If you’ve never tried this refreshing, crunchy, and slightly sweet side dish, you are in for a real treat with Amish Broccoli Salad. This vibrant salad brings together crisp broccoli florets, juicy red grapes, smoky bacon, and a tangy, creamy dressing that creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. It’s a perfect dish for any occasion—whether you’re looking for a wholesome lunch, a potluck showstopper, or a colorful addition to your dinner table. Trust me, once you try this Amish Broccoli Salad, it might just become one of your favorite go-to recipes!

Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of Amish Broccoli Salad lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the crispness of fresh broccoli to the sweet burst of red grapes and the smoky crunch of bacon bits, all brought together by a creamy and tangy dressing.

4 cups fresh broccoli florets: About one large head, providing the hearty crunch and vibrant green color.
1 cup shredded carrots: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and bright orange hue.
1 cup red grapes (halved): Offers bursts of juicy sweetness and a lovely contrast in texture.
1/2 cup cooked bacon bits: Brings a smoky, savory crunch that perfectly balances the sweetness.
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Adds richness and a creamy bite.
1/2 cup sunflower seeds: Delivers a nutty crunch and extra nutrition.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing; you can substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Provides a tangy zip that brightens the dressing.
1 tablespoon sugar: Balances the tang with a touch of sweetness.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.

How to Make Amish Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Start by washing your fresh broccoli thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Cut it into bite-sized florets for easy eating and the best texture combination with the other ingredients. Place these florets in a large mixing bowl, which will be the base of your salad.

Step 2: Combine the Crunchy and Sweet Ingredients

Add the shredded carrots, halved red grapes, cooked bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and sunflower seeds to the bowl with your broccoli. This mix-up of textures and colors already starts to look incredible and gives a hint of the delicious flavors to come.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, season it with salt and pepper to your liking. This dressing perfectly complements the fresh vegetables with its tangy yet indulgent flavor.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Pour your freshly made dressing over the broccoli salad ingredients. Gently toss everything to ensure the dressing coats every piece evenly, but be careful not to bruise the delicate grapes. This step is where all the flavors begin to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Chill to Meld Flavors

Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to blend wonderfully, resulting in a more harmonious and refreshing dish that’s totally worth the wait.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Whether you prefer it chilled straight from the fridge or at room temperature, this Amish Broccoli Salad is ready to make your taste buds sing. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to please any crowd.

How to Serve Amish Broccoli Salad

Garnishes

Add a little extra pop by sprinkling some chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top just before serving. A few extra sunflower seeds or crisp bacon crumbs also make an excellent finishing touch for added texture and color.

Side Dishes

Amish Broccoli Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or even a hearty sandwich. It’s a fantastic counterbalance to smoky, savory dishes, bringing freshness and crunch to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve it in individual mason jars layered with the salad and topping the dressing last for an eye-catching presentation. Alternatively, use hollowed-out mini bell peppers or cucumber cups to make charming single-serving bites that’ll wow guests at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Amish Broccoli Salad keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Keep it chilled to preserve that fresh crunch, and give it a gentle stir before serving again to distribute any dressing that may have settled.

Freezing

Because of its fresh, crunchy ingredients and creamy dressing, this salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing. Freezing will change the texture of the broccoli and grapes, making it less appealing.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Amish Broccoli Salad; it’s designed to be served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warmer, simply let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in Amish Broccoli Salad?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar adds a nice tangy kick, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even Parmesan for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to shred it finely so it mixes well.

Is there a healthier alternative to mayonnaise in the dressing?

Yes, substituting mayonnaise with Greek yogurt is a great way to lighten the salad without sacrificing creaminess. It adds a pleasant tang and packs extra protein, making your Amish Broccoli Salad even more nutritious.

Can I prepare Amish Broccoli Salad without bacon?

Definitely! If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon bits. Adding extra sunflower seeds or toasted nuts can help replace that satisfying crunch and savory depth.

How far in advance can I make Amish Broccoli Salad?

You can prepare the salad up to one day in advance. Just keep it covered and refrigerated to maintain its freshness and crunch. Toss gently before serving to remix the ingredients.

Is it okay to use frozen broccoli for this salad?

Fresh broccoli is best for Amish Broccoli Salad because it maintains a crisp texture. Frozen broccoli tends to be softer after thawing and can make the salad watery, so fresh is definitely recommended.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how easy and delicious Amish Broccoli Salad is to make, I hope you feel inspired to add this delightful dish to your recipe collection. It’s one of those salads that brings fresh flavors, satisfying textures, and a burst of brightness to any meal. Give it a try, and watch how fast it disappears from the table!

Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A fresh and flavorful Amish Broccoli Salad featuring crisp broccoli florets mixed with shredded carrots, sweet red grapes, savory bacon bits, sharp cheddar cheese, and crunchy sunflower seeds, all tossed in a tangy and creamy apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect as a side dish for any meal or a light, satisfying lunch.

Instructions

Prepare Broccoli: Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets. Place the florets in a large mixing bowl.
Add Vegetables and Mix-ins: Add the shredded carrots, halved grapes, cooked bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and sunflower seeds to the bowl with the broccoli.
Make Dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss everything together gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.
Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature as a delicious side dish or light meal.

Notes

For a healthier alternative, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Can customize by adding nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours for enhanced flavor.
Adjust sugar and vinegar amounts to taste for preferred sweetness and tanginess.
This salad is not gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination in bacon; use gluten-free bacon if needed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad, Side Dish
Method: No cooking required, mixing
Cuisine: American, Amish-inspired