Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When it comes to side dishes that truly stand out, offering a delightful blend of fresh flavors and satisfying textures, one of my absolute favorites is Amish Broccoli Salad. This isn’t your average leafy green salad; it’s a vibrant, crunchy, and creamy concoction featuring crisp broccoli, often a mix of other fresh veggies, savory bacon, and a wonderfully sweet and tangy dressing. It’s a true crowd-pleaser and a perfect addition to any potluck, picnic, or family meal!
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a salad that’s both refreshing and incredibly hearty? I am absolutely obsessed with Amish Broccoli Salad because it transforms simple broccoli into something truly special. The crispness of the raw broccoli, combined with the salty crunch of bacon, the tang of the dressing, and often the sweetness of raisins or a hint of onion, creates a symphony of textures and flavors that is utterly irresistible. It’s fantastic for a summer barbecue, a quick and satisfying lunch, or a flavorful side dish for any occasion. Plus, it’s a make-ahead marvel, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even better the next day!
The Sweet & Savory Tradition of Amish Salads
Amish cuisine is renowned for its hearty, homestyle cooking, often prioritizing simple, fresh ingredients and resourceful preparation methods. Amish salads, including popular macaroni, potato, and broccoli salads, are distinct for their characteristic creamy dressings that often strike a balance between sweet and savory flavors. While many American salads might lean heavily on savory or tangy profiles, Amish versions frequently incorporate a generous amount of sugar (or sometimes Miracle Whip, which is sweeter than mayonnaise) to create a unique, balanced sweetness.
This Amish Broccoli Salad perfectly embodies that tradition. It typically features raw, crisp broccoli florets (sometimes blanched for a softer bite and vibrant color), often cauliflower, bacon for savory depth, shredded cheese, and a sweet and tangy mayonnaise-based dressing. This combination creates a rich, crunchy, and deeply satisfying “salad” that’s a staple at Amish gatherings and a beloved comfort food for many. It’s a testament to how humble ingredients, combined thoughtfully, can create a widely appealing and memorable dish.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious and crunchy Amish Broccoli Salad:
For the Salad:
- 4-5 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh cauliflower florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces (optional, but classic)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds (optional, for extra crunch)
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or a mix of mayonnaise and Miracle Whip)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Swaps and Notes
- Broccoli & Cauliflower: Use fresh florets. For a slightly softer texture and brighter color, you can blanch them quickly (immerse in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water) and then drain and pat very dry before adding to the salad. Most Amish recipes use them raw.
- Red Onion: Provides a nice sharp bite and vibrant color. You can use sweet yellow onion if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Bacon: Cook bacon until it’s extra crispy so it crumbles well and retains crunch in the salad. You can use pre-cooked bacon bits for convenience. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon substitute.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a wonderful tang. Shred your own cheese from a block for the best flavor. Other shredded cheeses like Colby Jack or Monterey Jack can also be used.
- Raisins & Sunflower Seeds: These add classic sweetness and crunch. You can substitute dried cranberries for raisins, or chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts) for sunflower seeds.
- Mayonnaise: Regular mayonnaise works great. For a sweeter, tangier dressing often found in traditional Amish salads, you can use a mix of mayonnaise and Miracle Whip.
- Sugar: The sugar balances the tang of the vinegar and mayonnaise. Adjust to your preferred level of sweetness. For a low-carb or sugar-free version, use your favorite granulated sugar substitute (like erythritol or stevia blend) in equal amounts.
- Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a nice fruitiness to the tang. White vinegar works too.
Steps for the Recipe
Let’s get this delicious Amish Broccoli Salad assembled!
- Prepare Vegetables: Wash and thoroughly dry the fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets. Chop them into bite-sized pieces. If blanching, do so now, then drain and pat very dry. Place the chopped broccoli and cauliflower in a large mixing bowl.
- Add Other Salad Ingredients: Add the finely diced red onion, crumbled crispy bacon, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, raisins (if using), and sunflower seeds (if using) to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Prepare Creamy Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess as needed.
- Combine Salad & Dressing: Pour the creamy dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly until all the vegetables, bacon, and cheese are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill (Crucial!): Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-4 hours, before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and develop beautifully. If making ahead for more than a few hours, consider adding the bacon and sunflower seeds (and raisins) just before serving to maintain their crispness.
- Serve: Give the salad a final gentle toss before serving.
Tips for Success
- Dry Your Veggies: Ensure broccoli and cauliflower are very dry if washing or blanching. Excess water will thin out the dressing.
- Don’t Skimp on Chill Time: Allowing the salad to chill gives the flavors time to meld and penetrate the vegetables, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious final product.
- Adjust Sweetness: Amish salads are known for their sweet dressing. Taste the dressing before combining and adjust sugar to your preference.
- Crispy Bacon: Ensure your bacon is extra crispy, as it will soften slightly once mixed with the dressing.
- Make Ahead Adaptations: If you’re making this more than a few hours in advance, store the crumbled bacon and sunflower seeds separately. Fold them in just before serving for maximum crunch.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Amish Broccoli Salad is an incredibly versatile and crowd-pleasing side dish:
- Potlucks & Picnics: A go-to dish that travels well and is always a hit at gatherings.
- BBQ Companion: Perfect alongside grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, or pulled pork.
- Holiday Side: A refreshing and colorful addition to holiday meals, offering a nice contrast to heavier dishes.
- Light Lunch: Enjoy a larger portion for a satisfying and healthy lunch.
- With Poultry: Complements roasted chicken or turkey beautifully.
- Beverage Pairings: Iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp, light beer would complement this salad nicely.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Amish Broccoli Salad makes fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day!
- Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The broccoli will soften slightly, and the dressing will thicken.
- Re-crisp (Optional): If you find the salad has softened too much, you can add a fresh sprinkle of sunflower seeds or some freshly cooked, crumbled bacon just before serving.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables will not hold their texture well upon thawing.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this fresh, crunchy, and comforting salad, you might also like these other hearty and easy-to-make meals:
- For another fantastic crowd-pleasing side, often found in Midwestern meals, check out my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- If you love quick and flavorful skillet dinners, check out This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
- For truly simple, satisfying comfort food that lets your oven do the work, you’ll love These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays.
- And for a fresh, tangy take on a classic salad, my A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (and There’s No Mayo in Sight!) is excellent.
Final Thoughts
Amish Broccoli Salad is a true triumph of flavor and texture – it offers a unique blend of sweet, savory, and tangy, with an irresistible crunch. It’s perfect for any occasion, a healthy-ish yet deeply satisfying side dish that everyone will enjoy. This recipe is a game-changer that will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
I hope you give this amazing salad a try and enjoy every crunchy bite! Let me know in the comments below if this becomes your new go-to potluck dish, or what your favorite sweet and savory salads are. I always love hearing from you! Happy cooking!
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