Roasted Broccoli Salad Recipe by Pioneer Woman with a Vibrant Crunch

Pioneer Woman’s roasted broccoli salad elevates humble vegetables into a flavor-packed sensation that dances on your palate.

Green florets transform under high heat, caramelizing into crispy golden morsels bursting with intense taste.

Smoky bacon and zesty red onions weave through the broccoli, creating a symphony of bold, complementary flavors.

A luxurious creamy dressing envelops each ingredient, binding them in a silky embrace that tantalizes the senses.

Crunchy and smooth textures play off each other, delivering a sophisticated dining experience that defies expectations.

This simple yet stunning side dish proves that culinary magic happens with just a few stellar ingredients.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly this recipe turns ordinary broccoli into an extraordinary masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Essentials You Need for Pioneer Woman Roasted Broccoli Salad

• Broccoli Florets: Choose firm, vibrant green heads with tight, compact clusters and no yellowing.
• Red Onion: Select a firm onion with smooth, glossy skin and no soft spots.
• Olive Oil: Pick extra virgin for richer flavor and higher quality.
• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for better texture and depth.

• Bacon: Select thick-cut bacon for maximum crunchiness and robust flavor.

• Sour Cream: Pick full-fat version for richer, smoother consistency.
• Mayonnaise: Choose traditional for classic tangy flavor.
• Whole Milk: Use fresh, cold milk for best blending.

• Granulated Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to balance savory elements.
• Paprika: Select bright red, fresh ground for vibrant color and mild warmth.
• Parsley: Choose fresh, bright green leaves with no wilting.

• Black Pepper: Use freshly ground for maximum aromatic punch.

Cooking Equipment List for Pioneer Woman Roasted Broccoli Salad

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting vegetables evenly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for tossing and mixing ingredients.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for preparing creamy dressing.
• Skillet: Heavy-bottomed pan for crisping bacon.
• Paper Towels: For draining excess bacon grease.
• Cutting Board: Surface for chopping bacon and parsley.
• Sharp Knife: For precise vegetable and bacon cutting.
• Measuring Spoons: To accurately portion seasonings and dressing ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and mixing components.

Cooking Steps for Pioneer Woman Roasted Broccoli Salad

• Fire Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to a blazing 425°F, preparing for a roasting adventure that’ll transform ordinary broccoli into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

• Toss and Roast Veggie Magic

Massage broccoli florets and red onion slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet, ensuring each piece has room to crisp up. Roast until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown, creating irresistible caramelized bits that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Bacon Brilliance

Cook bacon in a skillet until it reaches crispy, crackling perfection. Drain on paper towels and chop into delightful crunchy bits that’ll add a smoky punch to the salad.

• Whip Up Creamy Goodness

Create a dreamy dressing by whisking together sour cream, mayonnaise, and milk. Sprinkle in sugar, paprika, and fresh parsley, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.

• Bring It All Together

Combine the roasted broccoli, crispy bacon bits, and remaining parsley in a bowl. Drizzle the creamy dressing over the top, tossing gently to ensure every morsel gets coated in deliciousness. Take a quick taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.

• Serve and Celebrate

Plate the salad at room temperature or chilled. For an extra burst of freshness, garnish with a sprinkle of additional parsley. Dig in and savor the explosion of flavors and textures in this incredible broccoli bacon salad.

Helpful Hints to Improve Pioneer Woman Roasted Broccoli Salad

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Experiment with adding smoked paprika or garlic powder to the roasted broccoli for an extra flavor punch that will make taste buds dance.
• Bacon Swap: Replace traditional bacon with turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits for a lighter or meat-free version that doesn't compromise on crunch and smoky goodness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare components separately and store in airtight containers. Roasted broccoli, crispy bacon, and dressing can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, making meal prep a breeze.
• Customize Your Crunch: Toss in toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds for an unexpected texture that adds depth and nutty undertones to this already amazing salad.

What to Pair With Pioneer Woman Roasted Broccoli Salad

• Brunch Brilliance: Serve this broccoli bacon salad as a standout side dish at weekend brunches, adding a fresh and creamy touch to your morning spread.
• Picnic Perfect Plate: Pack this salad in a sealed container for outdoor gatherings, providing a delicious and protein-packed option that travels well.
• Weeknight Dinner Companion: Pair this vibrant salad with grilled chicken or roasted fish for a quick and satisfying meal that brings together crispy bacon and tender roasted broccoli.
• Party Pleaser Platter: Present the salad in a large, colorful serving bowl at potlucks or gatherings, letting guests enjoy the creamy dressing and delightful bacon crunch.

How to Store Leftovers of Pioneer Woman Roasted Broccoli Salad

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover broccoli bacon salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent soggy vegetables.
• Meal Prep Magic: Chop vegetables and cook bacon in advance, storing components separately to assemble quickly during busy weekdays. Refrigerated ingredients stay crisp and ready.
• Smart Serving Suggestions: Enjoy this salad as a standalone lunch, side dish, or potluck favorite. Works perfectly cold or at room temperature for flexible meal planning.
• Freeze with Caution: Not recommended for freezing due to the creamy dressing and crispy bacon. Fresh preparation ensures the best texture and flavor experience.

Vibrant Pioneer Woman Roasted Broccoli Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Simple roasted broccoli salad by pioneer woman blends crisp vegetables with tangy dressing. Crunchy bacon and creamy cheese complement fresh ingredients for a delightful summer side dish.

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Ingredients

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• 2 bunches broccoli, florets separated
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
• ½ cup sour cream (120 ml)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise (60 ml)
• 3 tbsps whole milk (45 ml)
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp paprika
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (45 ml)

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Instructions

1. Roasting Vegetables: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss broccoli florets and sliced red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a rimmed baking sheet and roast until edges caramelize and turn crispy, about 18-20 minutes. Cool slightly in a preparation bowl.
2. Bacon Preparation: Cook bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until uniformly crisp. Drain on paper towels and chop into small, uniform pieces.
3. Dressing Creation: Whisk sour cream, mayonnaise, and whole milk until smooth. Blend in granulated sugar, paprika, and half the chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Final Assembly: Combine roasted vegetables with crispy bacon and remaining parsley. Drizzle creamy dressing over the mixture, gently tossing to ensure complete coating.
5. Serving: Serve at room temperature or chilled. Optional: Garnish with additional fresh parsley for visual appeal and herbal notes.

Notes

• Roast with Purpose: High heat (425°F) guarantees crispy broccoli edges and deep caramelization, transforming ordinary vegetables into a flavor-packed experience.
• Bacon Brilliance: Cook bacon from a cold skillet to render fat slowly, ensuring maximum crispness and even browning without burning.
• Dressing Dynamics: Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps, creating a smooth, cohesive sauce that clings perfectly to roasted vegetables.
• Serve Smart: Allow salad to rest at room temperature or chill for enhanced flavor melding, making it an incredibly versatile side dish that can be prepared ahead of time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg