Ree Drummond's Roasted Broccoli Salad: A Twist on a Classic
Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, has a knack for transforming ordinary vegetables into extraordinary dishes. Her Roasted Broccoli Salad is a testament to this, offering a delightful blend of flavors that will make you rethink your typical broccoli side dish.
Why Roast Broccoli?
Roasting broccoli brings out its natural sweetness and creates a wonderful texture. Unlike steaming or boiling, roasting doesn't make the broccoli soggy. Instead, it gives it a slight crunch and intensifies its flavor. This method also allows the broccoli to caramelize slightly, adding depth to the dish.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
Drummond's recipe combines roasted broccoli with a medley of ingredients that complement its flavor beautifully. Here's what you'll need:

- Broccoli
- Onion
- Bacon
- Sunflower seeds
- Raisins
- Mayonnaise
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt and pepper
Preparation: Step by Step
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the broccoli into florets and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes, or until they're tender and lightly browned.
While the broccoli is roasting, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain it on paper towels, then crumble it. Sauté the onion until translucent, then add it to the bacon.
In a large bowl, combine the roasted broccoli, bacon and onion mixture, sunflower seeds, and raisins.

For the dressing, mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour this over the broccoli mixture and toss to combine.
Serving and Storage
Serve the salad warm or at room temperature. It's perfect as a side dish for grilled meats or as a light main course.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep for up to 3 days, although the broccoli may soften slightly over time.
Nutritional Information
| Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Total Carbohydrate | Dietary Fiber | Sugars | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 420 | 32g | 6g | 20mg | 880mg | 24g | 6g | 12g | 10g |
Per serving (assuming 6 servings per recipe)