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Amish Broccoli Salad

Amish Broccoli Salad
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Amish Broccoli Salad is a fresh, creamy, and crunchy side dish that combines vibrant broccoli florets with a tangy, slightly sweet dressing, smoky bacon, cheddar cheese, and crunchy nuts or seeds. Perfect for potlucks, family picnics, or holiday gatherings, this easy-to-make salad balances flavors and textures that delight every palate. It’s versatile, make-ahead friendly, and can be customized to suit dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (bite-sized)
  • 6 strips cooked and crumbled bacon
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese cubes or shredded cheddar
  • 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prep the Broccoli: Wash and chop fresh broccoli into small, bite-sized florets to ensure they are easy to eat and blend nicely with the other ingredients.
  2. Cook and Crumble the Bacon: Fry bacon strips until crisp, drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces to add smoky richness and crunchy texture.
  3. Chop Additional Ingredients: Finely dice the red onion, cube or shred the cheddar cheese, and if desired, chop nuts or mix in dried fruit like raisins or cranberries.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined, creating a tangy dressing with a touch of sweetness.
  5. Combine and Toss: Place all prepared ingredients (broccoli, bacon, onion, nuts, cheese, dried fruit) in a large mixing bowl, pour the dressing over, and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and the broccoli to soften slightly while retaining crunch.

Notes

  • Use fresh, firm, bright green broccoli to keep the salad vibrant and crisp.
  • Add dressing gradually to prevent sogginess and maintain crunch.
  • Refrigerate thoroughly to meld flavors perfectly before serving.
  • Cook bacon until very crispy for the best texture contrast.
  • Adjust sugar amount in the dressing to balance tanginess and sweetness according to your preference.
  • This salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance for better flavor melding but is best eaten within 1-2 days.
  • Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; stir before serving to redistribute dressing.
  • This salad does not freeze well due to fresh vegetables and creamy dressing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Amish Broccoli Salad, broccoli salad, creamy broccoli salad, potluck salad, bacon broccoli salad, crunchy salad, make-ahead salad, gluten free salad

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/amish-broccoli-salad/