Paula Deen’s Broccoli Cole Slaw: A Crunchy, Tangy Delight

I remember the first time I encountered this broccoli cole slaw. It was at a family reunion, and a giant bowl of it sat unassuming amidst the barbecue ribs and potato salad. To be honest, the combination of broccoli and what looked like crushed ramen noodles gave me pause. I’m not usually one for sweet dressings on savory things, but the tangy aroma was enticing. One bite, and I was hooked! The contrasting textures and flavors—the crunch of the broccoli, the saltiness of the noodles, the sweetness of the dressing—created a symphony in my mouth. Now, it’s my go-to side dish for potlucks and summer gatherings, and it’s always a hit.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 10-12
• Yield: Large Salad Bowl
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian (easily adaptable to vegan – see substitutions)

Ingredients

• 2 (3 ounce) packages ramen noodles, in oriental flavor (other flavors will work, too)
• 3/8 cup (6 tablespoons) butter (or vegan butter alternative)
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 2 (12 ounce) bags broccoli cole slaw (in the bagged salad section of the grocery store)
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• Chopped green onion, for garnish
• 3/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup brown sugar or 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 ramen noodle seasoning packet

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin (optional, for crushing noodles)

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the ramen noodles. Place the two packages of ramen noodles (still in their unopened packaging) into a large resealable bag or between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, the bottom of a heavy pan, or your hands, crush the noodles into smaller pieces. You don’t want a fine powder, but rather coarsely broken noodles.

2. In a large skillet over low to medium heat, melt the butter. Keep a close eye on the butter to prevent it from burning. If using a vegan butter alternative, follow the package directions for melting.

3. Add the crushed noodles and slivered almonds to the skillet. Sauté them in the melted butter, stirring occasionally. This step is crucial for toasting the noodles and almonds, giving them a wonderful nutty flavor and crunchy texture. Keep the temperature at low to medium heat to prevent burning. It will take about 3-5 minutes for them to turn golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. While the noodles and almonds are toasting, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the canola oil, brown sugar (or white sugar), apple cider vinegar, and the ramen noodle seasoning packet from one of the ramen noodle packages. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed, adding a pinch of sugar or a splash of vinegar, depending on your preference.

5. In a large mixing bowl, place the two bags of shredded broccoli cole slaw. Add the toasted noodle and almond mixture and the sunflower seeds.

6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the broccoli slaw to become soggy.

7. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Toast it Forward: Toasting the noodles and almonds ahead of time is a great way to save time when preparing this salad. Store the toasted mixture in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Dressing Adjustment: The dressing is on the sweeter side. If you prefer a tangier slaw, reduce the amount of sugar by a tablespoon or two and increase the apple cider vinegar.
• Noodle Nuance: You can use any flavor of ramen noodles that you enjoy. Chicken or beef flavors will add a different dimension to the salad. Just remember to use the seasoning packet from only one of the packages.
• Prevent Soggy Slaw: Add the dressing just before serving to prevent the broccoli slaw from becoming soggy. If you need to make the salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate and toss it with the salad right before serving.
• Nut Allergies: If you have nut allergies, substitute the slivered almonds with toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped sunflower seeds.
• Enhance the Crunch: For an extra layer of crunch, add a handful of chopped, toasted pecans or walnuts.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this broccoli cole slaw chilled as a side dish to grilled meats, sandwiches, or burgers. It’s also a great addition to potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. The bright flavors and crunchy texture make it a refreshing complement to heavier dishes.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days, as the broccoli slaw will gradually lose its crunch. Freezing is not recommended, as the vegetables will become mushy upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	374.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	273 g	73%
Total Fat	30.4 g	46%
Saturated Fat	7.8 g	38%
Cholesterol	18.3 mg	6%
Sodium	582.3 mg	24%
Total Carbohydrate	22.9 g	7%
Dietary Fiber	1.2 g	4%
Sugars	6 g	N/A
Protein	4 g	8%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative or olive oil. Ensure the ramen noodles and seasoning packet are vegan-friendly (some may contain animal-derived ingredients).
• Sweetener Swap: Replace the brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar-free sweetener for a different flavor profile or to reduce the sugar content.
• Vinegar Variety: Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as white wine vinegar or rice vinegar, for a subtle change in the dressing’s flavor.
• Vegetable Boost: Add other chopped vegetables to the broccoli slaw, such as shredded carrots, red onion, or bell peppers, for added color and nutrients.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little bit of heat.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to prevent the broccoli slaw from becoming soggy.

Q: Can I use pre-made cole slaw mix instead of broccoli slaw?
A: Yes, you can substitute cole slaw mix, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Broccoli slaw has a more robust flavor and crunch than traditional cole slaw.

Q: Is it necessary to toast the noodles and almonds?
A: Toasting the noodles and almonds is highly recommended, as it adds a wonderful nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the salad. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the salad will not have the same depth of flavor.

Q: Can I add protein to this salad to make it a complete meal?
A: Absolutely! Grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame would be excellent additions to this salad, providing a boost of protein and making it a more substantial meal.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store leftover broccoli cole slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep in mind that the salad will gradually lose its crunch over time.

Final Thoughts

Paula Deen’s Broccoli Cole Slaw is a surprisingly addictive side dish that will leave you craving more. Don’t let the seemingly unusual combination of ingredients scare you away. The crunchy texture, tangy-sweet dressing, and nutty flavors create a symphony of deliciousness that is sure to impress. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your feedback. Pair it with grilled ribs, a juicy burger, or even a simple sandwich for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!