Description
Looking for a quick side dish that everyone will actually be excited to eat? This Delicious Amish Broccoli Salad is a crunchy, creamy, no fuss favorite that works for busy weeknights, potlucks, and holiday dinners alike. Tender-crisp broccoli and cauliflower are tossed with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and a sweet tangy dressing for a cold side that fits into easy dinner plans, backyard cookouts, and make ahead food ideas. If you need quick breakfast or dinner ideas, healthy snack style sides, or an easy recipe to round out your meal, this classic broccoli salad is a reliable go to that disappears fast.
Ingredients
4 cups broccoli florets
4 cups cauliflower florets
8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup sunflower seeds optional
1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries optional
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Rinse the broccoli and cauliflower, pat dry, and cut into small bite size florets. Finely chop the red onion and place all the vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until very crisp, then drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces. Set aside.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Pour the dressing over the broccoli, cauliflower, and red onion. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, and raisins or dried cranberries if using.
5. Gently toss until all of the vegetables and mix ins are evenly coated in the dressing. Fold in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving a small handful for topping.
6. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl, sprinkle with the reserved bacon and a little extra cheddar if desired, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and let the flavors develop.
7. Before serving, stir the salad, taste, and adjust the seasoning with a pinch more salt, pepper, or a small splash of vinegar if needed. Serve chilled.
Notes
Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into small, uniform florets so the salad is easy to eat and the dressing coats every bite evenly.
For maximum crunch, cook the bacon until very crisp and reserve some to sprinkle on top right before serving.
If making ahead more than 24 hours, wait to add the sunflower seeds and raisins until a few hours before serving so they keep their texture.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 540
- Fat: 27
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 11
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 35
Keywords: Amish broccoli salad, broccoli salad with bacon, easy potluck salad, cold side dish, make ahead salad, easy recipe, dinner ideas