If you’re a fan of fresh, crunchy, and flavorful salads, the Amish Broccoli Salad is a must-try! Known for its unique blend of crisp broccoli, sweet dried fruits, and creamy dressing, Amish broccoli salad has become a favorite at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday dinners. In this article, we’ll dive into 16 complete Amish broccoli salad recipes — from the classic to creative twists that will delight your taste buds.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional recipe or something with a twist, this guide has you covered. Each recipe is easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and perfect for any occasion.
What is Amish Broccoli Salad?
Amish Broccoli Salad is a vibrant, crunchy salad made with fresh broccoli florets, bacon, sunflower seeds, raisins or dried cranberries, and a creamy dressing typically based on mayonnaise and vinegar or sometimes yogurt. It’s slightly sweet, tangy, and savory — making it a crowd-pleaser.
Why You Should Try Amish Broccoli Salad
- Healthy and Nutritious: Broccoli is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Versatile: Great as a side dish or a light meal.
- Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients and no complicated cooking.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to match your taste or dietary needs.
- Perfect for Any Season: Light and fresh in summer, comforting and crunchy in winter.
16 Amish Broccoli Salad Recipes
Below are 16 different recipes, each with its own unique flavor profile or ingredient twist. You can mix and match elements from these recipes to make your own perfect Amish broccoli salad.
1. Classic Amish Broccoli Salad
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix broccoli, bacon, sunflower seeds, raisins, and onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar.
- Pour dressing over broccoli mixture and toss well.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
2. Amish Broccoli Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing
Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
Ingredients:
- Same as classic, but replace 1 cup of mayonnaise with 1 cup of Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
3. Amish Broccoli Salad with Dried Cranberries and Almonds
Use dried cranberries and slivered almonds instead of raisins and sunflower seeds.
4. Vegan Amish Broccoli Salad
Use vegan mayo, omit bacon, and add toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.
5. Amish Broccoli Salad with Cheddar Cheese
Add 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a richer flavor.
6. Amish Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad
Mix equal parts broccoli and cauliflower for extra crunch.
7. Sweet and Tangy Amish Broccoli Salad
Add 1/4 cup honey to the dressing for added sweetness.
8. Amish Broccoli Salad with Pineapple
Add 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
9. Amish Broccoli Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Replace raisins with chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a savory punch.
10. Spicy Amish Broccoli Salad
Add 1 diced jalapeño or 1 tsp cayenne pepper to the dressing.
11. Amish Broccoli Salad with Apples and Walnuts
Add 1 diced apple and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts for extra texture.
12. Amish Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Blue Cheese
Add blue cheese crumbles and increase bacon to 3/4 cup for a bold taste.
13. Amish Broccoli Salad with Carrots and Red Peppers
Add 1/2 cup shredded carrots and 1/2 cup chopped red bell peppers.
14. Amish Broccoli Salad with Pumpkin Seeds and Feta
Add 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds and 1/2 cup feta cheese.
15. Amish Broccoli Salad with Avocado Dressing
Make a creamy avocado-based dressing with avocado, lime juice, and Greek yogurt.
16. Amish Broccoli Salad with Sunflower Seed Butter Dressing
Use sunflower seed butter mixed with lemon juice and olive oil for a nut-free dressing.
Tips for Making the Best Amish Broccoli Salad
- Use fresh broccoli: Crisp and fresh florets make all the difference.
- Chill before serving: Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least an hour so flavors blend well.
- Add crunch: Nuts, seeds, and bacon add texture.
- Adjust sweetness: Use honey, sugar, or maple syrup to balance tartness.
- Customize ingredients: Add your favorite dried fruits, nuts, or cheeses.
How to Store Amish Broccoli Salad
Keep your salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 2-3 days to maintain freshness and crunch.
Final Thoughts
With these 16 Amish Broccoli Salad recipes, you can enjoy this classic dish in many delightful ways. Whether you stick to the original or try one of the variations, Amish broccoli salad is an easy, nutritious, and delicious addition to your meal rotation.
