Brighten your next gathering with Amish Broccoli Salad, a crunchy, creamy Potluck Side that blends fresh broccoli, smoky bacon, sweet raisins, and a tangy dressing. This vibrant side dish is perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or picnics, offering a balance of textures and flavors that everyone loves. Quick to prep and make-ahead friendly, Amish Broccoli Salad is a must-have for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Amish Broccoli Salad
This Amish Broccoli Salad is a standout Potluck Side:
- Fresh Crunch: Crisp broccoli and bacon deliver bold textures.
- Quick Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A hit at any potluck or barbecue.
- Make-Ahead: Flavors deepen in the fridge for easy planning.
- Kid-Friendly: Sweet dressing wins over picky eaters.
- I served this at a picnic, and it was the star Potluck Side!
Ingredients for Amish Broccoli Salad
Here’s what you’ll need for Amish Broccoli Salad (serves 8–10):
- 6 cups broccoli florets (about 2 heads), fresh
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup raisins
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds or sliced almonds (optional)
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Ingredient Tips:
- Broccoli: Use fresh for crunch; cut into bite-sized florets.
- Bacon: Bake or fry until crispy; drain well to avoid grease.
- Raisins: Soak briefly in warm water to plump if desired.
- Mayonnaise: Full-fat for creaminess; low-fat works too.
- Equipment: Large mixing bowl, skillet, whisk, cutting board.
Directions for Amish Broccoli Salad
Let’s create this delightful Amish Broccoli Salad!
Prep Broccoli
I rinse 6 cups broccoli florets thoroughly under cold water, drain, and pat dry. I cut into small, bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
Cook Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, I cook 8 slices bacon until crispy, about 6–8 minutes. I drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.
Slice Onion
I thinly slice ½ cup red onion for a mild, sharp bite that complements the salad.
Make Dressing
In a small bowl, I whisk ¾ cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp sugar, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper until smooth and creamy.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, I toss 6 cups broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, sliced onion, ½ cup raisins, and ¼ cup sunflower seeds or almonds (if using).
Add Dressing and Chill
I pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. I cover and refrigerate the Amish Broccoli Salad for at least 1 hour to meld flavors.
Serve
I serve the Amish Broccoli Salad chilled, garnished with extra bacon or parsley if desired.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 8–10
- Calories: ~250 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 15g carbs, 5g protein, 20g fat, 3g fiber
Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan mayo or Greek yogurt for the dressing.
- Nut-Free: Skip nuts and add pumpkin seeds or omit entirely.
- Fruity: Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped apples.
- Vegan: Replace bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeño for heat.
Storage
- I store Amish Broccoli Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, keeping it fresh and crunchy.
- I avoid freezing due to the creamy dressing and raw veggies, which lose texture when thawed.
- I stir gently before serving leftovers to redistribute the dressing.
Serving Ideas
Make your Amish Broccoli Salad a vibrant Potluck Side:
- Classic: Serve chilled as a side with grilled meats or sandwiches.
- Festive: Present in mini bell pepper cups for a Potluck Side appetizer.
- Layered: Show off colors in a clear glass bowl for gatherings.
- Pairing: Enjoy with barbecue chicken or pulled pork for balance.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with parsley or extra bacon for a pop of color.
FAQs:
Can I use frozen broccoli for Amish Broccoli Salad?
It’s best to use fresh broccoli to maintain the salad’s crisp texture and fresh flavor, as frozen broccoli tends to become mushy when thawed.
Is Amish Broccoli Salad gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, but always double-check packaged items like bacon and mayonnaise for any gluten-containing additives.
How long should I refrigerate the salad before serving?
For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least one hour so the dressing can fully meld with the broccoli and other ingredients.
Can I make Amish Broccoli Salad vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative and replace bacon bits with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon for a smoky flavor.
What if I don’t like raisins?
You can omit raisins or substitute with dried cranberries or chopped dates to add natural sweetness to the salad.
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Conclusion
Amish Broccoli Salad is a fresh, creamy Potluck Side that combines crunchy broccoli, savory bacon, and a tangy-sweet dressing for a dish that shines at any gathering. Easy to prepare, versatile, and universally loved, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Whip up Amish Broccoli Salad today and elevate your next meal!
Amish Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
Vegetables & Fruits
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup raisins
- Optional: 1 cup shredded carrots or chopped celery for extra crunch and color
- Optional: ½ cup chopped apples or dried cranberries for a fruit twist
Meat & Nuts
- 6 slices bacon cooked until crispy and crumbled
- Optional: ⅓ cup sunflower seeds or sliced almonds toasted for extra flavor
- Optional nut-free: substitute nuts/seeds with pumpkin seeds or hemp hearts
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise or vegan mayonnaise/Greek yogurt for dairy-free
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar adjust to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
- Chili flakes or diced jalapeño for spicy kick
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Rinse fresh broccoli thoroughly and cut into small, bite-sized florets. Pat dry or drain excess water to ensure extra crispness in the salad.
- Cook the Bacon: Cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels then crumble into small pieces for easy mixing.
- Slice the Onion: Thinly slice a small red onion to maintain mild, subtle sharpness that brightens the salad without overpowering other flavors.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss broccoli florets, bacon bits, sliced onion, raisins, and optional nuts or seeds. Add any additional veggies or fruit if using.
- Add Dressing and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli instead of frozen for best crunch and flavor.
- Chilling the salad for at least one hour intensifies flavors and softens the raw onion slightly.
- Adjust sugar in the dressing to balance vinegar’s tartness to your preference.
- For crispier bacon, bake bacon on a sheet pan instead of skillet.
- Lightly toast nuts or seeds before adding to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- To make vegan: use vegan mayonnaise and substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon.
- Omit raisins if desired or replace with dried cranberries or chopped dates for natural sweetness.
- Do not freeze the salad as freezing affects texture and flavor.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature; do not reheat.
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