Amish Broccoli Salad
Are you looking for a healthy, flavorful, and simple side dish that pairs well with any meal? This Amish Broccoli Salad is your answer! Crunchy, fresh broccoli mixed with a creamy, tangy dressing and topped with bacon, cheese, and sunflower seeds—this salad is a delightful balance of textures and flavors. The Amish take on broccoli salad brings you wholesome ingredients with a homestyle twist, making it a perfect dish for potlucks, family gatherings, or even as a nutritious addition to your weekday dinners.
What Makes Amish Broccoli Salad Special?
The beauty of Amish cooking lies in its simplicity, and this broccoli salad is no exception. The Amish Broccoli Salad is a great option for those who love traditional flavors but want something a little different from the usual coleslaw or green salad. It’s easy to prepare, full of nutrients, and tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded together. It’s perfect for busy families or anyone who wants a healthy, make-ahead dish.
Ingredients for Amish Broccoli Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to create this tasty, hearty Amish Broccoli Salad:
For the Salad:
- 6 cups broccoli florets (bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional for a sweet twist)
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
To make Amish Broccoli Salad, you don’t need any fancy tools—just a few basic kitchen items:
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl (for the dressing)
- Whisk
- Knife for chopping the ingredients
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Broccoli and Ingredients
Start by cutting the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Finely chop the red onion, shred the cheddar cheese, and crumble the cooked bacon. Add everything to the bowl along with the sunflower seeds and raisins (if using).
2. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. This creamy dressing is the key to giving the salad its tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
3. Toss and Combine
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated. Once mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to let the flavors meld.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Before serving, give the salad one final toss. If you like, you can garnish with extra bacon or sunflower seeds on top. This salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, or any hearty meal.
Recipe Tips and Variations
Here are some helpful tips and variations to make this Amish Broccoli Salad even better:
- Add Protein: For a more filling dish, consider adding cooked chicken or turkey for a protein boost.
- Swap Ingredients: If you’re not a fan of raisins or sunflower seeds, swap them for cranberries or pumpkin seeds. You can also replace cheddar with other cheese varieties like feta or gouda.
- Lighter Version: Want to cut back on calories? Try using Greek yogurt or a combination of yogurt and mayo for a lighter dressing.
- Make Ahead: This salad is a great make-ahead option as it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. Just keep the sunflower seeds and bacon aside until right before serving to maintain their crunch.
How to Store Leftovers
Amish Broccoli Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom. If the salad gets a bit soggy, add fresh sunflower seeds or bacon bits to restore some of the crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Amish Broccoli Salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, this salad tastes even better when made ahead and refrigerated for at least an hour before serving. You can make it a day in advance for a stress-free meal.
Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad?
While fresh broccoli is recommended for the best crunch, you can use frozen broccoli in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid a watery salad.
Is there a way to make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the bacon or replace it with plant-based bacon or nuts for a vegetarian version of this Amish Broccoli Salad.
What should I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled chicken, roasted pork, or even sandwiches. It’s also a great option to bring to potlucks or BBQs.
A Perfect Salad for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, attending a potluck, or simply craving a fresh, healthy side dish, this Amish Broccoli Salad is sure to be a hit. Its crunchy texture and delicious blend of savory and sweet flavors make it a favorite for all ages.
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Amish Broccoli Salad
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl (for the dressing)
- Whisk
- Knife for chopping the ingredients
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups broccoli florets bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbled
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries optional for a sweet twist
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli and Ingredients
- Start by cutting the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Finely chop the red onion, shred the cheddar cheese, and crumble the cooked bacon. Add everything to the bowl along with the sunflower seeds and raisins (if using).
- Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. This creamy dressing is the key to giving the salad its tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Toss and Combine
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated. Once mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to let the flavors meld.
- Serve and Enjoy!
- Before serving, give the salad one final toss. If you like, you can garnish with extra bacon or sunflower seeds on top. This salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, or any hearty meal.
Notes
Swap Ingredients: If you’re not a fan of raisins or sunflower seeds, swap them for cranberries or pumpkin seeds. You can also replace cheddar with other cheese varieties like feta or gouda.
Lighter Version: Want to cut back on calories? Try using Greek yogurt or a combination of yogurt and mayo for a lighter dressing.
Make Ahead: This salad is a great make-ahead option as it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. Just keep the sunflower seeds and bacon aside until right before serving to maintain their crunch.
How to Store Leftovers
Amish Broccoli Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom. If the salad gets a bit soggy, add fresh sunflower seeds or bacon bits to restore some of the crunch.