If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant side dish that bursts with a balance of crunchy textures and tangy, creamy flavors, then this Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic dish effortlessly pairs blanched broccoli and cauliflower with sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and a luscious dressing that’s lightly sweetened and tangy. It’s a hearty yet refreshing salad perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just brightening up your weeknight meals. Once you try this Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe, I promise it’ll become one of your go-to favorites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to add a specific texture or flavor, making this salad both satisfying and refreshing. From crisp veggies to creamy dressing, every element plays a vital role.
- 4 cups broccoli florets (blanched): Provides a crisp, healthy base that retains a bright green color and a tender crunch.
- 3 cups cauliflower florets (blanched): Adds a lovely contrast in texture and mild sweetness to balance the broccoli.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a tangy sharpness and creamy texture that melts slightly into the salad.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion: Adds a gentle bite and subtle color contrast without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup crispy crumbled bacon: Introduces a savory crunch and smoky richness that enhances every bite.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing for a luscious coating.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and a smooth texture to balance the mayonnaise.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Provides bright acidity, cutting through the richness and elevating the salad.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the tang and savoriness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that highlight all the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe
Step 1: Blanch the Vegetables
Start by immersing the broccoli and cauliflower florets in boiling water for just 2 minutes. This briefly softens them while preserving their vibrant color and bite. Immediately transfer them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process and keep the crunch. Once cooled, drain thoroughly and gently pat dry to avoid watering down the salad.
Step 2: Combine the Veggies and Mix-ins
Next, toss the blanched broccoli and cauliflower together in a large bowl with the shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped red onion, and crispy crumbled bacon. These add-ins transform the salad from simple veggies to a medley of textures and flavors that tease your palate.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, along with salt and pepper until you get a smooth, well-blended dressing. This combination is the heart of the Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe, delivering the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet.
Step 4: Toss Salad with Dressing
Pour the dressing over your vegetable and cheese mixture, then gently toss everything until evenly coated. This careful mixing ensures every bite is packed with flavor without bruising the vegetables. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour so the flavors have time to meld and the salad chills to perfection.
Step 5: Final Toss and Serve
Right before service, give the salad one last gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. If you want to amp up your presentation and flavor, sprinkle additional bacon bits and shredded cheese on top. This final touch makes the Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe look irresistible and taste just that much better.
How to Serve Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance this salad with crunchy extras like toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds for added texture. Freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can also brighten up the dish and add a hint of complexity. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few chopped fresh herbs such as chives or parsley bring a pop of freshness.
Side Dishes
This Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe pairs amazingly well with grilled chicken, baked ham, or your favorite barbecue fare. It’s a classic companion to hearty dishes, providing a refreshing contrast that balances rich, smoky, or savory mains beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider layering this salad in a clear glass bowl to showcase all the vibrant colors and textures for a stunning visual effect. For casual gatherings, serve it in mini lettuce cups or as a topping on baked potatoes. This salad also works great as a filling for wraps or sandwiches, adding flavor and crunch to lunchtime favorites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge and keeps fresh for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, avoid adding any extra garnish until ready to serve again. Give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or chilled; freezing is not recommended as the broccoli, cauliflower, and dressing can become watery and lose their texture once thawed. Stick to storing it in the refrigerator for the best taste and mouthfeel.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, it’s served chilled and does not require reheating. If you prefer it at room temperature, simply let it sit out for 20 minutes before serving. The flavors deepen as it sits, making each bite more delightful.
FAQs
Can I use raw broccoli and cauliflower instead of blanching?
You can use raw florets, but blanching softens the vegetables slightly, releasing some of their bitterness and making them easier to digest while preserving crunch. It also helps the salad’s flavors meld better.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and use vegan mayonnaise and sour cream. Omit the bacon or replace it with coconut bacon for a smoky crunch.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
Refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, but overnight chilling is even better. This allows the dressing to fully penetrate the vegetables and flavors to develop beautifully.
Can I prepare this salad in advance for a potluck?
Yes! It’s a fantastic make-ahead dish. Just prepare everything up to tossing with dressing, then combine and chill right before heading out. This keeps the salad fresh and vibrant.
What’s the best way to keep bacon crispy in the salad?
Add most of the bacon when you toss the salad but reserve some crumbles for garnishing just before serving. This way, your salad has that smoky crunch throughout and an extra crispy touch on top.
Final Thoughts
This Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe is truly a gem that blends wholesome ingredients into a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Whether you’re bringing it to a family gathering or just want a delicious way to enjoy fresh veggies, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to give it a try and see how this charming salad can brighten your table and your day!
Print
Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic Amish Broccoli Salad featuring blanched broccoli and cauliflower florets tossed with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a creamy tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar. This refreshing salad is chilled for an hour to meld flavors, making it a perfect side dish for picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Cheese
- 4 cups broccoli florets, blanched
- 3 cups cauliflower florets, blanched
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
Meat
- 1/2 cup crispy crumbled bacon
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blanch Vegetables: Immerse the broccoli and cauliflower florets in boiling water for 2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain them well and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the blanched broccoli and cauliflower along with the shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped red onion, and crispy crumbled bacon. Toss gently to mix evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Mix Salad and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the vegetable and cheese mixture. Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill to Meld Flavors: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows the flavors to blend and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Final Touch before Serving: Give the salad a gentle toss before serving. Optionally, garnish with additional crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Blanching the broccoli and cauliflower helps to soften the vegetables slightly while retaining their crunch and vibrant color.
- Patting the vegetables dry after blanching prevents the salad from becoming watery.
- Adjust sugar and vinegar in the dressing to suit your taste preference for sweetness or tanginess.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to enhance flavor.
- For a healthier option, use low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream.
