Delicious Amish Broccoli Salad

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A good salad doesn’t need to be complicated, and this Amish Broccoli Salad proves just that. Packed with crispy broccoli, salty bacon, and a creamy-sweet dressing, it brings a fresh, crunchy bite to any meal. This classic dish from the heartland is beloved for its simple ingredients and nostalgic flavor that feels like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen.

Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or family dinners, this salad is the kind that gets devoured fast. It balances savory and sweet with every bite, thanks to the tangy dressing paired with a bit of sugar and the satisfying texture of sunflower seeds or raisins. You can make it ahead of time, and it only gets better as it chills.

Why You’ll Love This Amish Broccoli Salad

This recipe is delightfully simple and so flavorful. It’s got that irresistible combination of creamy and crunchy, sweet and salty. It’s also incredibly easy to customize—swap in cauliflower, shredded carrots, or different nuts depending on what you have on hand. And the best part? It’s a no-cook recipe you can toss together in minutes.

Can I Use Another Type of Broccoli or Vegetable?

Absolutely. While classic Amish broccoli salad uses raw broccoli florets, you can swap in cauliflower, shredded cabbage, or a mix of your favorite crunchy vegetables. Just be sure they’re chopped small enough for easy bites. You could even add chopped apples for a little tart sweetness.

Ingredients for the Amish Broccoli Salad

Amish Broccoli Salad uses basic, fresh ingredients that blend beautifully into something memorable. The crunch, creaminess, and saltiness all play their part here.

• Broccoli florets – The star of the salad, bringing crunch and color.
• Red onion – Adds bite and sharpness that cuts through the creamy dressing.
• Cooked bacon – Brings smoky, salty richness. Use crispy pieces for best texture.
• Sunflower seeds or chopped nuts – Offers nuttiness and more crunch.
• Raisins or dried cranberries – Adds sweet chewiness that balances the savory notes.
• Mayonnaise – The base of the creamy dressing.
• White vinegar – Adds a little tang to cut through the richness.
• Sugar – Just enough to sweeten the dressing and bring it all together.

How To Make the Amish Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Wash and thoroughly dry your broccoli florets. Chop them into small, bite-sized pieces for the best texture and easy eating.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, and sugar until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped broccoli, red onions, bacon bits, sunflower seeds (or nuts), and raisins (or dried cranberries).

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Stir everything well so the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to blend and the broccoli to slightly soften while staying crisp.

How to Serve and Store Amish Broccoli Salad

This Amish Broccoli Salad serves about 6 people as a side dish. It’s best served cold, making it perfect for summer cookouts, picnics, and lunch meal prep. The flavors improve after a few hours, so making it a day ahead is a smart move.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3 days, though the broccoli will soften more each day. If needed, give it a quick toss before serving again.

What to Serve With Amish Broccoli Salad?

Grilled Chicken

The smokiness of grilled chicken complements the creamy and crunchy salad perfectly.

Baked Salmon

A flaky, buttery salmon fillet adds a deliciously rich contrast.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

The sweetness in both the pork and salad marry wonderfully.

Fried Chicken

A Southern classic like fried chicken matches the hearty, picnic-ready feel of the salad.

Cheeseburgers

Serve this salad as a cool, creamy side to juicy burgers straight from the grill.

Cornbread Muffins

Soft and buttery cornbread adds a nice sweet bite next to the tangy salad.

Mac and Cheese

A creamy pasta side keeps the comfort food vibe going strong.

Want More Salad Ideas with a Twist?

If this Amish Broccoli Salad hit the spot, here are more fresh ideas to shake up your salad routine:

• Try this summer-ready Easy Summer Peach Watermelon Salad Recipe
• Go green with a creamy Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe
• For something hearty and tangy, enjoy our Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
• Or give your pasta salad a bold spin with this Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries
• Brighten your table with a bowl of Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta Salad

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And tell me how yours turned out! Did you add cheddar cheese? Maybe used Greek yogurt in the dressing instead of mayo? I love seeing everyone’s delicious variations.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting salads and easy comfort recipes on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and find your next favorite dish!

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