Paula Deen's Lean: Broccoli Salad

This is a classic side dish! My mother had made this for years, but not quite like Paula Deen does it. If you are looking for an easy and delicious salad to whip up for dinner or a neighborhood gathering...look no further. This is perfect for those summertime picnics and BBQs.

For Paula Deen's original recipe, check out pauladeen.com or buy her Lady & Sons Savannah Country Cookbook.

BROCCOLI SALAD

Serves 6 to 8

INGREDIENTS:

1 head broccoli

6-8 slices cooked CENTER CUT bacon; crumbled

1/2 cup chopped red onion

1/2 cup raisins

8 ouces REDUCED-FAT Cheddar cheese; cut in small chunks

1 cup Hellmann's mayonnaise dressing (low-fat)

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup SPLENDA

DIRECTIONS:

Trim off the leaves and tough stalks of the broccoli. Wash well, then cut into bite-size pieces. Place in a large bowl. Add bacon, onion, raisins and cheese. In a small bowl, combine all of the remaining ingredients; stirring well. Add to the broccoli mixture and toss together; coating thoroughly. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

RESULTS:

This is a wonderfully simple, nutritious and delicious side dish! My mother made it just like this, minus the Cheddar cheese. Her's was wonderful, but I love the new addition. I am sure she will like it too.
Here is how much we saved with subbing some lighter ingredients in for the originals...

ORIGINAL                                             LIGHT                                             SAVINGS
Mayonnaise     78.5 g/fat                      Hellmann's Mayo Dressing  12g/fat              66.5 g/fat
Bacon              28.4 g/fat                     Center-Cut Bacon               8g/fat                20.4 g/fat
Sugar               774 calories                 SPLENDA                       20 calories          754 calories
Cheddar           27.1 g/fat                    2% Cheddar                      48 g/fat               27.1 g/fat
                                                                                                                     Total Fat Savings: 114 g/fat

**Calculations are based on the entire recipe. Information taken from calorieking.com.

I am excited to share another fabulous Paula Deen dish that is so easy to lighten up and make part of a healthy, balanced diet. If you have 15 minutes, you have time to throw this together. ENJOY!!