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The Only Creamy Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe You’ll Ever Need
I still remember my first real potluck. I was nervous, holding a dish that felt completely inadequate next to the tables laden with family-secret recipes.
Then I saw it. A giant bowl of broccoli salad. It wasn’t the sad, watery kind you sometimes see. This one was vibrant, creamy, and packed with goodies. It was an Amish recipe, someone explained.
One bite and I understood. It was the perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and savory. It wasn’t just a side dish; it was the star of the show.
I’ve spent years perfecting my own version of that unforgettable salad. This recipe is simple, straightforward, and captures that same homemade magic I tasted all those years ago.
What You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. No fancy, hard-to-find items here.
- For the Salad:
- 5-6 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup salted sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Tools Required
You probably have everything you need right in your kitchen.
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl or liquid measuring cup
- Whisk
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Frying pan (for the bacon)
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Creamy Amish Broccoli Salad
The process is as easy as chop, mix, and chill. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble it into small pieces.
Step 2: While the bacon cooks, prepare your vegetables. Chop the broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the red onion.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, diced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sunflower seeds, and raisins.
Step 4: In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing. Whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and the sugar has dissolved.
Step 5: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Gently stir everything together until the salad is evenly coated.
Step 6: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This chilling time is crucial for the flavors to meld together.
Pro Tips
After making this dozens of times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take it from good to great.
- Blanch the Broccoli: For a more tender-crisp texture and a brighter green color, you can blanch the broccoli. Drop the florets into boiling water for 60 seconds, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Dry them thoroughly before adding to the salad.
- Don’t Skip the Chill Time: I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but letting the salad rest in the fridge is a game-changer. It allows the broccoli and onion to soften slightly and absorb the amazing flavor of the dressing.
- Uniform Size Matters: Try to chop your broccoli, onion, and cheese to a relatively similar, small size. This ensures you get a perfect combination of every flavor and texture in each spoonful.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is a great starting point. Feel free to customize it based on what you have or what you like.
| Ingredient | Substitution Idea | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon | Turkey bacon or prosciutto | Omit entirely for vegetarian. |
| Cheddar Cheese | Colby, Swiss, or a blend | Smoked gouda adds a nice twist. |
| Sunflower Seeds | Toasted pecans or sliced almonds | Adds a different crunch. |
| Mayonnaise | Plain Greek yogurt (half or all) | Creates a tangier, lighter dressing. |
Nutrition, Diets, and Pairings
Let’s break down how to fit this salad into your lifestyle.
Nutritional Snapshot
This is an estimate per serving, assuming the recipe makes about 8 servings.
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Fat | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 9g |
Ingredient Swaps for Different Diets
- Keto/Low-Carb: Replace the sugar with a powdered sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit. Omit the raisins to lower the carb count significantly.
- Vegetarian: Simply leave out the bacon. To add a similar savory, smoky flavor, try using a pinch of smoked paprika in the dressing or adding some smoked, toasted nuts.
- Lighter Version: Substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. This will cut down on fat and calories while adding a protein boost and a pleasant tang.
Meal Pairing Suggestions
This salad is the ultimate team player. It goes well with almost any main course you’d find at a picnic or BBQ.
Try serving it alongside grilled chicken, juicy burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, or a perfectly cooked steak. It cuts through rich, savory flavors beautifully.
Make-Ahead & Efficiency Tips
You can easily prep this salad in stages to save time.
Chop the broccoli and onion and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cook and crumble the bacon ahead of time. The dressing can be mixed and stored in a separate jar for up to a week.
When you’re ready, just combine everything and let it chill.
Leftovers and Storage
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they store quite well.
Place the salad in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.
The broccoli will soften a bit more each day, but the flavor remains fantastic. I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the creamy dressing will not hold up well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Ans: I strongly advise against it. Frozen broccoli releases a lot of water when it thaws, which will result in a very soggy and watery salad. Fresh broccoli is essential for the signature crunch.
Q2. My dressing seems a little thin. What can I do?
Ans: The dressing will thicken as it chills in the refrigerator. If it still seems too thin for your liking after an hour, you can whisk in another tablespoon or two of mayonnaise to get the consistency you prefer.
Q3. Is this salad very sweet?
Ans: It has a classic sweet and tangy profile, which is characteristic of Amish-style salads. If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the sugar to 2 or 3 tablespoons and taste as you go.
Q4. Can I add other vegetables?
Ans: Absolutely! Shredded carrots or finely chopped cauliflower are excellent additions that work well with the other flavors and add another layer of crunch.
Wrapping Up
There’s a simple, honest goodness to this Creamy Amish Broccoli Salad. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings people together, whether it’s at a summer barbecue, a holiday gathering, or just a Tuesday night dinner.
I hope this recipe brings a little of that potluck magic to your own table.
Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to make it your own. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so please drop a comment below with your experience or any creative twists you added!
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