If you’re craving a salad that’s bursting with crunch, a little sweet, a little tangy, and utterly satisfying, then this Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe is going to become your new favorite. It combines fresh, crisp broccoli florets with crispy bacon, sweet raisins, and a creamy dressing that brings it all together beautifully. This salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of textures and flavors that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you’re serving it at a family picnic, a potluck, or just jazzing up your weeknight meal, this recipe is a total winner you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe, you only need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role. From the crunchy broccoli florets to the savory bacon, and the sweet burst provided by raisins, every component adds a layer of flavor and texture that makes the salad so delightful.
- Fresh broccoli florets (4 cups): Choose firm, bright green florets for the best crunch and flavor.
- Cooked bacon (6 slices, crumbled): Adds a salty crispness that contrasts perfectly with the fresh veggies.
- Small red onion (1, thinly sliced): Provides just the right amount of sharpness without overpowering the salad.
- Raisins (1/2 cup): A natural sweet touch that balances the savory elements.
- Sunflower seeds (1/4 cup, optional): Adds an extra nutty crunch if you like a little texture variation.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base that holds the dressing together and makes it luscious.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Brings a slight tang that lightens the dressing.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons): Gives a gentle acidity that brightens the entire salad.
- Sugar (2 teaspoons): Just enough sweetness to enhance the flavors without overwhelming.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors throughout the dish.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a mild, warming spice to finish off the dressing.
How to Make Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Start by washing your fresh broccoli florets thoroughly to remove any grit, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. Make sure to discard the tough stems and pat the florets dry with a towel, as excess moisture can make your salad soggy instead of crisp and refreshing.
Step 2: Cook and Crumble Bacon
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain the excess fat, then crumble it into small pieces. The crispy bacon pieces will add a wonderful texture and savory punch to your Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe.
Step 3: Slice the Red Onion
Thinly slice your small red onion so its flavor is present but not too overpowering. The thin slices contribute a subtle sharpness that provides balance to the creamy and sweet elements of the salad.
Step 4: Mix the Dressing
Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creamy dressing is the heart of the Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe, tying all the ingredients together with its tangy, sweet, and savory notes.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, red onion slices, raisins, and optional sunflower seeds. Pour your freshly mixed dressing over the top and gently stir everything together, ensuring each bite is beautifully coated.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Cover your salad bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time lets all those amazing flavors meld beautifully. Serve your Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe cold, and feel free to garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives is all you need to bring a lovely fresh touch and vibrant color to the salad just before serving. These herbs brighten the look and add an extra hint of flavor that complements the creamy dressing perfectly.
Side Dishes
This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or even a hearty sandwich. Its crisp freshness balances the richness of heavier dishes, making it a fantastic addition to summer cookouts or cozy family dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers or small mason jars for individual servings. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted almonds or swap raisins for dried cranberries to customize the sweetness and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure it’s covered tightly to keep the broccoli crisp. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days, though the broccoli’s texture may soften slightly over time.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad because the creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables can become watery and mushy after thawing, which diminishes the fresh, crisp experience that makes this dish so special.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, it’s meant to be enjoyed chilled. Reheating is unnecessary and would compromise the texture and flavor balance of the Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe. Simply stir it well before serving if it’s been resting in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream for a healthier option?
Absolutely! You can swap in Greek yogurt or a light mayonnaise alternative to reduce calories while keeping that creamy texture. Just keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly, but it’ll still be delicious.
What can I use instead of raisins?
If you’re not a fan of raisins, dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even fresh pomegranate seeds can offer a similar sweet-tart contrast that complements the salad beautifully.
Is it okay to prepare the salad a day ahead?
Yes! Making this salad a day ahead actually helps the flavors develop more depth. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated and give it a gentle stir before serving to recombine any dressing that has settled.
Can I add other vegetables to the Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe?
Feel free to get creative! Chopped celery, shredded carrots, or even diced bell peppers make great additions, adding more crunch and color without overpowering the original flavor.
How do I keep the broccoli crisp and fresh for longer?
Pat your broccoli florets dry before mixing, and store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. Serving it shortly after preparation will ensure maximum crunch and freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe is a delightful mix of textures and flavors that truly feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple to make but packed with so much personality and charm, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try, and prepare to make it a regular staple in your recipe collection—you’ll wonder how you ever did without it!
Print
Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Amish Broccoli Salad is a delightful, crunchy, and creamy salad featuring fresh broccoli florets mixed with crispy bacon, sweet raisins, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar. It’s a perfect side dish for family gatherings or potlucks, combining fresh vegetables and savory-sweet flavors in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Mix-ins
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional)
Bacon
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Dressing
- 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 fresh broccoli thoroughly and cut into bite-sized florets, discarding tough stems. Pat dry carefully to prevent sogginess in the salad.
- Cook and Crumble Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crisp. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels. Once cooled slightly, crumble into small pieces.
- Slice the Red Onion: Thinly slice a small red onion to add a mild sharpness without overpowering the dish. Set aside.
- Mix the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together 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, add the broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, sliced red onion, raisins, and optional sunflower seeds. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently stir to coat everything evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve cold, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or chives for extra color and flavor.
Notes
- Patting the broccoli dry is key to avoiding a watery salad.
- Sunflower seeds are optional but add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
- For a healthier version, use low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream or substitute with Greek yogurt.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead of time; chilling enhances the flavors.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days but may become watery as the broccoli releases moisture.
