Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Recipe (Photos + Video)

Late-night cravings are no longer a problem as this Classic Paula Deen Broccoli Salad is the best satisfying food you will ever have. So, let’s plunge into the details and specifics of the recipe.

How To Make Paula Deen Broccoli Salad At Home

Creating a different dressing for this salad is for a different experience; go for it. How about tangy honey mustard? All you have to do is mix honey with virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and sea salt. Do share which dress you prefer.

So folks, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and make this fantastic recipe for broccoli salad at home. Make sure you follow the exact steps for similar tastes.

Is This the Exact Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Recipe?

Yes, this is the exact recipe of Paula Deen Broccoli Salad that Chef Jasbir has prepared by following the steps mentioned in the Paula Deen recipe. But our version is a better one as there are no additives and preservatives used in the recipe.  

This recipe is filled with differently mixed flavors added by the ingredients. Above that, it also adds a little crisp with added bacon, resulting in a delicious salad.

Healthy Paula Deen Broccoli Salad

How Is Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Different From Regular Broccoli Salad?

Here’s a general comparison between Paula Deen Broccoli Salad and regular broccoli salad:

  • Mayo Dressing – Paula Deen’s version may use a more decadent mayonnaise dressing with ingredients like mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar. But if we talk about Regular Broccoli Salad dressing, it may vary in sweetness and creaminess.
  • Bacon – Paula Deen’s recipe includes crispy bacon bits, adding a smoky flavor, while regular Broccoli Salad does not have bacon.
  • Cheese – Paula Deen’s recipe uses cheese, which is only sometimes in a broccoli salad.
  • Nuts – Talking about nuts, Deen’s version doesn’t include any nuts except raisins, whereas regular broccoli salad consists of many other nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds.
  • Flavor & Sweetness – Paula Deen broccoli salad is known for its sweet and richer flavor because of the added sugar in the dressing. If we look towards regular broccoli salad, it has a more balanced or tangy taste, depending on the sauce used.

Overall, specific ingredients and proportions used in Paula Deen Broccoli Salad may result in a distinct flavor profile compared to a regular broccoli salad.     

Why You’ll Love This Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Recipe?

There are a few reasons that you’ll love this Paula Deen Broccoli Salad. To know them, go through the guide:

  • Outstanding Balance Of Flavors – Trust me, folks, this broccoli salad is worth a try; while eating this classic dish, you will find a well-balanced sweet and tangy flavor with a crunch.
  • Quick – Paula Deen Broccoli Salad is the fastest recipe you can prepare for yourself in just 20 minutes, and you will also find this easy to make.
  • Versatile – You will find this recipe highly versatile as you can play around with the ingredients for more flavors, or else you can make it more interesting by adding some extra elements.
  • Healthy – Paula Deen Broccoli Salad is the most beneficial option that you can go ahead with, and it will provide you with a lot of health benefits that are good for your body.
Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Ingredients Bowl

Is This Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Vegan & Gluten Free?

Paula Deen Broccoli Salad is gluten-free, making it a safe choice for people on a strict gluten-free diet. However, the traditional mayonnaise used in the recipe is not vegan.

Nevertheless, you can swap the regular mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative to create a vegan-friendly version of this broccoli salad. 

Equipment required For Paula Deen Broccoli Salad

  • Bowls – Take two bowls, one small bowl for mixing the dressing and one large bowl required to integrate the salad’s vegetables.
  • Knife – To cut the broccoli and onions, you will need a knife.
  • Ladle – The spoon is required to mix the ingredients and the dressing.
  • Whisk – Beat the dressing of the salad using a whisk.

Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Ingredients

  • Mayonnaise – Mayo will provide a creamy texture and add a pinch of sourness to it.
  • Sugar – Mix sugar with mayo and vinegar to give a sweet taste to your salad.
  • Vinegar – For an intense aroma and sour taste, pour in the vinegar.
  • Broccoli – Broccoli is the chief ingredient of this salad. Add some freshly chopped broccoli to make the salad. 
  • Cherry Tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes yield a sweet, almost candy, and incredibly juicy flavor.
  • Onions – Use regular onion for a crisp with sour and tangy flavor in every bite.
  • Cheddar Cheese – Cheddar cheese will add a creamy layer and a hint of sourness and sweetness.
  • Raisins – Top your salad with raisins. You can use brown and golden, but if you want a sweeter taste, use a golden one.
  • Bacon – Bacons provide a sweet and smoky flavor to the salad and add an extra crunch.
Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Ingredients 1

Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Ingredients Substitutes

  • Cranberries – We’ve used raisins to make this recipe, but instead, if you don’t want to use raisins, you can go for dried cranberries. 
  • Broccoli – If you are not a broccoli fan, you can go ahead with cauliflower, which works best if not broccoli.
  • Mayonnaise – We’ve used mayo in the salad, but instead, you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • Cheddar Cheese – Cheddar Cheese is perfect for a creamy version, but still, if you don’t like it, Fret Not! The best alternatives are smoked gouda, gruyere, and Swiss cheese. 

Should You Boil Or Blanch The Broccoli?

Blanching or boiling both will make your salad taste amazing. However, it is advised to blanch the broccoli rather than boil it. Blanching is a better choice because it preserves the vibrant green color and maintains a crisp, slightly crunchy texture of broccoli. 

Moreover, it will remove all the bitterness, resulting in rich and delectable flavors in broccoli salad. 

In this chef delight’s broccoli salad, Paula Deen neither boils nor blanches the broccoli. She has used raw broccoli, but you can tweak this process. 

Can You Use Frozen Broccoli For This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in Paula Deen’ Broccoli Salad. There are a few things to consider when using frozen broccoli in a salad.

First, defrost the frozen broccoli before using it in a salad. You can do it by transferring the frozen broccoli to the refrigerator and allowing it to defrost overnight. Once properly defrosted, you can surely use it in the salad. 

Keep in mind that frozen broccoli may have a slightly different texture compared to fresh broccoli. It may be delicate. Therefore, handle it gently while tossing it with other salad ingredients to avoid breaking it apart too much.

Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Preparation And Cooking Time 

Preparation TimeCooking TimeTotal Time
15 Minutes5 Minutes20 Minutes

Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Recipe Steps

Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Step 1

Step 1- Take a bowl and add mayonnaise to it.


Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Step 2

Step 2- Put half a cup of sugar and mix it with mayonnaise.


Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Step 3

Step 3- After pouring sugar, add vinegar.


Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Step 4

Step 4- Mix all the added wet ingredients together.


Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Step 5

Step 5- Take the bowl of broccoli and combine it with mayo dressing.


Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Step 6

Step 6- Now, mix the broccoli thoroughly with the prepared mixture.


Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Step 7

Step 7- Take half a cup of finely chopped onion.


Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Step 8

Step 8- Along with onion, take half a cup of sliced cherry tomatoes.


Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Step 9

Step 9- Combine the onions and cherry tomatoes with the broccoli, along with cheddar cheese.


Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Step 10

Step 10- Add some raisins on top of the prepared mixture.


Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Step 11

Step 11- Finally, garnish the broccoli salad with crispy bacon.


How To Make Paula Deen Broccoli Salad At Home

Step 12- Your Paula Deen Broccoli Salad is ready.

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.

Tips To Make This Broccoli Salad Better

This Broccoli Salad can be made more exciting and better by using the following tips:

  • The star ingredient of the dish is broccoli, so make sure you use a fresh one, or else it will yield a dry salad.
  • Yes, this is a vegetarian salad, but if you are non-vegetarian or want to make it incredibly delicious, hit it with barbeque chicken that yields a sweet and smoky flavor.
  • How about hitting your salad with an extra crunch? Adding more nuts like sunflower seeds, pine nuts, pecans, or cashews works well.
  • Pouring in some ripe seedless grape is a cherry on the cake in your salad with its juice and sweetness.
  • Refrigerating it works great. Give your salad ample time to soak the dressing flavors for a perfect taste.

How Will This Broccoli Salad Look & Taste Like?

Paula Deen Broccoli Salad looks so appealing and refreshing at the same time. The broccoli florets added to the salad hit it with a bright color, along with some red cherry tomatoes, which give a bright red color. Together, they make the salad look so inviting due to its ingredients.

Talking of taste, it has a juicy and sweet flavor and some sweetness and tanginess from sugar and onions. Also, the dressing is so creamy due to the added ingredients like mayonnaise and cheddar cheese.

Broccoli Salad From Paula Deen Recipe

Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Nutritional Values

Paula Deen Broccoli Salad is a healthy and satiating meal. Find the calorific value of this recipe in the table below:

Calories196 kcal
Fat13.2 g
Cholesterol701 mg
Sodium301 mg
Potassium423 mg
Carbohydrates16.3 g
Sugar3 g
Protein6.2 g

How To Give This Salad A Healthy Touch?

 Feel free to use the flavors for more health benefits. Read further to know more:

  •  Veggies can be one of the leading healthy ingredients that can be added to the salad; these can be cauliflower, mushroom, bell peppers, Zucchini, and celery.
  • Making a healthy dressing can be the other way to make it fit. To make a healthy dressing, add Greek yogurt with olive oil, vinegar, and brown sugar.
  • Feel free to garnish your salad with nuts, making it more exciting and healthier.
  • I am using fresh to make this salad refreshing and delicious at the same time.

Can You Make This Salad Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Being confident, it’s best to prepare this salad in advance as the flavors of ingredients will settle in properly and make it more flavorful. 

Apart from this, be definite about not adding nuts; add them just before serving, as this takes away the crunch and makes it a little soggy. 

Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Bowl

How Can You Store This Salad Recipe?

  • Refrigerate – Leftovers can be stored, but be very specific about transferring them to an air-tight container first. It will be fresh for at least 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Room Temperature – Cover the salad with a cling film and then keep it at room temperature for a few hours.
  • Freeze – You can surely freeze this broccoli salad, but you have to be very careful about freezing it as it can make the salad watery, so before storing it, let it cool first and then transfer it to an air-tight container and then store it in the freezer.
  • Air-tight Container – Store this broccoli salad in an air-tight container as it’s the best way to keep it. Also, this will keep the salad fresh and prevent it from becoming soggy.

What To Serve With Paula Deen Broccoli Salad?

Pair this salad with a complimentary dish for a fulfilling meal. Some of the suggestions are cited below:

  • Bobby Flay Flank Steak RecipeTo enhance the flavors and taste of your meal, combine this salad with flank steak, which will add a spicy and tangy flavor that automatically increases the flavors.
  • Paula Deen Prime RibsIf you are a meat lover, folks, take advantage of this combination, which you will love. Fuse your broccoli salad with Prime ribs. This will enhance your meal with a meaty flavor.
  • Bobby Flay Bolognese RecipeLift the taste and flavors of your meal with a fantastic fusion of this broccoli salad and Bolognese that builds an extra rich umami flavor with health benefits, too. 
  • Jamie Oliver Spaghetti Carbonara Amp up your meal by pairing this salad with spaghetti carbonara for the best flavors. This pair is going to be your favorite.
  • Gordon Ramsay Avocado Toast Toast and salad, what a perfect meal, do you agree? This broccoli salad is served best when paired with avocado toast; it’s the best option to mingle up your homemade broccoli salad.

Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Printable Version

How To Make Paula Deen Broccoli Salad At Home

Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Recipe

Late-night cravings are no longer a problem as this Classic Paula Deen Broccoli Salad is the best satisfying food you will ever have. So, let’s plunge into the details and specifics of the recipe.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Chef’s Delight
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 196 kcal

Equipment

  • Bowls
  • Knife
  • Ladle
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Mayonnaises
  • ¼ cup Sugar
  • 2 tbsp Vinegar
  • 1 head Broccoli
  • ½ cup Cherry Tomatoes
  • ½ cup Onions
  • 8 oz Cheddar Cheese
  • ½ cup Raisins
  • 6-8 slices Bacon

Instructions
 

  • Take a bowl and add mayonnaise to it.
    Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Step 1
  • Put half a cup of sugar and mix it with mayonnaise.
    Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Step 2
  • After pouring sugar, add vinegar.
    Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Step 3
  • Mix all the added wet ingredients together.
    Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Step 4
  • Take the bowl of broccoli and combine it with mayo dressing.
    Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Step 5
  • Now, mix the broccoli thoroughly with the prepared mixture.
    Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Step 6
  • Take half a cup of finely chopped onion.
    Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Step 7
  • Along with onion, take half a cup of sliced cherry tomatoes.
    Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Step 8
  • Combine the onions and cherry tomatoes with the broccoli, along with cheddar cheese.
    Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Step 9
  • Add some raisins on top of the prepared mixture.
    Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Step 10
  • Finally, garnish the broccoli salad with crispy bacon.
    Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Step 11
  • Your Paula Deen Broccoli Salad is ready.
    How To Make Paula Deen Broccoli Salad At Home

Video

Notes

  • The star ingredient of the dish is broccoli, so make sure you use a fresh one, or else it will yield a dry salad.
  • Yes, this is a vegetarian salad, but if you are non-vegetarian or want to make it incredibly delicious, hit it with barbeque chicken that yields a sweet and smoky flavor.
  • How about hitting your salad with an extra crunch? Adding more nuts like sunflower seeds, pine nuts, pecans, or cashews works well.
  • Pouring in some ripe seedless grape is a cherry on the cake in your salad with its juice and sweetness.
  • Refrigerating it works great. Give your salad ample time to soak the dressing flavors for a perfect taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 16.3g | Protein: 6.2g | Fat: 13.2g | Cholesterol: 701mg | Sodium: 301mg | Potassium: 423mg | Sugar: 3g
Keyword Homemade Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Recipe, Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Recipe, Tasty Paula Deen Broccoli Salad Recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is broccoli salad made of?

Broccoli salad is made of broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, bacon, red onion, raisins, cherry tomatoes, and sugar.

What is good with broccoli?

You can enjoy beef, butter, cheddar cheese, chicken, eggs, feta cheese, goat cheese, parmesan cheese, pasta, rice, pork, prawns, tofu, turkey, and yogurt.

What is the main dish that goes well with broccoli?

Pair broccoli with BBQ chicken, grilled ribs, and chicken parmesan casserole.

Do you put eggs in broccoli salad?

Yes! You can put eggs in broccoli salad. It’s a perfect combination and seriously addicting. Add runny egg yolk, crunchy broccoli, lettuce, and sweet corn tossed with creamy honey-mustard dressing.

What herbs or spices go well with broccoli salad?

Add herbs like garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon, and thyme.

Conclusion

Paula Deen Broccoli Salad is the magic recipe for fitness freaks and health-conscious people. Besides this, it can be consumed commonly as well and also works best for your cravings. So that’s it for now; see you with another fantastic recipe like this. 

To try more recipes like these, click on any link mentioned further: Paula Deen Chicken Salad Recipe, Paula Deen Corn Salad Recipe, Paula Deen 7-Layer Salad Recipe, Paula Deen Potato Salad Recipe, Paula Deen Grape Salad.

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