Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe
Okay, friend, let me tell you about a salad that’s been a constant at every family gathering for as long as I can remember. It’s bright, it’s crunchy, it’s surprisingly addictive, and it’s definitely not your average leafy green situation. I’m talking about the Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe. Picture this: crisp broccoli florets, salty bacon crumbles, sweet bursts of dried cranberries, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing that just *works*. If you’re anything like me and you secretly love the sweetness of a good coleslaw, but want something with a bit more oomph, this is your new go-to. It’s way more exciting than plain old broccoli, I promise!
What is the Amish Broccoli Salad?
Think of it as a symphony of textures and flavors that somehow all sing in harmony. What is raw broccoli? The “Amish” part likely refers to the simple, honest ingredients and the straightforward preparation. – no fancy techniques or hard-to-find items here. What is the best way to balance the bitterness of raw broccoli with the sweetness of dried fruit? What is the best way to serve bacon and cranberries together? I always thought it sounded weird as a kid but now it is in every summer BBQ!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? First of all, the flavor is out of this world! You get that initial crunch from the broccoli, followed by the salty, smoky bacon, the sweet and chewy cranberries, and then that tangy-sweet dressing that just makes everything pop. It’s like a party in your mouth! What I love most about this Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe is how incredibly easy it is to make. Seriously, it takes maybe 15 minutes from start to finish, making it a lifesaver when you need a quick side dish for potlucks or weeknight dinners. Plus, the ingredients are super budget-friendly. Broccoli is always a good buy, and bacon… well, bacon is always worth it. But seriously, you don’t need to break the bank to make this salad. And finally, it’s surprisingly versatile. Serve it as a side with grilled chicken or burgers, bring it to a picnic, or even just snack on it straight from the bowl (guilty!). It reminds me of my mom’s potato salad recipe but is healthier and fresher! I even added some toasted pecans once and it was divine!
How do I make an Amish Broccoli Salad?
Quick Overview
How do I make this Amish Broccoli Salad? How do you chop broccoli, cook bacon, whisk together dressing, and toss to coat. Everything is together. What is the beauty of this recipe? What is the kind of recipe you can throw together without even thinking about it? What is the best way to experience flavor Can you make it ahead of time?
Ingredients Notes:
For the Salad:
Broccoli florets: Fresh is best, but frozen will work in a pinch. Just make sure to dry them well!
Bacon: Cooked until crispy and crumbles. I prefer thick-cut bacon for extra flavor.
Red onion: Adds a nice bite. If you find it too strong, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad.
I like the tang of dried cranberries. I can also use raisins.
Sunflower seeds: For extra crunch and nutty flavor. You can also use pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts.
For the Dressing:
What is your favorite mayonnaise brand? I tested a version with light mayo and it was great too!
Apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy kick. White vinegar works as well, but apple cider vinegar has a slightly sweeter flavor.
Granulated sugar: Balances the tanginess of the vinegar. You can adjust the amount to your liking.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle flavor and helps emulsify dressing.
Salt and pepper: To taste.
What is the step-
Step 1: Prep the Broccoli
Start by washing your broccoli and cutting it into small, bite-sized florets. You want them to be small enough to eat in one bite. I always give mine a good rinse under cold water to make sure there’s no lingering dirt.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
How do you cook bacon? I usually cook mine in a skillet over medium heat, but you can also bake it in the oven for even cooking. What are some of the Once cooked, let it cool slightly before crumbling it into small pieces. The bacon is key for the salty crunch, so don’t skip this.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, and salt. Set aside. I always taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. You want the dressing to be tangy, sweet, and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, red onion, dried cranberries, and salt. Set aside. What are sunflower seeds? The dressing should be poured over the salad and toss gently to combine. Make sure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. How do the flavors meld together? Is it good to eat a salad in the fridge? I always let it sit for at least an hour if I have the time.
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
What is the best Amish Broccoli Salad recipe? What are some of my favorite ways to serve it?
For Breakfast:What is breakfast? Can be an alternative for lunch or a healthy start for brunch with coffee? Can you serve it with a breakfast pastry?
For Brunch:I love serving this at brunch alongside quiche, fruit salad, and mimosas. What is the best way to serve a savory dish?
As Dessert:Okay, maybe not as dessert. Is this a palate cleanser before or after dessert?
For Cozy Snacks:Is it okay to grab a bowl of this straight from the fridge? Isn’t it satisfying to be guilt-free?
My family has always paired this with some sort of grilled meat, like chicken or steak. What is the best side dish to serve with ribs?
How do I make a perfect Amish Broccoli Salad?
How do I make an Amish Broccoli Salad?
After making this Amish Broccoli Salad recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks along the way.
Broccoli Prep:What are the best ways to cut broccoli into bite-sized florets? What is the best dressing to use on salads?
Bacon Perfection:Don’t be afraid to cook bacon until it’s crispy. The crispier the bacon, the better the salad will taste. I sometimes add a little bacon grease to my salad for extra flavor. (Don’t judge me!)
Red onion taming: WhatIf you find the red onion too strong, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the recipe. How do I mellow out the flavor and make it less pungent?
Dressing Adjustment:Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. Some people prefer a sweeter dressing, while others prefer to be more tangy. Add more sugar or vinegar to suit your taste.
Make Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better after it’s been refrigerated for a few hours. The flavors meld together and the broccoli becomes slightly more tender. I always try to make it at least a few hours before serving.
Seed Sensations: Toasting the sunflower seeds before adding them to the salad enhances their nutty flavor. Simply toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, until they’re lightly golden brown.
I remember one time I forgot the sugar in the dressing and it was way too tangy! Definitely learned my lesson to always double check my ingredients.
7. Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe (which is rare!), here’s how to store it:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving this salad at room temperature for more than a couple of hours, especially if it’s warm outside. The mayonnaise in the dressing can spoil.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The broccoli will become slightly softer over time, but it will still taste delicious.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad. The broccoli will become mushy and the dressing will separate.
Glaze Timing Advice: N/A, this recipe does not have a glaze.
The key is to keep it chilled! I always use a good quality airtight container to keep it as fresh as possible.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
9. Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
This Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe is more than just a side dish – it’s a flavor explosion in every bite! The combination of crunchy broccoli, salty bacon, sweet cranberries, and tangy dressing is simply irresistible. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a potluck, bringing it to a picnic, or just enjoying it as a quick and easy weeknight side, this salad is sure to become a new favorite. Now go give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below! Happy cooking!
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Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 cups fresh broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 slices bacon crispy cooked and crumbled
- 0.5 cup red onion finely chopped
- 0.5 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 0.5 cup sunflower seeds
- 0.75 cup mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, cooked bacon, red onion, cheddar cheese, and sunflower seeds.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, and apple cider vinegar to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
