Creamy Amish Broccoli Salad

This vibrant Amish Broccoli Salad has been gracing our family gatherings for generations, bringing the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, savory, and sweet to every potluck and Sunday dinner. The combination of fresh broccoli and cauliflower creates a hearty base while the homemade dressing adds a rich creaminess that transforms ordinary vegetables into something truly special.

I first brought this salad to a neighborhood barbecue years ago, and now I can't show up anywhere without someone asking if I brought "that broccoli thing." What started as an old recipe card from my grandmother has become my signature dish that bridges generations.

Ingredients

• Fresh broccoli florets choose bright green heads with tight florets for the best flavor and texture
• Cauliflower adds a mild flavor and wonderful contrasting color in the salad
• Mayonnaise creates the creamy base for the dressing use full fat for richness
• Sour cream balances the sweetness with a subtle tang
• Sugar transforms the dressing with just the right amount of sweetness use less if preferred
• Salt enhances all the flavors and brings everything together
• Bacon adds smoky salty goodness look for thick cut for best results
• Sharp cheddar cheese provides rich savory notes that complement the vegetables perfectly

How To Make Amish Broccoli Salad

Prepare the vegetables

Chop broccoli and cauliflower into bite sized pieces about the size of a quarter. Make them small enough to get several pieces in each bite but large enough to retain texture. Rinse thoroughly and pat completely dry to prevent watery dressing.

Cook the bacon

Fry bacon until perfectly crisp then drain on paper towels. Once cooled crumble into small pieces. The bacon adds essential salt and smoke flavor to balance the creamy dressing.

Mix the dressing

Whisk together mayonnaise sour cream sugar and salt until completely smooth. The dressing should be thick but pourable. Taste and adjust sweetness to preference.

Combine all ingredients

Place broccoli and cauliflower in a large mixing bowl pour the dressing over and fold gently until every piece is coated. Add most of the bacon and cheese reserving a small amount for garnish.

Chill before serving

Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour but preferably three to four hours. This allows the vegetables to slightly soften and the flavors to fully develop throughout the salad.

The real secret to this salad's incredible flavor is allowing it to chill thoroughly before serving. I learned this from my Amish neighbor who first shared a version of this recipe with me. She explained that patience allows the vegetables to absorb the dressing while still maintaining their satisfying crunch. My family now knows not to sneak bites before it's properly chilled!

Storage Tips

This Amish Broccoli Salad keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually continue to develop and meld together overnight making it an ideal make ahead dish. If serving after refrigeration simply give it a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and add a small sprinkle of fresh bacon to refresh the presentation. For best results do not freeze this salad as the vegetables will lose their crisp texture and the creamy dressing may separate.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter version substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream and use a low fat mayonnaise. You can also reduce the sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey though you may need to adjust the amount. Turkey bacon works wonderfully for those avoiding pork and vegetarians can simply omit the bacon altogether or add smoked almonds for that savory crunch. For a dairy free option use a plant based cheese alternative and dairy free sour cream with excellent results.

Customization Ideas

This versatile salad welcomes additions that make it uniquely yours. Try mixing in diced red onion for a pleasant bite or sweet dried cranberries for color and flavor contrast. Sunflower seeds or toasted walnuts introduce a delightful textural element that complements the creamy dressing. For a hint of freshness add chopped fresh dill or parsley before serving. During summer months add halved grape tomatoes for bursts of juicy sweetness throughout the salad.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long does Amish broccoli salad stay fresh in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container, Amish broccoli salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors often improve after a few hours of chilling, making it an excellent make-ahead dish.

→ Can I use a sugar substitute in this salad?

Yes, you can replace the sugar with a substitute like stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol. Adjust the amount to taste, as sugar substitutes often have different levels of sweetness compared to regular sugar.

→ Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon or replace it with plant-based bacon alternatives, smoked almonds, or roasted sunflower seeds for a similar crunchy, savory element.

→ Can I prepare this salad in advance for a potluck?

Yes, this salad is perfect for preparing ahead. For best results, mix the vegetables with the dressing a few hours before serving to allow flavors to develop. Consider adding the bacon just before serving to maintain its crispness.

→ What other vegetables can I add to this broccoli salad?

This versatile salad works well with additional vegetables like diced red onion, grated carrots, chopped bell peppers, or green peas. You can also add dried cranberries or raisins for sweetness and texture contrast.

→ How can I make this salad lighter and lower in calories?

For a lighter version, use light mayonnaise and reduced-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. You can also reduce the amount of sugar, cheese, and bacon while increasing the vegetables for a healthier balance.