Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe Perfect for Family Gatherings

Crisp summer days call for this delightful amish broccoli salad that surprises everyone at picnics.

Fresh ingredients dance together in a creamy, unexpected blend of flavors.

Crunchy broccoli florets mix with sweet and tangy elements that make taste buds sing.

Bacon bits add a smoky punch while sunflower seeds contribute delicate texture.

Families and gatherings always request this crowd-pleasing dish that comes together quickly.

Creamy dressing coats each ingredient, creating a harmonious mix of savory and sweet notes.

She loves serving this colorful salad that looks as incredible as it tastes.

Dive in and experience a classic recipe that never disappoints.

Amish Broccoli Salad That Brightens Any Table

• Easy Amish Broccoli Salad Highlights
• Assembles in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute potluck contributions without complicated cooking techniques.
• Combines creamy, tangy, and crunchy elements that appeal to diverse taste preferences, ensuring everyone from kids to grandparents will enjoy this classic dish.
• Can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, developing richer flavors as ingredients mingle, making it an ideal make-ahead side dish for gatherings or weekly meal planning.
• Packs fresh broccoli with protein from bacon and cheese, creating a balanced side that satisfies both health-conscious eaters and comfort food lovers.

Fresh Ingredients for Amish Broccoli Salad

• Broccoli Florets: Crunchy green vegetable that forms the core of the salad, best when fresh and crisp.
• Red Onion: Sharp and colorful ingredient that adds zesty flavor and crunch.
• Sunflower Seeds: Nutty and textural element that provides a subtle crunch and earthy taste.

• Bacon: Crispy, salty meat that brings intense flavor and richness to the salad, preferably thick-cut and freshly crumbled.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy dairy component that adds tangy and rich flavor notes.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that binds the salad and creates smooth texture, choose full-fat version for best results.
• Sugar: Balances the tanginess and adds subtle sweetness to the dressing.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of bacon and cheese, adds refreshing acidity.

How to Assemble Amish Broccoli Salad Fast

Step 1: Blend Creamy Dressing

• Smooth mayonnaise
• Granulated sugar
• Apple cider vinegar

Whisk the ingredients until silky and well incorporated, tasting and adjusting for perfect balance between sweet and zingy.

Step 2: Chop Fresh Ingredients

• Slice broccoli into bite-sized florets
• Dice red onion into thin pieces
• Crumble crispy bacon
• Shred sharp cheddar cheese
• Sprinkle raw sunflower seeds

Step 3: Mix Salad Components

Transfer all chopped ingredients into a spacious bowl. Gently toss the vegetables, cheese, bacon, and seeds until they’re evenly distributed.

Step 4: Coat With Dressing

Pour the creamy dressing over the salad. Use a large spoon to fold and coat every single morsel, ensuring each bite will be flavor-packed.

Step 5: Chill And Develop Flavors

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight lid. Refrigerate for minimum one hour, allowing ingredients to mingle and develop a rich, complex taste.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Remove from refrigerator and give a final gentle stir. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish that bursts with texture and zesty flavor.

Tips to Keep Broccoli Salad Crisp and Flavorful

• Customize Sweetness Balance: Adjust sugar levels in the dressing to match your taste preference, adding more or less for perfect tanginess.
• Prep Ahead Hack: Make this salad a day in advance to enhance flavor absorption and save time before serving.
• Bacon Alternatives: Swap bacon with turkey bacon or coconut bacon bits for vegetarian or lighter protein options.
• Texture Crunch Boost: Toast sunflower seeds before adding to increase nutty flavor and provide extra crispy texture.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo and use dairy-free cheese alternative for lactose-intolerant guests.

How to Store and Serve Broccoli Salad Cold

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep cool and crisp by placing in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
• Separate wet ingredients like dressing from salad components to maintain crunchiness. Mix dressing just before serving for best texture.
• Not recommended due to mayonnaise-based dressing and crispy bacon. Fresh preparation yields superior taste and texture.
• Best enjoyed cold. If desired, let salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor blend.

Great Additions to Serve with Broccoli Salad

• Complement the salad's tangy and rich flavors with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the creamy dressing and enhancing the broccoli's freshness.
• Match the salad with barbecued chicken, pulled pork, or grilled steak to balance the cool, creamy texture with warm, smoky meats that highlight the bacon's salty crunch.
• Add crusty sourdough or hearty whole wheat bread as a side to soak up the delicious dressing and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the crunchy broccoli and seeds.
• Pack this salad with classic potato chips, cold fried chicken, and watermelon slices for a complete outdoor meal that celebrates fresh, simple ingredients and communal dining.

Twists on Classic Amish Broccoli Salad

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace bacon with crispy tempeh bits, use vegan mayonnaise, and swap sugar with maple syrup for a plant-based version that maintains the original salad's creamy texture and sweet-tangy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Garden Mix: Eliminate sunflower seeds and replace with toasted pumpkin seeds, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities while keeping the classic crunch.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute broccoli with cauliflower florets and replace sugar with a low-carb sweetener like stevia, creating a keto-friendly alternative that's light and refreshing.
• Herb-Infused Classic: Add fresh chopped dill or chives to the dressing, introducing a bright herbal note that elevates the traditional Amish broccoli salad with a garden-fresh complexity.

Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 1x

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Description

Crisp broccoli salad delivers a delightful crunch with sweet and tangy notes from bacon, cheese, and creamy dressing. Hearty ingredients blend perfectly, making this classic Amish dish a crowd-pleasing side that beckons you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups (450 g / 16 ounces) fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• ½ cup (75 g / 2.6 ounces) red onion, finely diced
• ½ cup (75 g / 2.6 ounces) shredded or diced cheddar cheese

Optional Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (35 g / 1.2 ounces) sunflower seeds or chopped almonds

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

1. Craft a velvety dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a compact mixing vessel until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency. Fine-tune the flavor profile by adjusting sweetness and tanginess according to personal preference.
2. Create a vibrant base in a spacious culinary bowl by combining crisp broccoli florets, thinly sliced ruby-hued onion, sharp aged cheddar cheese fragments, crunchy sunflower kernels, and savory crumbled bacon pieces.
3. Lavishly drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetable medley, then carefully fold and toss the ingredients using a gentle rotating motion to ensure each morsel becomes thoroughly coated with the creamy dressing.
4. Seal the salad within a covered container and allow it to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 60 minutes, permitting the complex flavors to harmonize and intensify.
5. When ready to serve, retrieve the chilled salad from the refrigerator and present it as a refreshing side dish, highlighting the delightful textural contrast between crisp vegetables and rich dressing.

Notes

• Customize sweetness by adjusting sugar levels in the dressing, creating a perfect balance between tangy and sweet flavors.
• Toast sunflower seeds briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the salad.
• Make the salad vegetarian-friendly by replacing bacon with crispy roasted chickpeas or tempeh bits for protein and texture.
• Prepare the salad ahead of time for meal prep, as it stays fresh and develops deeper flavors when chilled for several hours.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 to 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg