Nutritious Broccoli Salad by Paula Deen

Craving a delicious and satisfying side dish that’s sure to steal the show at your next gathering? Look no further than this Healthy Paula Deen’s Broccoli Salad recipe! This revamped version of the classic salad combines crisp broccoli florets with a medley of flavors and textures, including juicy cherry tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, sweet raisins, and savory bacon. The creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, sugar, and white vinegar ties everything together beautifully, creating a perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness.

Transforming a beloved recipe into a healthier yet equally mouthwatering dish, this Healthy Paula Deen’s Broccoli Salad is a true crowd-pleaser. Packed with fresh and nutritious ingredients, this salad not only tastes fantastic but also offers a delightful crunch in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side dish for a barbecue or a make-ahead option for busy weeknights, this versatile salad fits the bill perfectly. So, whip up a batch of this irresistible broccoli salad and get ready to watch it disappear within minutes—just like at my neighborhood barbecue where it became an instant hit!

Quick Benefits

• Nutrient-packed Ingredients: Broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and red onions offer essential vitamins and minerals for a nutritious meal.
• Versatile Dish: Pair it with various main courses or enjoy it as a standalone meal.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep, stays fresh for days, and the flavors improve over time.
• Lightened-Up Recipe: Healthier with options like Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and turkey bacon for a lower-fat alternative.

Why You’ll Love This Nutritious Broccoli Salad by Paula Deen Recipe

• Transforms the humble broccoli into a crowd-pleasing side dish: The combination of crunchy broccoli, creamy dressing, and savory bacon creates a perfectly balanced salad that will disappear quickly at any gathering.
• Healthier twist on a classic: Fresh and nutritious ingredients make this a healthier version of the classic dish, perfect for those looking for a guilt-free treat.
• Quick and easy to make: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile pairing: This salad pairs well with almost any main course, making it a great side dish for a variety of meals.
• Make-ahead and meal prep friendly: Can be made ahead of time and actually improves with time in the refrigerator, making it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.
• Adaptable to personal taste: Easily customizable by adding ingredients like sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, or dried cranberries to suit your preferences.
• Excellent leftovers: Stays crisp for 2 to 3 days, making it an ideal dish for enjoying for multiple meals.
• Secret ingredient – Bacon: The smoky, salty notes of bacon make this salad irresistible and add a depth of flavor that will have guests coming back for more.

Ingredients for Nutritious Broccoli Salad by Paula Deen

Salad Ingredients

• 0.5 cup red onions, finely chopped
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.5 cup raisins
• 1 head broccoli, chopped into small pieces
• 8 ounces cheddar cheese, diced

Dressing Ingredients

• 0.25 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 cup mayonnaise

Pro Tips for Nutritious Broccoli Salad by Paula Deen

For the perfect broccoli texture and color, blanch the broccoli briefly in boiling water and then shock it in ice water before assembling the salad. This method ensures a vibrant green color and maintains a satisfying crunch.

To achieve a delightful contrast of textures, cook the bacon until extra crispy. The crispy bacon pairs beautifully with the soft cheese and creamy dressing, elevating the overall salad experience.

For optimal flavor development, allow the salad to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. This step helps take the chill off and allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

How to Make Nutritious Broccoli Salad by Paula Deen

Step 1: Step 01

Combine broccoli, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, raisins, red onions, and cooked bacon in a large mixing bowl. Gently mix to distribute evenly.

Step 2: Step 02

Combine mayonnaise, white sugar, and white vinegar in a small bowl and whisk until smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Step 03

Drizzle the dressing over the broccoli mixture in the large bowl and gently stir to evenly coat all ingredients.

Step 4: Step 04

Place a lid or plastic wrap on the bowl and refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 1 hour to blend the flavors.

Step 5: Step 05

Serve the chilled salad cold as a side dish.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Healthy Paula Deen’s Broccoli Salad, it is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to three days, allowing the flavors to continue developing over time. For the best results, store the salad with the dressing already mixed in. If you plan to store the salad for a longer period or want to maintain maximum crispness in the broccoli, consider keeping the dressing separate until a few hours before serving. Give the salad a quick stir before serving any leftover portions to redistribute the dressing evenly.

This versatile broccoli salad can be prepared a day in advance, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeknights or gatherings. Simply refrigerate the salad until you are ready to serve it. The salad is known to improve with time, so preparing it ahead allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Before serving, let the salad sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to take off the chill and enhance the flavors. Whether enjoyed immediately or as leftovers, this salad is sure to be a favorite due to its adaptability and delicious flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to switch up the cheese in this broccoli salad, feel free to substitute cheddar with feta, mozzarella, or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Each alternative cheese will bring a unique twist to the dish while still providing that creamy richness.

Preparing this salad a day in advance allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it a convenient make-ahead option for busy days or planned gatherings. Simply store the salad in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve, ensuring it stays fresh and flavorful.

For a lighter dressing option, consider replacing the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and olive oil. This substitution will reduce the overall fat content while still providing a creamy base for the tangy dressing. It’s a great way to add a healthier touch to this already nutritious salad.

Serving Suggestions

Transform the classic Paula Deen’s Broccoli Salad into a show-stopping appetizer by serving it in individual lettuce cups. Simply spoon the salad into crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing and elegant presentation that’s perfect for parties or gatherings.

For a fun twist on presentation, layer the broccoli salad ingredients in mason jars for a portable and visually appealing serving option. Start with a base of chopped broccoli, then add layers of cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, raisins, red onions, and bacon. Finish with a dollop of the creamy dressing and seal the jars for a convenient grab-and-go option for picnics or outdoor events.

FAQs for Nutritious Broccoli Salad by Paula Deen

Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with other varieties like feta, mozzarella, or goat cheese for a unique flavor twist.

Can I prepare this broccoli salad a day in advance?

Absolutely! Preparing it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated until serving.

Can I make a lighter dressing alternative to mayonnaise?

You can replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and olive oil for a lighter dressing option.

Can I make this broccoli salad vegetarian-friendly?

Certainly! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian-friendly bacon crumbles or toasted nuts for added crunch.

Conclusion

Healthy Paula Deen’s Broccoli Salad is a delightful twist on a classic recipe, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures that are sure to impress your family and friends. The blend of fresh ingredients, from the crunchy broccoli to the savory bacon and sweet raisins, creates a harmonious dish that will quickly become a favorite at any gathering.

Whether you’re looking for a nutritious side dish, a make-ahead option for busy weeknights, or a dish that only gets better with time, Healthy Paula Deen’s Broccoli Salad has got you covered. With simple ingredient swaps and preparation tips provided, feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs. So go ahead, whip up a batch of this delicious salad and watch it disappear in no time – you’ll be sure to receive requests for the recipe!