Crisp Countryside Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe Everyone Loves

Broccoli takes center stage in this incredible amish broccoli salad that delivers a symphony of textures and flavors.

Crisp florets mingle with smoky bacon bits and sweet red onions for an irresistible combination.

Creamy mayonnaise binds the ingredients together, creating a delightful contrast to the crunchy elements.

Sunflower seeds add a subtle nutty undertone that elevates every bite.

Sharp cheddar cheese provides an extra layer of richness to this classic summer side dish.

The tangy dressing brings a zesty punch that makes this salad absolutely unforgettable.

Serve this crowd-pleasing recipe at your next picnic or potluck, and watch how quickly it disappears from the serving bowl.

Tips for Dressing and Crunch in Broccoli Salad

• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the dressing for an extra kick that elevates the salad's taste profile.
• Prepare the components separately and combine just before serving to keep the bacon crisp and vegetables crunchy, preventing soggy texture.
• Replace sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia or erythritol, and swap sunflower seeds for chopped almonds to create a low-carb friendly version.
• Omit bacon and use smoked tofu or coconut bacon bits for a vegetarian alternative that maintains the smoky, savory essence of the original recipe.
• Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo, and use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious salad.

Serve Amish Broccoli Salad for BBQs or Potlucks

• Fresh Picnic Companion: Pack this salad in a sealed container for outdoor gatherings, ensuring it stays chilled and crisp during summer potlucks or family reunions.
• Hearty Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled meats like barbecue chicken, pulled pork, or steak for a delightful complement that adds crunch and flavor to your main course.
• Meal Prep: Prepare the salad in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or make-ahead dinner sides that taste even better the next day.
• Veggie Boost Option: Customize by adding extra vegetables like chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or cucumber chunks to increase nutritional value and provide additional textures.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 6

Amish Broccoli Salad Ingredient Checklist

• Broccoli Florets: Crisp green veggie packed with nutrients, choose bright green and firm florets without yellowing or soft spots.
• Red Onion: Sharp flavor enhancer that adds vibrant color and zesty crunch, select firm onions with smooth, shiny skin.
• Sunflower Seeds: Provides delightful nutty texture and healthy protein boost, opt for raw or roasted unsalted seeds.

• Bacon: Smoky, crispy element that delivers rich flavor and satisfying saltiness, choose thick-cut for better texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Creamy, tangy component that adds depth and richness, select sharp or mild based on personal preference.

• Mayonnaise: Smooth, creamy base that binds ingredients, use full-fat version for best taste and consistency.
• Sugar: Balances tanginess and adds subtle sweetness, white granulated works perfectly.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings bright, acidic notes that enhance overall flavor profile, look for unpasteurized if possible.

Tools That Help Toss the Best Amish Broccoli Salad

• Mixing Bowl (Large): Perfect for combining all the salad ingredients and tossing with dressing.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dressing ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for preparing the creamy dressing before mixing with salad.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping broccoli and red onion.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise vegetable and bacon preparation.

Mix Amish Broccoli Salad for Crisp, Creamy Results

• Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

Grab a small bowl and blend mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar until silky smooth. Taste and tweak the flavor to make it perfectly tangy and sweet.

• Mix the Colorful Ingredients

Toss broccoli, chopped red onion, sharp cheddar, sunflower seeds, and crispy bacon pieces into a large bowl. Make sure everything looks vibrant and exciting.

• Coat and Combine

Drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad and gently stir until every morsel is deliciously covered. The colors and textures will start to dance together.

• Chill and Enjoy

Pop the salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This lets all the flavors mingle and get to know each other. When ready, serve this crowd-pleasing dish cold and watch everyone’s faces light up with the first bite.

Store It Cool for the Perfect Bite Next Time

• Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 1 hour to enhance flavor fusion and allow ingredients to blend perfectly. The cooling process helps the dressing penetrate the broccoli and bacon, creating a more delicious taste profile.
• This salad can be prepared up to 24 hours before serving, making it ideal for meal planning and potluck gatherings. Prepare the components separately and combine just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness.
• Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep bacon and seeds separate until serving to prevent sogginess and maintain optimal texture.
• For best results, chop broccoli and prepare bacon right before mixing to ensure maximum crispness and prevent wilting. Drain bacon thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the salad soggy.

FAQs

• Is this salad healthy?

While delicious, this salad has some nutritious elements like broccoli which is rich in vitamins and minerals, but it also contains high-calorie ingredients like bacon and mayonnaise. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

• Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon alternatives like tempeh bacon or coconut bacon bits. The other ingredients are already vegetarian-friendly.

• How long can the salad stay fresh?

This salad can typically stay fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container. After that, the broccoli might start to lose its crispness and the dressing could separate.

• What if I don't have sunflower seeds?

No problem! You can substitute with other crunchy options like chopped almonds, pumpkin seeds, or pecans to maintain the salad’s textural contrast.

Crunchy Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy, tangy Amish Broccoli Salad blends crisp vegetables with a rich dressing for a classic side dish. Bacon crumbles and sunflower seeds provide delightful crunch, making this recipe an irresistible addition to summer gatherings that you’ll savor with each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

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• 6 cups (450 g / 16 oz) broccoli florets, chopped bite-sized
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ½ cup (75 g / 2.6 oz) cheddar cheese, shredded or diced
• ½ cup (75 g / 2.6 oz) red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup (35 g / 1.2 oz) sunflower seeds or chopped almonds
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) mayonnaise
• 2 tbsps granulated sugar
• 2 tbsps apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

1. Dressing Preparation: Whisk mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-blended, calibrating the sweet-tangy balance to taste.
2. Ingredient Assembly: In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, red onion slices, cheddar cheese bits, sunflower seeds, and crumbled bacon, creating a vibrant and textural foundation for the salad.
3. Flavor Infusion: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture, gently folding and rotating the ingredients to ensure complete and even coating, allowing each component to absorb the creamy dressing.
4. Flavor Melding: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour, enabling the ingredients to marinate and develop a harmonious flavor profile that enhances the overall taste experience.
5. Serving Presentation: Remove the chilled salad from the refrigerator and serve as a refreshing side dish, showcasing the delightful interplay of crisp vegetables, savory bacon, and creamy dressing.

Notes

• Preserve Crunch: Avoid overdressing the salad to maintain the crisp texture of broccoli and sunflower seeds.
• Customize Protein: Swap bacon with turkey bacon or tempeh for vegetarian and lower-fat alternatives.
• Balance Sweetness: Adjust sugar quantity based on personal taste preferences, considering the tangy vinegar.
• Advance Preparation: Prepare salad up to 24 hours ahead, allowing flavors to develop while keeping vegetables crisp.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 85
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg