Amish Broccoli Salad

This creamy Amish broccoli salad has been my potluck secret weapon for years, always returning home with an empty bowl and requests for the recipe. The combination of crisp vegetables, savory bacon, and tangy dressing creates a perfect balance that complements almost any main dish.

I first discovered this recipe at a family reunion in Pennsylvania Dutch country. After watching it disappear faster than any other dish on the table, I knew I needed to add it to my regular rotation. Now it's requested at every summer gathering I attend.

Ingredients

• Bacon Adds smoky, savory flavor and crispy texture contrast. Choose thick cut for more substantial bites.
• Broccoli florets The star of the show, providing crunch and nutrition. Look for deep green heads with tight florets.
• Cauliflower florets Adds color contrast and mild flavor. Select firm heads with no brown spots.
• Red onion Provides a punch of color and mild sharpness. Choose smaller onions which tend to be sweeter.
• Cheddar cheese Creates richness and satisfying mouthfeel. Use freshly shredded for best melting and flavor.

• Mayonnaise Forms the creamy base of the dressing. Use full fat for richest flavor.
• Sour cream Adds tanginess to balance the richness. Look for thick, cultured varieties.
• White sugar Just enough sweetness to balance the savory elements. Use superfine for quicker dissolving.
• Salt Enhances all other flavors. Sea salt or kosher salt works beautifully here.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Bacon

Place your skillet over medium high heat until warm. Add diced bacon and fry until each piece is crispy and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Transfer cooked bacon to paper towel lined plate to drain excess grease and cool completely.

Prepare the Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, and salt. Stir thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform with no visible sugar granules. This usually takes about 1 minute of mixing. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings according to your preference, adding more of any ingredient until the flavor is balanced.

Dress the Vegetables

Add the chopped broccoli and cauliflower florets to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables and stir gently but thoroughly to ensure each piece gets evenly coated. Take your time with this step as proper coating ensures consistent flavor throughout the salad.

Add Remaining Ingredients

Sprinkle the chopped red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and cooled crispy bacon over the dressed vegetables. Using a folding motion with your spatula or spoon, gently incorporate these ingredients just until evenly distributed. Overmixing can cause the bacon to soften and the cheese to clump.

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The shredded cheddar is my favorite ingredient in this recipe. I discovered that shredding it yourself rather than using pre packaged shredded cheese makes a noticeable difference in how it incorporates into the salad. My grandmother always insisted on freshly shredded cheese, and after years of making this salad, I understand why. The texture and melting qualities are simply superior.

Make Ahead Tips

This Amish broccoli salad actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. The vegetables will soften slightly but maintain enough crunch for a pleasant texture contrast. If making ahead, consider reserving half the bacon to add just before serving to maintain maximum crispness.

Ingredient Substitutions

For those watching carbs, replace the white sugar with your preferred granulated sweetener like monkfruit or erythritol to make this salad keto friendly. The cauliflower and broccoli already make this a low carb option, but eliminating the sugar takes it a step further. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon or use a plant based bacon alternative. The salad is equally delicious without it, though you might want to add a pinch of smoked paprika to compensate for the lost smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially barbecued chicken or pulled pork. For a complete meal, serve alongside a rotisserie chicken and some crusty bread. It also makes an excellent addition to holiday tables as a lighter counterpoint to heavier traditional dishes. For a beautiful presentation, serve in a glass bowl to showcase the colorful layers and sprinkle with additional cheese and bacon on top just before bringing to the table.

The History Behind The Dish

Amish broccoli salad reflects the practical cooking philosophy of Amish communities where nothing goes to waste and dishes need to feed many hungry workers. Traditional Amish cooking focuses on simple ingredients prepared in satisfying ways. This salad likely evolved as a way to use fresh garden vegetables in a dish that could be prepared ahead and transported easily to community gatherings and barn raisings. The addition of bacon and cheese turns simple vegetables into a hearty side dish that reflects the Amish values of simplicity and abundance.

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Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can I make Amish broccoli salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad actually benefits from being made a few hours ahead. Simply prepare according to instructions, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve. The flavors will meld together beautifully, though the vegetables may soften slightly over time.

→ How long does Amish broccoli salad last in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container, this salad will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The vegetables might release some liquid and lose a bit of crunch over time, but the flavor remains delicious.

→ Can I use frozen broccoli and cauliflower?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli and cauliflower that has been properly thawed and patted dry. Fresh vegetables provide the best texture, but frozen works in a pinch. Be sure to fully defrost and drain well to prevent excess water in your salad.

→ How can I make this salad lighter?

For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the sour cream, use light mayonnaise, reduce the amount of bacon and cheese, or increase the vegetable-to-dressing ratio. You can also reduce the sugar for fewer calories.

→ What can I serve with Amish broccoli salad?

This versatile salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fried chicken, hamburgers, sandwiches, or as part of a potluck spread. It's especially popular at summer barbecues, picnics, and holiday gatherings.

→ Do I need to cook the broccoli and cauliflower?

No, this salad uses raw broccoli and cauliflower, which provides a satisfying crunch. If you prefer slightly softer vegetables, you can briefly blanch them (1-2 minutes) and then immediately cool in ice water before using.