Quick and Easy Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe for Any Occasion

This Amish broccoli salad combines crunchy vegetables, crispy bacon, and a sweet and tangy dressing that’s sure to be a hit. The best part? It’s super simple to make, and you don’t need to cook the broccoli.

Though the mix of ingredients might sound unusual, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Just prepare, chill, and serve—trust me, everyone will ask for the recipe after the first bite.

Amish Broccoli Salad (Easy Recipe!)

No need to pre-cook your broccoli in this delicious recipe. An easy dressing, flavorful add-ins, and a make ahead technique make this the perfect summer side dish.

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 15

chilling 3

Serving Size servings

Equipment

Skillet
Paper Towels
small mixing bowl
Large mixing bowl
Spatula

Ingredients

5 slices bacon (about 150g)
1 cup mayonnaise
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 cups broccoli (raw, florets only)
3 cups cauliflower
¼ cup red onion (diced)
¾ cup raisins
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar

Instructions

Cook the bacon. Cook the bacon in a pan over medium-low heat until it’s crispy, flipping it occasionally. Then, move the bacon to a plate with paper towels to soak the extra grease. After the bacon cools down, break it into tiny bits and keep it in the fridge until needed.
Prepare the dressing. In a large mixing bowl (which can also serve as your serving bowl), whisk together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, and apple cider vinegar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine the salad ingredients. Add the broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, diced red onion, and raisins to the bowl with the dressing. Stir thoroughly to make sure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Then, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld. The salad can be chilled for up to 6 hours if needed.
Finish and serve. Before serving, remove the salad from the refrigerator and stir in the crumbled bacon and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix well, then serve immediately.

Notes

Make sure to pick fresh and crunchy broccoli and cauliflower for the best texture in your salad. Avoid using pre-chopped vegetables, as they might be a bit stale.

Fresh, crisp vegetables are the key to making this broccoli salad truly stand out. Using the best ingredients makes sure that every bite is packed with flavor and crunch.

Choose strong cheddar cheese instead of mild. Strong cheddar’s powerful taste helps balance the dressing’s sweetness and adds extra flavor to the salad.

To give the salad a fall-friendly twist, mix in ½ cup of chopped pecans and use dried cranberries instead of raisins for something different.

It’s best to eat this salad the same day you make it. It’ll still taste good the next day, but the vegetables might not be as crunchy after sitting in the fridge.

Adjust the dressing to taste just right for you. If you want it more sour, add a bit more vinegar. For more sweetness, add a little extra sugar.

Feel free to change the raisins for dried cranberries or throw in nuts like almonds or pecans to add more crunch. This salad is easy to tweak to what you like.

More Tips:

Make sure to use a big bowl when you mix everything to get the dressing all over without making a mess.

Chop the broccoli and cauliflower into small, even pieces. Every bite is the same, and the dressing covers everything well. Try this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli recipe if you’re looking for more ways to enjoy broccoli. It’s a hearty and cheesy dish perfect for a cozy dinner.

After you cook the bacon, place it on paper towels to eliminate the extra fat. Too much grease can make the salad too rich and change how the dressing tastes.

Don’t forget to cool the salad in the fridge for a few hours! This step blends the flavors well and helps the vegetables soak up the dressing.

Taste the dressing before you add it to the veggies to make sure it tastes right to you. If it’s too sharp, add more sugar; if it’s too sweet, add more vinegar.

If you’re preparing the salad in advance, add the bacon and cheese before serving it. This keeps the bacon crunchy and the cheese from getting mushy.

If this salad is for a summer gathering, keep it cold on ice to keep it fresh and crunchy. A salad that’s too warm might not be as enjoyable, especially when it’s hot outside.

white bowl of broccoli salad with cauliflower

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Amish Broccoli Salad with grilled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, cast iron baked beans, hot dogs, burgers, baked potatoes, cornbread, and a refreshing glass of lemonade.

For another delicious side, try these Texas Roadhouse Green Beans—a savory favorite that complements this salad beautifully.

Key Ingredients and Tools

Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need to make this salad the right way:

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The strong taste of sharp cheddar cheese brings out the flavors against the sweet dressing. Instead of sharp cheddar cheese, try mild or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a softer taste.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This vinegar gives the dressing a nice, mild tang that plain white vinegar can’t match. This is widely available, but be sure to choose one that is unfiltered with “the mother” for a richer flavor, which is usually found in the vinegar or health food section. You can also use white vinegar or lemon juice as an alternative to apple cider vinegar for a bit of a different zing.
Raisins: They add a sweet contrast that mixes well with the salad’s other tastes. Find them in the dried fruit aisle, and if you’d like, dried cranberries work great as a swap.
Bacon: The crunchy texture of well-cooked bacon adds an important aspect to the overall feel of the salad. Just pat it dry to keep the salad from turning oily. Choose turkey bacon or a vegetarian bacon substitute to vary the texture and taste.
Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a big bowl to mix everything up properly without spills.

Having these items ready is key to achieving the perfect taste and consistency for the salad. Remember them when you’re getting ready to make it!

Troubleshooting and Help

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

I wouldn’t recommend it for this salad. Frozen broccoli tends to be softer and can make the salad a bit mushy. Fresh broccoli gives you that perfect crunch!

What if I don’t like raisins?

No problem! You can easily swap out the raisins for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even diced apples. It’ll still be delicious with that touch of sweetness.

How far in advance can I make this salad?

You can make the salad up to a day in advance. Just mix in the bacon and cheese before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

Is there a way to make this salad lighter?

Yes, you can use a light mayonnaise or even Greek yogurt instead of some or all of the mayo. It’ll give you a lighter version while still keeping the creamy texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled. Remember that you’ll need to use a larger bowl to mix everything.

What are some more things I can add to the broccoli salad?

Besides raisins and cheddar, try adding sunflower hearts, dried cranberries, or toasted slivered almonds. Try shredded carrots, chopped celery, or diced red bell peppers if you want more veggies. Just make sure they’re cut into bite-sized pieces to blend well with the other ingredients.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

The key is to mix the bacon and cheese in right before serving. Also, make sure the broccoli and cauliflower are well-drained if you wash them before use. Keeping the salad chilled helps maintain its crispness, too.

Storage Instructions

After you make the salad, put any extra in a sealed container and keep it in the fridge. It tastes best if you eat it within a day because that’s when the veggies are still crisp and the flavors are fresh. You can keep it for up to 2 days, but the veggies might get a bit soft.

If you’re getting the salad ready ahead of time, it’s a good idea to keep the bacon and cheese separate until you’re about to eat. This way, the bacon stays crunchy, and the cheese doesn’t get too mushy.

Don’t freeze this salad. The broccoli, cauliflower, and dressing don’t freeze well, so you’d end up with a salad that’s mushy and has a dressing that’s not mixed properly. Here’s a helpful guide on why some foods don’t freeze well. It’s best to make and eat this salad fresh.

To make sure this salad stays tasty and has the right texture, try to make it close to when you’re serving it. If you store it correctly, you’ll enjoy it a lot more!

This Amish Broccoli Salad is an easy, flavorful dish perfect for any gathering. With its simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a go-to recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a summer barbecue, or bringing it to a potluck, it’s sure to be a hit.

The combination of crunchy veggies, savory bacon, and a sweet-tangy dressing makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. Enjoy making this fresh, delicious salad whenever you need a reliable and tasty side dish!

Quick and Easy Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe for Any Occasion