Amish Broccoli Salad: 1 Amazing Crowd-Pleaser

Name: Amish Broccoli Salad: 1 Amazing Crowd-Pleaser
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh broccoli; ½ cup red onion, diced; 1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled; ½ cup sunflower seeds; ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 3 tbsp sugar or honey; Salt and pepper to taste

by basmer

8 de September de 2025

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Amish Broccoli Salad has a way of disappearing fast at any gathering, and I totally get why! It’s that perfect balance of fresh, crisp broccoli florets, sweet raisins, crunchy sunflower seeds, and smoky bacon, all coated in a tangy, creamy dressing. I remember the first time I tried an authentic Amish broccoli salad at a church picnic; it was so incredibly delicious and satisfying. It’s become my go-to for potlucks and BBQs because it’s always a huge hit, and honestly, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up. Let’s get this classic salad made!

Why You’ll Love This Amish Broccoli Salad

There are so many reasons this salad is a winner:

It’s incredibly delicious with a perfect sweet and savory flavor profile.
This is an easy Amish broccoli salad that comes together quickly.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for potlucks, picnics, and family dinners.
The combination of textures – crisp broccoli, creamy dressing, and crunchy bits – is divine.
It pairs wonderfully with almost any main course, from grilled chicken to pulled pork.
You can customize it easily with your favorite additions.
The addition of Amish broccoli salad with bacon adds a delightful smoky, salty crunch that everyone loves.
It’s a classic, old-fashioned recipe that brings comforting, familiar flavors to your table.

Amish Broccoli Salad Ingredients

Gathering the right Amish broccoli salad ingredients is the first step to creating this classic dish. This Amish style broccoli salad relies on fresh, crisp ingredients for its signature flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

4 cups fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets – This is the star, so fresh is best for that perfect crispness.
½ cup red onion, finely diced – Adds a little bite and color.
1 cup bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled – The smoky, salty crunch is essential!
½ cup sunflower seeds – For a delightful nutty texture and crunch.
½ cup raisins or dried cranberries – These add pockets of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melty goodness that complements everything.
1 cup mayonnaise – Forms the base of our creamy, tangy dressing.
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar – Provides that signature tanginess to the dressing.
3 tbsp sugar or honey – Balances the vinegar and mayo for a perfect sweet-creamy dressing.
Salt and pepper to taste – To enhance all the flavors.

How to Make Amish Broccoli Salad

Learning how to make Amish broccoli salad is surprisingly simple, and the result is a truly delicious, homemade Amish broccoli salad that will be the star of your next meal. Follow these easy steps to create this classic dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients. Start by washing your broccoli thoroughly. Cut it into bite-sized florets – you want pieces that are easy to eat. Finely dice the red onion; a small dice is best so the flavor is distributed evenly without overpowering the salad.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon. Cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy. This is crucial for that perfect smoky crunch. Once cooked, let it cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared broccoli florets, diced red onion, crumbled bacon, sunflower seeds, raisins (or dried cranberries), and shredded cheddar cheese. Give it a gentle toss to distribute everything evenly.
Step 4: Make the Amish Dressing. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and your chosen sweetener (sugar or honey). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined. The balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet is key here.
Step 5: Dress and Chill. Pour the creamy dressing over the combined salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss everything gently until all the ingredients are well coated. Make sure not to overmix, as you want to maintain the crispness of the broccoli.
Step 6: Refrigerate and Serve. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. This chilling time is essential as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the salad is perfectly cool and refreshing. Before serving your Amish broccoli salad, give it one last gentle stir.

Pro Tips for the Best Amish Broccoli Salad

To elevate your Amish country broccoli salad from good to truly unforgettable, try these simple tricks. They’ll help ensure your salad is always a hit!

For the freshest taste and crispest texture, always start with fresh broccoli. Avoid pre-cut florets if possible, as they can sometimes be a bit softer.
Don’t be afraid to adjust the dressing’s sweetness and tanginess to your preference. A little more vinegar or sugar can make a big difference!
Chilling the salad for at least an hour, or even up to four hours, really allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. This is key for a cohesive taste.
If you’re making this for a large crowd, consider keeping the bacon separate until just before serving to maintain its ultimate crispiness.

What’s the secret to a perfect Amish Broccoli Salad?

The real secret to the best Amish broccoli salad lies in the balance of the dressing and the freshness of the ingredients. A perfectly balanced sweet and tangy dressing coating crisp broccoli is pure magic! For more insights on creating balanced flavors, you might find resources on flavor balancing helpful.

Can I make Amish Broccoli Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad is fantastic for making ahead. I usually prepare it a few hours before a meal, or even the night before. The flavors really have time to deepen and marry, making it even more delicious. You can find more make-ahead meal tips on our site.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Amish Broccoli Salad?

The biggest pitfall is over-dressing the salad, which can make the broccoli soggy. Also, ensure your bacon is truly crisp before crumbling. Lastly, don’t skip the chilling time; it’s crucial for flavor development.

Best Ways to Serve Amish Broccoli Salad

This delightful salad is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic Amish broccoli salad side dish for so many occasions. It’s the perfect accompaniment to hearty main courses. Imagine serving this refreshing salad alongside smoky BBQ ribs or crispy fried chicken at your next summer cookout. It also pairs beautifully with grilled burgers or even a simple roasted chicken. For a true taste of the countryside, consider serving it as part of a larger spread inspired by an Amish country broccoli salad tradition, perhaps with other homemade favorites like cornbread or potato salad.

Nutrition Facts for Amish Broccoli Salad

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional components you can expect in a serving of this delicious Amish broccoli salad. It’s a hearty side that offers a good balance of nutrients.

Calories: 290
Fat: 21 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 8 g
Sugar: 9 g

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, such as the type of sweetener or mayonnaise. For general nutritional information, you can consult resources like the MyFitnessPal database.

How to Store and Reheat Amish Broccoli Salad

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious homemade Amish broccoli salad for several days. Once you’ve finished making it and it’s had a chance to chill, make sure to transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. I usually use glass containers because they don’t absorb odors, and they keep the salad fresh. You can safely store this salad in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. While freezing isn’t really recommended for this particular salad, as the creamy dressing and fresh broccoli can change texture upon thawing, keeping it chilled is perfect.

Since this salad is best served cold, reheating isn’t typically necessary. However, if you find yourself with a very cold day and still want a bite of this classic, you can gently warm it. I’d suggest warming it just enough to take the chill off, perhaps for 15-20 seconds in the microwave, or until it’s slightly warmer than room temperature. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can make the broccoli mushy and affect the creamy dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Amish Broccoli Salad

What is Amish Broccoli Salad?

Amish Broccoli Salad is a classic American side dish known for its delightful combination of fresh, crisp broccoli florets, sweet dried fruit like raisins, crunchy nuts or seeds, smoky bacon, and a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s a staple at potlucks and family gatherings, offering a satisfying balance of textures and flavors that appeals to everyone.

Why is Amish Broccoli Salad so popular?

Its popularity stems from its crowd-pleasing flavor profile – it’s both sweet and savory, with a wonderful mix of creamy, crunchy, and chewy textures. It’s also an incredibly versatile side dish that pairs well with almost any main course, making it a go-to for busy hosts. Plus, its old-fashioned, comforting taste evokes a sense of nostalgia for many.

Can I make Amish Broccoli Salad with different ingredients?

Absolutely! While the classic recipe is fantastic, there are many delicious Amish broccoli salad variations. You can swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped apples, use pecans or almonds instead of sunflower seeds, and add shredded carrots or diced red bell peppers for extra color and crunch. Some people even omit the bacon for a vegetarian version. For more ideas on ingredient swaps, check out our variations guide.

How do I store leftovers of Amish Broccoli Salad?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad typically stays fresh and delicious for about 3 to 4 days. Because it’s best served cold, it doesn’t need reheating, but if you do want to warm it slightly, do so gently to avoid making the broccoli mushy.

Variations of Amish Broccoli Salad You Can Try

While the classic Amish broccoli salad is absolutely delicious, I love experimenting with different Amish broccoli salad variations to keep things interesting! It’s so easy to tweak this recipe to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For instance, if you’re not a fan of raisins, or just want a different kind of sweetness, try swapping them out for dried cranberries or even some chopped dried apricots. They add a lovely tartness that complements the creamy dressing beautifully.

Another fantastic twist is to play with the crunch factor. Instead of sunflower seeds, I’ve used toasted slivered almonds or chopped pecans, and they add such a wonderful nutty depth. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply leave out the bacon! The salad is still incredibly flavorful without it, especially if you add some extra seeds or nuts for crunch. This flexibility is why I adore this salad; it’s truly adaptable! For more adaptable recipes, explore our quick and delicious dishes.