If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, crunchy, and delightfully tangy salad that practically bursts with flavor and nostalgia, look no further than this Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe. Combining fresh broccoli florets, crisp bacon, sweet raisins, and a creamy, tangy dressing, this salad stands out as a perfect balance of textures and tastes that’s wonderfully versatile for any meal or gathering. It’s a unique and unforgettable twist on the classic broccoli salad, making it a true crowd-pleaser that’s both refreshing and comforting all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the crunch of fresh broccoli to the sweet bursts of raisins, all tied together by a luscious dressing that brings harmony to the bowl.
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets: The star of the salad, providing a crisp, healthy base that’s full of nutrients and color.
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled: Adds a smoky, salty crunch that perfectly complements the fresh broccoli.
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a mild sharpness that adds depth without overwhelming the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup raisins: Bring natural sweetness and chewy texture to balance the saltier components.
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional): Adds an extra nutty crunch and a subtle earthiness to the salad.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Provides creamy richness to the dressing, creating a smooth coating for all the ingredients.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that brightens the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Infuses the dressing with a gentle acidity that awakens your palate.
- 2 teaspoons sugar: Balances acidity and saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the salad.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and spice.
How to Make Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Start by washing your fresh broccoli thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets, discarding the tougher stems. Pat the florets dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels, as too much moisture can make your salad soggy and less crisp, which we definitely don’t want.
Step 2: Cook and Crumble Bacon
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s perfectly crisp. Drain it on paper towels to remove excess fat, then crumble it into small, bite-sized pieces. This smoky crunch will add fantastic texture and flavor contrast to your salad.
Step 3: Slice the Red Onion
Thinly slice a small red onion. Its mild sharpness cuts through the richness of the dressing and bacon, bringing a nice balance to the overall flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
Step 4: Mix the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined — this creamy, tangy dressing is what ties everything in the Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe together.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and toss together the broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, sliced onion, raisins, and sunflower seeds if you’re using them. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently stir to coat every bite evenly with that delicious, creamy mixture.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to enjoy, serve it cold, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and extra freshness.
How to Serve Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe
Garnishes
While this Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe stands beautifully on its own, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or even a sprinkle of extra sunflower seeds adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that enhances the overall experience. These simple touches elevate the salad’s presentation and taste without overshadowing the core flavors.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains. Think grilled chicken, smoky barbecue ribs, or even a hearty meatloaf. Its bright and creamy qualities make it the ideal refreshing side that balances heavier dishes, making every meal feel just a little more special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe in individual mason jars for picnics or potlucks, layering the ingredients for a visually appealing presentation. Alternatively, use it as a topping for baked potatoes or mix it with grains like quinoa for a more hearty salad variation that keeps things exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, but be mindful that the broccoli might soften slightly the longer it sits. Give it a gentle stir before serving leftovers to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Because of its fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, freezing the Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe is not recommended. The texture of the broccoli and the creaminess of the dressing can change drastically once thawed, losing the salad’s signature crispness.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is not advised. If you prefer, you can bring it to room temperature before serving, but heating it up will compromise the fresh crunch and creamy dressing.
FAQs
Can I substitute the bacon with something vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can use smoked tempeh or crispy roasted chickpeas to maintain that smoky and crunchy element without the bacon. Just season and cook well to mimic the flavor profile.
Is there a way to make this salad healthier?
Sure thing! You can reduce the mayonnaise and sour cream amounts and replace them with Greek yogurt to keep it creamy but lighter in fat. You could also add more veggies like shredded carrots for extra nutrients.
Can this salad be made ahead for a party?
Yes, prepping this salad a few hours in advance is perfect, and it actually tastes better once the flavors meld. Just wait to add sunflower seeds or other crunchy toppings until right before serving to keep their texture.
What’s the best vinegar to use?
Apple cider vinegar is ideal because it adds a mild tang without overpowering the salad. However, white wine vinegar or even distilled white vinegar can be used if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Cheese isn’t traditional in this Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe, but mild cheeses like shredded cheddar or crumbled feta can add another flavor dimension if you enjoy that. Just add sparingly so it doesn’t overpower the delicate balance.
Final Thoughts
This Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe is truly one of those dishes that keeps you coming back for more. With its delightful crunch, perfectly balanced sweetness, and creamy tangy dressing, it’s a guaranteed hit whether you’re bringing it to a family potluck or enjoying it as a refreshing side at home. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how wonderfully simple ingredients come together to create such a memorable salad!
Print
Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This classic Amish Broccoli Salad is a vibrant and crunchy dish featuring fresh broccoli florets, crispy bacon, sweet raisins, and a creamy tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sharpness from red onion and optional sunflower seeds for added texture, this salad is best served chilled and makes a delightful side for any meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash the fresh broccoli thoroughly and cut into bite-sized florets, discarding tough stems. Pat the florets dry completely to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Cook and Crumble Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crisp. Once cooked, drain on paper towels to remove excess grease and crumble into small pieces for mixing.
- Slice the Red Onion: Thinly slice a small red onion to provide a mild, fresh sharpness that complements the salad without overpowering it.
- Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, sliced red onion, raisins, and optional sunflower seeds. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently stir to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or chives.
Notes
- Ensure the broccoli is well-drained and dry to avoid a watery salad.
- The bacon adds a smoky flavor and crunch, but you can omit it to make the salad vegetarian.
- Sunflower seeds are optional but add a nice texture contrast.
- For a sweeter dressing, you can adjust the sugar quantity to taste.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
