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Amish Broccoli Salad

Amish Broccoli Salad

Amish Broccoli Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful side dish featuring crisp broccoli florets combined with savory bacon, tangy dressing, and sweet raisins or dried cranberries. This easy-to-make salad balances creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy elements perfectly, making it a versatile addition to potlucks, picnics, or weeknight dinners. Ready in under 30 minutes, it can be customized with simple substitutions to fit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled into bits
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayonnaise / Greek yogurt)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar or honey

Optional Additions

  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or slivered almonds (optional, for crunch)
  • Fresh parsley or chopped chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the broccoli: Wash and chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces to create the perfect crunch and ease of eating.
  2. Cook the bacon: Fry bacon strips until crispy, then drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces to add smoky flavor and texture.
  3. Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the broccoli, bacon bits, diced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and raisins or dried cranberries.
  4. Make the dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar (or honey) until smooth and creamy for the perfect tangy-sweet dressing.
  5. Toss everything together: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and gently toss to coat every bite with delicious flavor.
  6. Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully and the broccoli to soften slightly.

Notes

  • Use fresh broccoli for the best texture and vibrant flavor.
  • Dry any wet ingredients thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
  • Prepare the salad a few hours ahead to enhance flavor blending.
  • Adjust sweetness by tasting and modifying sugar or honey as desired.
  • Add nuts or seeds just before serving to maintain their crunch.
  • If making vegan, replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo and omit bacon.
  • Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative to mayonnaise.
  • Do not freeze; best served cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Keywords: Amish Broccoli Salad, broccoli salad, potluck side dish, creamy broccoli salad, bacon broccoli salad, gluten free salad, easy side dish