Here’s a classic Amish-style Broccoli Salad—creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy with that signature balance of flavors.
🥦 Amish Broccoli Salad
🛒 Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (bite-sized)
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup sunflower seeds (or chopped almonds)
- ⅓ cup raisins (optional, but traditional)
Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Prep the broccoli
Wash and cut into small florets. (Optional: blanch for 30 seconds if you prefer slightly softer broccoli, then cool quickly.) - Mix the salad
In a large bowl, combine broccoli, onion, bacon, cheese, seeds, and raisins. - Make the dressing
Whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. - Combine
Pour dressing over the salad and toss well to coat everything evenly. - Chill
Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving (this really improves the flavor).
🍽️ What Makes It “Amish-Style”:
- Slightly sweeter dressing
- Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
- Balance of creamy + crunchy + savory
🔄 Variations:
- Healthier: Use half mayo + half Greek yogurt, reduce sugar
- No bacon: Skip it or use smoked nuts for flavor
- Extra crunch: Add diced apples or celery
- Low sugar: Cut sugar in half or use a substitute
If you want, I can give you a version closer to deli-style (less sweet, more tangy) or a meal-prep version that stays crisp longer.