Amish Broccoli Salad

Amish Broccoli Salad is a delicious, creamy, and crunchy side dish made with fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, sweet raisins, and red onion, all tossed in a rich, tangy homemade dressing. This traditional Amish-style broccoli salad is perfect for family gatherings, summer barbecues, potlucks, picnics, and holiday dinners.

The combination of fresh vegetables, savory bacon, sweet raisins, and creamy dressing creates an irresistible balance of flavors. Best of all, this easy no-cook salad comes together in just 15 minutes and tastes even better after chilling.

Description

Amish Broccoli Salad is a classic American side dish loved for its creamy texture, refreshing crunch, and sweet-and-savory flavor.

Unlike traditional leafy green salads, this recipe features fresh, raw broccoli florets that maintain their crisp texture even after being mixed with dressing.

The creamy homemade dressing combines mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and sugar to create a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy flavor.

Crispy bacon adds a savory crunch, shredded cheddar provides richness, and sweet raisins offer little bursts of sweetness in every bite.

This delicious salad is ideal for preparing ahead of time because chilling allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Broccoli Salad

• 6 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces

• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped

• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled

• ½ cup raisins

• ½ cup cauliflower florets, finely chopped (optional, as pictured)

• ¼ cup sunflower seeds (optional, for extra crunch)

For the Creamy Dressing

• ¾ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup sour cream

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Wash the fresh broccoli thoroughly under cold running water.

Remove the thick stems and chop the florets into small, bite-sized pieces.

Make sure the broccoli pieces are evenly sized so the salad is easier to mix and eat.

Drain well and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Removing excess moisture is important because wet broccoli can make the creamy dressing watery.

Step 2: Prepare the Remaining Ingredients

Finely chop the red onion into small pieces.

Shred the cheddar cheese if using a block of cheese. Freshly shredded cheddar provides a better texture and stronger flavor.

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy.

Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease.

Allow it to cool completely before crumbling into small pieces.

Measure the raisins and optional sunflower seeds.

If using cauliflower, chop it into small florets similar in size to the broccoli.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a medium mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise and sour cream.

Add the apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, optional honey, salt, and black pepper.

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and well combined.

Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness or acidity according to your preference.

For a sweeter Amish-style dressing, add a little more sugar.

For a tangier flavor, add an extra teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.

Step 4: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped broccoli florets.

Add the red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, raisins, and optional cauliflower.

Sprinkle in the sunflower seeds if using.

Gently toss the ingredients together until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Add the Dressing

Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the broccoli mixture.

Using a large serving spoon or spatula, gently fold everything together.

Continue mixing until all the vegetables and other ingredients are evenly coated with dressing.

Make sure the dressing reaches the broccoli florets at the bottom of the bowl.

Step 6: Refrigerate the Salad

Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Chilling allows the flavors to blend and helps the broccoli absorb some of the creamy dressing while remaining crunchy.

For even better flavor, refrigerate for 2–3 hours.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the Amish Broccoli Salad from the refrigerator.

Give it a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing.

Transfer the salad to a decorative serving bowl.

Garnish with extra cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, or sunflower seeds if desired.

Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips and Notes

Use fresh broccoli: Fresh, crisp broccoli provides the best flavor and texture. Frozen broccoli is not recommended because it becomes too soft after thawing.

Dry the vegetables thoroughly: Excess water can dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy.

Cut broccoli into small pieces: Smaller florets are easier to coat with dressing and provide better flavor in every bite.

Use crispy bacon: Well-cooked bacon adds a delicious crunchy texture. For maximum crispness, reserve a little bacon to sprinkle over the salad before serving.

Adjust the sweetness: Traditional Amish-style broccoli salads often have a slightly sweet dressing. Adjust the sugar to suit your taste.

Chill before serving: Refrigerating the salad for at least an hour improves the flavor.

Make it ahead: Prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately the night before, then combine them a few hours before serving.

Delicious Variations

Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

Replace 2 cups of broccoli with 2 cups of fresh cauliflower florets.

This variation adds extra crunch and creates a colorful combination of green and white vegetables.

Healthy Amish Broccoli Salad

Replace half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.

Reduce the sugar or use a smaller amount of honey for sweetness.

This creates a lighter dressing while maintaining a creamy texture.

Apple Broccoli Salad

Add ½ cup of diced crisp apples for a refreshing fruity twist.

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work especially well.

Nutty Broccoli Salad

Add ¼ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or roasted almonds.

These ingredients provide extra crunch and richness.

Vegetarian Broccoli Salad

Omit the bacon and replace it with roasted sunflower seeds, smoked almonds, or crispy chickpeas.

Serving Suggestions

Amish Broccoli Salad is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with many meals.

Serve it alongside grilled chicken, roasted beef, baked potatoes, sandwiches, or barbecue dishes.

It is also perfect for summer picnics, family celebrations, holiday buffets, and potluck gatherings.

For a simple lunch, pair this creamy broccoli salad with a toasted sandwich or warm homemade bread.

Because the salad contains a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing, keep it refrigerated until serving and avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour in temperatures above 90°F (32°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Amish Broccoli Salad the night before?

Yes. You can prepare the salad the night before and refrigerate it in an airtight container. For the best texture, reserve some bacon and sunflower seeds to add just before serving.

Do I need to cook the broccoli first?

No. Traditional Amish Broccoli Salad uses fresh, raw broccoli. Raw broccoli provides the signature crunchy texture.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Yes. You can replace some or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt, although the dressing will taste tangier.

Can I substitute dried cranberries for raisins?

Absolutely. Dried cranberries provide a slightly tart sweetness and pair beautifully with the creamy dressing.

How long does Amish Broccoli Salad last in the refrigerator?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days, provided they have been kept properly chilled.

Can I freeze Amish Broccoli Salad?

Freezing is not recommended. The creamy dressing may separate, and the fresh vegetables can lose their crunchy texture after thawing.

Can I make this salad without bacon?

Yes. Simply omit the bacon and add roasted sunflower seeds or chopped nuts for extra texture.

Servings and Nutrition

Conclusion

Amish Broccoli Salad is the perfect combination of fresh, crunchy vegetables, savory bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, sweet raisins, and rich homemade dressing.

This easy make-ahead salad requires minimal effort, uses simple ingredients, and delivers delicious flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue, preparing a family dinner, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this creamy Amish Broccoli Salad is sure to become a favorite.

Serve it chilled, garnish with extra crispy bacon, and enjoy a classic homemade salad that’s both refreshing and satisfying!