Amish Broccoli Salad

This Amish Broccoli Salad recipe is a great way to bring a taste of Amish country into your home. It’s a versatile dish that can serve as a perfect summer side dish or a complement to any main course.

With its combination of creamy dressing, savory bacon, and fresh vegetables, it’s sure to become a favorite at your next gathering.

Recipe Notes:

Blanching Vegetables: Blanching the broccoli and cauliflower florets not only softens them slightly but also enhances their color, making your salad visually appealing. Ensure you immerse them in an ice bath immediately after boiling to stop the cooking process.
Creamy Dressing: Achieving the perfect balance in your creamy dressing is crucial. Start with the recommended amounts of mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and sugar, then adjust according to taste. The acidity of the vinegar paired with the sweetness of the sugar creates a delightful balance.
Mixing: Use a large bowl to mix your ingredients. This gives you enough space to toss the vegetables with the dressing without spilling, ensuring an even coating.
Refrigeration: Allowing the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour is a key step. It lets the flavors meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious salad.
Bacon: For a crunchier texture, add the crispy, crumbled bacon just before serving. This prevents it from becoming soggy and maintains its savory taste.
Customizations: Feel free to customize this salad by adding sunflower seeds for an extra crunch or substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad can be enjoyed for up to 3 days after preparation.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is an easy recipe that’s perfect for making ahead. Just prepare as instructed and store it in the refrigerator. Add the bacon right before serving for the best texture.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream if you’re looking for a healthier alternative. It maintains the creamy texture while cutting down on fat.

How can I make this salad a low-carb option?

To make this salad low-carb, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute in the dressing. The main ingredients, broccoli and cauliflower, are already low in carbs, making it a great base for a healthy dish.

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INGREDIENTS NEEDED: SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR FULL RECIPE.

Broccoli & Cauliflower: The foundation of this salad, these vegetables are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. When blanched, they become tender yet retain a slight crunch, making them the perfect base for our Amish broccoli salad recipe.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, sharp taste that complements the raw vegetables. It introduces a layer of richness that balances out the tangy dressing.
Red Onion: Provides a slight bite and vibrant color, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the salad.
Crispy Bacon: Adds a savory depth with its smoky flavor, making every bite a delightful experience. It’s a key ingredient that elevates the salad from a simple side dish to a memorable part of a meal.
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: These ingredients create the creamy dressing that binds the salad together. They’re a base for the sweet and tangy flavors from the apple cider vinegar and sugar, producing a dressing that’s both rich and refreshing.
Apple Cider Vinegar & Sugar: The combination of vinegar and sugar brings a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity to the dressing, highlighting the natural flavors of the vegetables.

Blanch the broccoli and cauliflower florets by immersing them in boiling water for 2 minutes, then transferring them to an ice bath to cool. Drain well and pat dry.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli and cauliflower with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, and crumbled bacon.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated. Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss. Garnish with additional bacon and cheese if desired.