Flavorful Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe: A Homestyle Delight

Crafting an irresistible amish broccoli salad combines rustic charm with fresh, vibrant ingredients that dance together beautifully.

Crisp green florets mingle with smoky bacon bits, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

Creamy dressing coats each morsel, promising a delightful crunch in every bite.

Sweet and tangy notes weave through the dish, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.

Packed with wholesome goodness, this salad breaks free from bland vegetable stereotypes.

Generations have cherished similar recipes, passing down culinary traditions that warm hearts and spark conversations.

Broccoli Salad That’s Creamy, Crunchy, and Always a Hit

• Effortless Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with vibrant ingredients, this salad wins hearts at potlucks, family gatherings, and summer picnics with its irresistible blend of textures and flavors.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: No complex cooking techniques needed – just chop, mix, and toss, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Loaded with fresh broccoli, protein-rich bacon, and nutrient-dense nuts and fruits, this salad offers a balanced and wholesome meal that feels indulgent yet healthy.
• Customizable Delight: Easily swap ingredients to match dietary preferences or pantry availability, ensuring everyone can enjoy this versatile and adaptable recipe.

Amish Broccoli Salad Ingredient List

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that provides a crisp base for the salad.
• Red Onion: Sharp and crunchy vegetable that adds a zesty flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Creamy and tangy cheese that adds richness.
• Bacon: Crispy and salty protein that brings a smoky flavor.

• Sunflower Seeds: Nutty and textural element for extra crunch.
• Dried Cranberries: Sweet and chewy fruit that balances the savory ingredients.
• Apple: Crisp fruit that adds a fresh and slightly tart note.

• Mayonnaise, Apple Cider Vinegar: Creamy and tangy base for the dressing.
• Sugar, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.

Amish Broccoli Salad How to Make This Creamy Favorite

Step 1: Chop Fresh Ingredients

Carefully dice the red onion into small pieces. Cut broccoli florets into bite-sized chunks. Crumble crispy bacon. Shred cheddar cheese. Dice apple into small cubes.

Step 2: Combine Salad Components

• Broccoli florets
• Diced red onion
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crumbled bacon
• Sunflower seeds
• Dried cranberries
• Diced apple

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Sugar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Mix and Coat

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently stir and toss until every piece is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 5: Chill and Enhance Flavors

Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour. This resting time allows the flavors to mingle and intensify.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from refrigerator just before serving. Give a quick stir and serve cold as a refreshing side dish or light lunch option.

Salad Tips for Amish Broccoli Flavor Balance

• Boost Bacon Crispiness: Bake bacon in the oven for extra crunch and even cooking before crumbling into the salad.
• Swap Ingredients Smartly: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich dressing that's equally creamy.
• Prevent Soggy Salad: Add seeds and bacon just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and prevent them from getting soft.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the salad a day in advance, keeping wet and dry ingredients separate until right before serving to preserve freshness.
• Dietary Flexibility: For a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with roasted sunflower seeds or crispy tempeh bits for added protein and crunch.

How to Store Amish Broccoli Salad Properly

• Store the salad in a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the crunch and flavor intact.
• Keep the dressing separately in a small jar to prevent soggy ingredients, mixing just before serving to maintain the salad's crisp texture.
• Gently stir the salad at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to refresh the ingredients and blend flavors.
• Do not freeze this salad, as it will destroy the crisp vegetables and change the creamy dressing's consistency.

Broccoli Salad Amish Style Side Picks

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy dressing and creamy texture of the salad.
• Complement with Grilled Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or honey-glazed ham to balance the salad's crunchy elements and add protein depth.
• Create a Picnic Platter: Add crusty sourdough bread or buttery crackers to provide additional crunch and help soak up the delicious dressing.
• Match with Summer Beverage: Enjoy with an Arnold Palmer (half iced tea, half lemonade) to refresh the palate and enhance the salad's sweet and savory notes.

Amish Broccoli Salad Ingredient Swaps

• Vegan Broccoli Crunch: Replace bacon with crispy tempeh bits, use vegan mayonnaise, swap honey or sugar with maple syrup, and add roasted pumpkin seeds for extra protein.
• Low-Carb Broccoli Salad: Eliminate dried cranberries and apples, increase sunflower seeds, use sugar-free sweetener instead of sugar, and add chopped almonds for additional crunch.
• Greek-Inspired Broccoli Salad: Substitute cheddar with crumbled feta cheese, replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle with fresh oregano.
• Dairy-Free Broccoli Mix: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, coconut-based mayonnaise, add roasted cashews, and include chopped fresh herbs like parsley for enhanced flavor.

FAQs

• Why use sunflower seeds in this salad?

Sunflower seeds add a delightful nutty crunch and extra protein to the salad, creating a more complex texture and providing healthy fats and minerals.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad actually tastes better when prepared a few hours in advance, allowing the flavors to blend and develop more depth in the refrigerator.

• Is this salad healthy?

While delicious, this salad is a mix of nutritious ingredients like broccoli and some indulgent components like bacon and cheese, making it a balanced side dish with good nutritional value.

• How can I make this salad vegetarian?

Simply omit the bacon or replace it with crispy roasted nuts or plant-based bacon bits to maintain the crunchy texture and smoky flavor profile.

Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Amish broccoli salad blends crisp vegetables with tangy dressing, creating a classic summer side dish. Crunchy bacon, sharp cheddar, and sweet onions deliver irresistible flavor combinations you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Vegetables and Fruits):

• 6 cups broccoli florets
• 1 large apple, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced

Protein and Dairy:

• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled

Garnish and Extras:

• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins

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Instructions

1. Chop fresh broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform size for consistent texture and even dressing coverage.
2. Finely dice red onion to distribute a sharp, pungent flavor throughout the salad without overwhelming other ingredients.
3. Crumble crispy bacon into small, irregular pieces to provide smoky, salty bursts of flavor in each bite.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously to add creamy richness and tangy undertones to the salad.
5. Scatter sunflower seeds to introduce a nutty crunch and subtle earthy dimension to the overall texture.
6. Toss in dried cranberries for a sweet-tart counterpoint that brightens the salad’s flavor profile.
7. Dice apple into small cubes to contribute a fresh, crisp element and natural sweetness.
8. Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until the dressing becomes smooth and fully incorporated.
9. Pour dressing over ingredients and gently fold to ensure every component is evenly coated, preventing any dry spots.
10. Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour, allowing flavors to meld and intensify, creating a harmonious taste experience.
11. Serve chilled, preferably within 24 hours of preparation to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

Notes

• Slice broccoli florets into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even dressing coverage and consistent texture throughout the salad.
• Customize the salad by swapping bacon with crispy tempeh or roasted nuts for vegetarian and vegan alternatives that maintain the signature crunch.
• Toast sunflower seeds beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add an extra layer of depth to the overall taste profile.
• Reduce sugar in the dressing for a tangier version or use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to lower calorie content while keeping the creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg