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