap out bacon for smoky tempeh or coconut bacon to create a vegetarian version that still delivers incredible flavor and crunch.
• Prepare the salad components separately and combine just before serving to maintain maximum texture and prevent soggy ingredients, keeping each bite perfectly crisp and fresh.
• Toss in sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sliced almonds for extra protein, healthy fats, and a delightful nutty crunch that elevates the entire salad experience.
• Experiment with serving temperatures – while chilled is traditional, letting the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes can help ingredients release deeper, more pronounced flavors and create a more complex taste profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Broccoli Salad

• Broccoli: Select vibrant green, firm heads with tight, compact florets and minimal yellowing for peak freshness and nutrition.

• Bacon, Cheddar Cheese: Choose high-quality, thick-cut bacon for crispy texture and sharp cheddar with robust flavor for maximum taste impact.

• Red Onion, Raisins: Opt for sweet, crisp red onions with no soft spots and plump, glossy raisins that add delightful bursts of natural sweetness.

• Mayonnaise, White Vinegar, Granulated Sugar: Select full-fat mayonnaise for creamy consistency, clear white vinegar for clean tang, and fine granulated sugar for balanced sweetness.

Tools You’ll Need for Broccoli Salad

• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping broccoli, onions, and bacon.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable and bacon chopping.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining broccoli and ingredients.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Separate dish for whisking creamy dressing.
• Whisk: Essential tool for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise measurements for sugar, vinegar, and mayonnaise.
• Refrigerator: Chilling space to let flavors develop before serving.

How to Serve Paula Deen’s Fresh Broccoli Salad

• Elevate Your Broccoli Salad Experience: Perfect pairings to make your dish shine.
• Picnic Perfect Plating: Serve on a crisp white platter with extra bacon crumbles sprinkled on top for a beautiful presentation that will wow your guests.
• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken strips or sliced almonds to transform this side dish into a complete and satisfying main course meal.
• Chill and Thrill Technique: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to develop and ingredients to marinate, creating a more intense and delicious taste profile.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips for Broccoli Salad from Paula Deen

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store the broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping its crisp texture and vibrant flavors intact.
• Advance Prep Magic: Chop and store broccoli, bacon, and onions separately in sealed containers for quick assembly when hunger strikes, saving precious meal prep time.
• Moisture Management: Keep dressing and salad ingredients separate until just before serving to prevent soggy vegetables and maintain the perfect crunch.
• Smart Serving Strategy: Gently stir the salad before serving to redistribute the creamy dressing and ensure every bite is packed with delicious flavor combinations.

Tangy Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy southern broccoli salad blends crisp vegetables with tangy dressing, creating irresistible summer comfort. Bacon bits and sunflower seeds provide perfect crunch you’ll savor at picnics and potlucks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 head broccoli
• 8 oz (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, cut into very small chunks
• 6 to 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ½ cup (75 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup (80 g) chopped red onion
• 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
• ½ cup (75 g) optional raisins
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) white vinegar

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Carefully trim broccoli, removing outer leaves and tough stalks. Rinse thoroughly under cool water and chop into uniform bite-sized florets and stem pieces in a large mixing bowl.
2. Ingredient Integration: Combine crisp crumbled bacon, finely diced red onion, golden raisins, and cubed cheddar cheese with the broccoli, creating a diverse and textural base.
3. Dressing Creation: Whisk granulated sugar, white vinegar, and mayonnaise until smooth and fully incorporated, developing a creamy, consistent sauce that will bind the salad components.
4. Flavor Fusion: Pour dressing over the broccoli mixture, gently folding to ensure complete and even coating of all ingredients, distributing the creamy dressing throughout the salad.
5. Chilling and Serving: Seal the bowl and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify. Serve well-chilled as a vibrant and refreshing side dish, ensuring optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Ensure broccoli florets are similar in size for even coating and consistent texture throughout the salad.
• Bacon Brilliance: Crisp bacon thoroughly before crumbling to add a satisfying crunch and enhance overall flavor profile.
• Dressing Dynamics: Whisk dressing ingredients until completely smooth to prevent sugar granules from creating a gritty texture.
• Chill for Flavor: Refrigeration is crucial—allows ingredients to marry and develop deeper, more complex taste sensations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg