What’s This All About?

Amish Broccoli Salad is a classic, crowd-pleasing dish that combines crunchy raw broccoli with a sweet, creamy dressing. It’s a salad that’s so flavorful, you’ll find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds). With a balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, this salad is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or as a light side dish. Plus, it’s super easy to make and always a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Toss it together in no time with just a few ingredients.
Perfect balance: The sweetness of the dressing complements the crispness of the broccoli.
Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients like cheese, nuts, or even bacon for extra flavor.
Ideal for parties: Always a hit at gatherings—people can’t resist going back for more.
No cooking required: Everything is tossed fresh and ready to serve in just a few minutes!

What You’ll Need

Here’s your shopping list to make this tasty Amish Broccoli Salad:

The Main Ingredients:

4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium-sized heads of broccoli)
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
1/4 cup sunflower seeds or chopped pecans (optional)
1/4 cup bacon bits (optional, but highly recommended)
1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (for a sweet touch)

For the Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey or sugar (depending on how sweet you want it)
Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s Get Mixing!

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Start by chopping the broccoli into small florets. You want bite-sized pieces that are easy to mix and eat. If you’re picky about the stems, you can peel the tough outer layer, but it’s totally optional!

Step 2: Chop the Add-Ins

Finely chop the red onion, shred the cheese (if using), and measure out your raisins, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits. If you’re using nuts or seeds, feel free to toast them lightly for extra flavor.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your preference—some like it a little sweeter, while others prefer a more tangy dressing.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, red onion, raisins, sunflower seeds, bacon bits, and cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together gently. Make sure the dressing coats everything evenly.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. The flavors will meld together, and the broccoli will soften just slightly, making it even more delicious. Serve it cold and enjoy!

Make It Your Own

Add extra veggies: You can toss in some shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
Skip the bacon: Make it vegetarian-friendly by leaving out the bacon bits.
Add nuts: Swap the sunflower seeds for chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a different texture and flavor.
Sweeten it up: If you like it sweeter, add a little more honey or some chopped apples for a fresh, juicy addition.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make ahead: This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. It only gets better as the flavors sit and marinate.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you added bacon, it’s best to add that just before serving to keep it crispy.