Amish Broccoli Salad

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I’ve always had a soft spot for those classic, crowd-pleasing side dishes that manage to be both nostalgic and wildly satisfying. Amish Broccoli Salad is one of those recipes that brings people together—whether it’s at a summer picnic, a holiday potluck, or a simple family dinner. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly and has everyone asking for the recipe. The contrast between the crunchy vegetables, the creamy dressing, and the smoky bite of bacon makes every forkful irresistible.

When I first tried this salad, I was amazed at how just a few humble ingredients could come together to create something so flavorful. The creamy, slightly sweet dressing wraps around fresh broccoli and cauliflower, with salty bacon and cheddar cheese adding richness and texture. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but also versatile enough to pair with a variety of main courses.

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Why You’ll Love This Amish Broccoli Salad

This salad hits the sweet spot of simplicity and bold flavor. It’s crunchy, creamy, salty, and a little sweet—all at once. It holds up well in the fridge, making it great for make-ahead meals. And it’s low-effort, with no cooking required beyond frying up a bit of bacon. If you’re looking for a salad that’s always a hit and never boring, this one’s a keeper.

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What Kind of Bacon Should I Use?

Thick-cut bacon works best here because it holds its texture and flavor even after being mixed into the salad. You want those meaty, crispy bits to stand out. However, regular bacon also works fine if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure it’s cooked until crispy and drained well to avoid a greasy finish.

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Options for Substitutions

Not a fan of cauliflower? You can easily swap it out for more broccoli or even chopped cabbage. Want to lighten things up? Try using Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise or go half-and-half with sour cream for a tangy twist. Vegetarians can skip the bacon or use a plant-based alternative, and shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack can stand in for cheddar if you’re out. This salad is forgiving—just keep that balance of crunch, creaminess, and flavor in mind.

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Ingredients for this Amish Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Florets – The main base of the salad, offering a satisfying crunch and fresh green flavor. Use fresh, firm broccoli for best texture.

Cauliflower Florets – Balances the green of the broccoli with its mild taste and adds visual appeal with a contrasting white tone.

Red Onion – Adds sharpness and a slight bite, giving complexity to the overall flavor.

Cheddar Cheese (shredded) – Offers richness and a creamy element that pairs perfectly with the vegetables and bacon.

Cooked Bacon (crumbled) – Smoky, salty, and crispy, bacon adds a savory depth that makes the salad truly crave-worthy.

Mayonnaise – Forms the creamy base of the dressing. Use a good-quality mayo for best flavor.

Granulated Sugar – Brings sweetness to balance the sharpness of the onion and the richness of the bacon and cheese.

Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds tang and brightness, cutting through the creaminess and making the flavors pop.

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Step 1: Prepare the Veggies

Wash and dry the broccoli and cauliflower thoroughly. Cut them into small, bite-sized florets. Dice the red onion finely so it blends well into the salad and doesn’t overpower each bite.

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Step 2: Cook and Crumble the Bacon

Fry the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain it on paper towels to remove excess grease, then crumble or chop it into small pieces.

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Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sugar or vinegar to balance sweetness and tang.

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Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Pour the dressing over the top and mix gently until everything is evenly coated.

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Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to slightly soften the veggies, improving texture and taste.

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Step 6: Give It a Final Toss

Right before serving, give the salad one final toss to redistribute any dressing that may have settled at the bottom. Sprinkle a few extra bacon crumbles or cheese shreds on top for garnish if desired.

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How Long to Prepare the Amish Broccoli Salad

Preparation Time: This salad is surprisingly quick to pull together. Washing and chopping the vegetables takes about 10–15 minutes, and mixing the dressing adds another 5. If your bacon is already cooked, you’re looking at just 20 minutes of active prep time.

Chilling Time: While the salad can be eaten right away, I strongly recommend chilling it for at least 1 hour. This not only melds the flavors but also softens the raw veggies just slightly, improving the texture and taste without losing the crunch.

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Tips for Perfect Amish Broccoli Salad

• Dry the veggies well after washing to avoid a watery dressing.
• Use freshly shredded cheddar for better texture—it melts slightly into the dressing and adds richness.
• Don’t overdress the salad; start with about 3/4 of the dressing and add more as needed.
• Chill before serving to allow flavors to blend and deepen.
• Cut florets small for a better bite and easier mixing.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using wet veggies will water down the dressing and make the salad soggy.
• Overcooking the bacon can make it bitter; aim for crispy but not burnt.
• Skipping the chill time—this step makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
• Too much sugar can make the dressing overly sweet; taste as you go.
• Chopping ingredients unevenly can affect the texture and presentation.

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What to Serve With Amish Broccoli Salad?

Grilled Chicken

The smokiness of grilled chicken complements the creamy salad beautifully.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

A classic pairing—tangy pork and sweet-crunchy salad balance each other out.

Baked Potatoes

This salad works as a hearty topping or flavorful side to hot, fluffy potatoes.

Fried Chicken

The crispiness of fried chicken alongside this chilled salad is a comfort food dream.

Hamburgers or Sliders

Add a fresh, flavorful side that stands up to a juicy, grilled burger.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store the Amish Broccoli Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen. Be sure to stir it well before serving again to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing: Freezing is not recommended. The vegetables will lose their crisp texture and become watery once thawed.

Meal Prep Tip: If you’re planning to prep ahead, you can keep the dressing and the chopped veggies separate and combine them a few hours before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 420mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Amish Broccoli Salad last in the fridge?

It lasts up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container. Stir before each serving for best taste and texture.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it tastes even better when made a few hours ahead. Just keep it chilled until ready to serve.

Is it okay to use frozen broccoli or cauliflower?

It’s best to use fresh. Frozen vegetables tend to release too much water and lose their crunch.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt or a mix of sour cream and yogurt can work as a lighter substitute.

Can I leave out the bacon?

Absolutely. For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon or use a plant-based alternative.

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Conclusion

Amish Broccoli Salad is a tried-and-true favorite that blends crunchy veggies, crispy bacon, and creamy dressing into one unforgettable side dish. Whether you’re making it for a family BBQ, a potluck, or meal prep for the week, this salad delivers both in flavor and ease. Simple ingredients, bold taste, and a touch of nostalgia—this one’s bound to become a go-to in your recipe rotation.

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