Amish Broccoli Salad is one of those popular salads that is always a hit at potlucks or family picnics. It has a satisfying crunch that is so amazing with cheese and bacon to make it extra special.
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Why this Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe is a Keeper
This is a great make ahead salad because the longer it sits the more flavor is imparted into the broccoli and it keeps well. It’s a great recipe for your summer cookouts or it is also great for meal prep.
- 15 Minute Salad: It doesn’t take long to make this wonderful salad.
- Easy Ingredients: All found in pantry or fridge. And it is great in summer when everything is fresh.
- Family Friendly: The cheese and bacon make it a winner for everyone.
- Easy to Customize: Can make it low-carb, meat free, dairy free. Growing up in Pa means access to Amish Macaroni Salad and other Pennsylvania Dutch foods. I have seen it with raw broccoli and cauliflower and bacon or even just a cauliflower salad recipe.
If you’re looking for more absolutely delicious salad recipes, try these Chickpea Feta Salad, Bacon Pasta Salad with Ranch Dressing and Loaded Baked Potato Salad.
How do you pick the best broccoli?
Look for broccoli crowns with tightly packed, dark green florets. Avoid crowns with loose or yellowing florets, as this indicates they’re past their prime.
Ingredient Notes for this Side Dish
Amish Broccoli Salad is made with fresh ingredients that are nice and crispy.
- Broccoli: Broccoli crowns should be cut into bite-sized florets.
- Red onion: Give the salad a little color and flavor to the easy broccoli salad.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Variations and Substitutions to Love Amish Broccoli Salad
You can add yogurt and mayonnaise or mayonnaise and sour cream etc. for the creamy sweet dressing.
- Sour Cream: Add a creamy tang to the Amish salad with a combination of mayo and sour cream for this summer salad.
- Broccoli Cauliflower Salad: You can make with a mix of broccoli and cauliflower it you can make this as a cauliflower salad.
- Cheese: Replace the cheddar cheese with colby jack cheese or a low fat version of cheddar cheese. Other vegetables such as frozen peas or green onions are a nice addition.
- Sweet Flavor: Use a sugar substitute or for a sweeter dressing change the amount of sugar so you can like the recipe.
Cold Broccoli Salad Pro Tip
Allow the salad to sit and marinate before serving to slightly soften the broccoli
How to Make Amish Broccoli Salad
You can make this salad days in advance and it will still have a nice crisp texture.
These are the basic steps for making broccoli crunch salad. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
1. Make the Creamy Dressing
First, in a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, pepper and All Purpose Seasoning blend for a tangy dressing.
2. Mix the Vegetables and Shredded Cheese
Then in a large bowl, combine crispy broccoli, crumbled bacon pieces, shredded cheddar cheese and onion. Next, pour the dressing over broccoli mixture and stir until thoroughly combined.
3. Cover and Refrigerate
Finally, refrigerate until ready to serve.
Reader Interactions and FAQs to Make this Salad
A low fat or fat free mayonnaise can be used for this recipe or try an avocado mayo. Try a turkey bacon or a faux bacon alternative for serving the salad.
First, broccoli should be a bright, uniform green. If they have any yellow or brown spots, that’s a sign your broccoli is starting to spoil.
Properly stored in an airtight container, broccoli salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days
Expert Tips for Making This Keto Diet Recipe
This salad is always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. It travels well and can be served chilled or at room temperature. You can also make-ahead for connivence.
- Add Crunch: Sunflower seeds or crushed walnuts add a nice crunch to the veggies.
- Short cut tip: Precut broccoli can be used to save time.
- Variations: Raisins or dried cranberries or even grapes can add a sweet taste. Or add a little sugar or honey to make a sweet dressing. This salad is the perfect summer treat. Yum!
- Alternate cooking method tip: Par boil the broccoli in a pot with a little salt and then blanch for a softer broccoli for the salad.
- Broccoli Salad Dressing: Plain greek yogurt can replace the mayo and meld into this easy recipe.
What to Serve with Amish Raw Broccoli Salad
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Broccoli Bacon Salad
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Ingredients
- 6 cups broccoli, cut into florets
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and diced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ red onion, diced
- ⅔ cups mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ⅛ cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon House Seasoning Blend
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, pepper and House Seasoning blend.
- In a large bowl, combine bacon, broccoli cheese and onion.
- Pour dressing over broccoli mixture and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Christina’s Notes
- Add Crunch: Sunflower seeds or crushed walnuts add a nice crunch to the veggies.
- Short cut tip: Precut bagged broccoli can be used to save time.
- Variations: Raisins or dried cranberries or even grapes can be used to add a sweet taste.
- Alternate ingredient: Cauliflower can be added to the salad for color and flavor.
- Alternate cooking method tip: Par boil the broccoli in a pot with a little salt and then blanch for a softer broccoli for the salad.
- Dietary consideration tip: Plain greek yogurt can replace the mayo.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
This is a summer cook out favorite!
Scrumptious! My family loves broccoli and cheese salad. Your recipe is one of the best. Thanks for sharing!
This was the perfect salad! The bacon and broccoli combination was flavorful and delicious! Thanks for the recipe.