Amish Broccoli Salad
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.
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.