Amish Broccoli Salad Tangy Cheddar

This crisp Amish Broccoli Salad comes together in a flash but always earns compliments for its perfect balance of sweet tangy creamy and smoky flavors. The fresh crunch of broccoli pairs beautifully with sharp cheddar sweet raisins and savory bacon all lightly dressed in a simple mayonnaise vinaigrette. I love bringing this to casual gatherings because it disappears fast and is easy to prepare ahead.

I tossed this together the first time for a church picnic and was amazed how quickly people came back for seconds. Now it is a guaranteed hit at every family get together.

Ingredients

• Broccoli florets: Choose firm fresh heads with tight green florets Cut them bite sized for easy eating
• Red onion: Adds zest and color Look for onions with bright skin and no soft spots
• Sharp cheddar cheese: I like a sharp block cheese for best flavor and dice it small for even distribution Shredded works if needed
• Raisins: Traditional in Amish salads for sweetness Dried cranberries make a tasty swap if you like tart
• Bacon: For smoky crunch Cook until deeply crisp for best results Use a quality thick sliced bacon
• Sunflower seeds: Optional but they give extra crunch and nutty depth Use roasted unsalted seeds to control saltiness
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base Use whole egg mayonnaise for a rich dressing
• Apple cider vinegar: Brings sweetness and tang Check the label for raw unfiltered vinegar for maximum zing
• Granulated sugar: Just enough to balance the vinegar and meld the flavors
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Flavors the dressing A few cracks of pepper add gentle heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the bacon:

In a dry skillet place the bacon strips and cook over medium heat Flip as needed until deeply crisp which usually takes about ten minutes Transfer the bacon to a paper towel lined plate to cool and then crumble or chop into small bits

Prepare the broccoli and mix ins:

With a sharp knife trim the broccoli and break into small bite sized florets Discard tough stems Dice the red onion and cube or shred the cheese If you are using raisins or dried cranberries have them ready Everything goes into a large mixing bowl along with the sunflower seeds if you like a bit of crunch

Make the dressing:

In a smaller bowl add mayonnaise apple cider vinegar sugar salt and black pepper Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and glossy Take a taste and tweak sugar or salt if needed

Toss and combine:

Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture in the big bowl Use clean hands or two large spoons to toss really well Make sure every floret and add in is coated with dressing This is what allows the flavors to meld

Finish with bacon and chill:

Right before serving gently fold in the crisp crumbled bacon so it stays crunchy Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour The salad will taste even better after chilling as the flavors marry

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Broccoli has always been my favorite part of this salad I remember my grandmother letting me break up the florets as a little kid and sneaking a few crunchy bites while assembling the bowl The cold leftovers are my secret lunch treat the next day.

Storage tips

This salad keeps very well covered in the fridge for up to two days The bacon will stay crisp if you wait to add it just before serving After the second day the dressing makes the salad softer but it still tastes good For longer storage keep the bacon and dressing separate and combine before serving

Ingredient substitutions

You can swap half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing Turkey bacon works as a pork free option and omitting bacon altogether makes it vegetarian If you want to avoid raisins dried cranberries or diced apples are delicious alternatives Sunflower seeds can be replaced with chopped almonds or pumpkin seeds as well

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Serving suggestions

Serve this broccoli salad chilled as a side at summer barbecues picnics potlucks or holiday tables It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken roasted turkey or sandwiches I like to garnish with extra sunflower seeds when serving guests for a nutty finish

Cultural context

Broccoli salad is a beloved dish at Amish gatherings especially during warmer months Its popularity has spread well beyond Pennsylvania Dutch communities because it is easy to transport simple to adapt and reliably crowd pleasing The sweet and savory mix in the creamy sauce is a classic in Midwestern potluck cooking

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare Amish broccoli salad in advance?

Yes, the salad can be made a day ahead. Chill it in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor; just add bacon just before serving for crispness.

→ What are good bacon substitutes?

Turkey bacon works well, or omit bacon entirely for a vegetarian option. You may also add toasted nuts for extra crunch and flavor.

→ Can I use Greek yogurt for the dressing?

Absolutely—replace some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing while keeping the creamy texture.

→ How long does the salad stay fresh?

Covered and refrigerated, Amish broccoli salad retains good texture and taste for up to two days. Add any crunchy toppings just before serving.

→ Are there nut-free topping alternatives?

Sunflower seeds are a common nut-free option. For variation, add toasted pumpkin seeds, crispy chickpeas, or simply skip the seeds.

→ Can I use other dried fruits?

Yes, dried cranberries or diced dried cherries provide a tart twist and work just as well as raisins for sweetness and color.