If you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing side that’s packed with texture, flavor, and a little nostalgia, this Easy Amish Broccoli Salad is it. With its vibrant crunch, creamy dressing, and bursts of sweet and savory goodness, this dish is more than just a salad—it’s the kind of thing that disappears first at the potluck. Whether you’re serving it up with dinner, at a picnic, or as part of your weekly meal prep, this salad will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
You’ll love how easy this is! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s the kind of dish that feels homemade and wholesome, yet takes hardly any time to throw together. Plus, the flavors actually improve after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, making it perfect for making ahead.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this creamy, crunchy delight:
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces – The star of the show! Look for bright green heads and crisp texture. Don’t forget to peel and chop those stems—they’re delicious and too good to waste.
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced – Adds a pop of color and a mild bite that balances the sweetness of the dressing.
- 1/2 cup shredded or cubed cheddar cheese – Sharp or mild, choose your favorite. It adds richness and a creamy counterpoint to the veggies.
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds – Totally optional, but adds an irresistible crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries – For a subtle sweetness. Dried cranberries give a slight tang and beautiful color contrast.
- For the dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise – Forms the base of that classic creamy dressing.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – Just enough to mellow out the vinegar.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – Brings the perfect tang to balance everything out.
Optional Add-ins:
- Shredded carrots
- Chopped bell peppers
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
Prepare the Broccoli
Start by rinsing your broccoli thoroughly. Chop it into small, bite-sized florets. If the stems are thick, peel the outer layer and dice the tender inner part. You can use raw broccoli for a crisp bite or blanch it briefly (1 minute in boiling water, then into ice water) if you prefer it just slightly softened.
Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and creamy. Give it a taste—you can adjust the sugar or vinegar based on your personal preferences. Like it more tangy? Add another splash of vinegar. Want it a little sweeter? Sprinkle in a touch more sugar.
Combine the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, red onion, cheese, sunflower seeds or almonds, and raisins or cranberries. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated and glossy.
Chill the Salad
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour. This gives the broccoli time to soak up all the delicious flavors, and the dressing thickens a little as it chills.
Tips and Tricks
- Make it ahead: Amish Broccoli Salad is one of those dishes that actually tastes better the next day. The flavors meld beautifully and the broccoli softens just enough while staying crisp.
- Customize it: This salad is wonderfully adaptable. No raisins? Use cranberries. Want to lighten it up? Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt. Prefer a dairy-free option? Use vegan mayo and skip the cheese.
- Keep the texture fresh: If you’re adding nuts or seeds, toss them in just before serving so they stay crunchy.
- Double the batch: Making this for a big group? You can easily double or triple the ingredients—it scales beautifully!
Serving Suggestions
This salad is incredibly versatile, and you can serve it with just about anything. Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy it:
- At a picnic or barbecue: Amish Broccoli Salad is a classic potluck dish. It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, steak, or veggie skewers.
- As a holiday side dish: It adds freshness and crunch to any holiday spread and offers a lighter counterpoint to heavier casseroles and mains.
- With sandwiches or wraps: It’s a great side for lunch—hearty enough to stand alone but also complements deli sandwiches or leftover roast chicken.
- Meal prep hero: It keeps well in the fridge and doesn’t get soggy, making it perfect for meal prepping your weekday lunches.
You can even scoop it into lettuce cups or tortillas for a low-effort, high-flavor snack!
Storage Instructions
Amish Broccoli Salad is a great make-ahead option and stores beautifully.
- Refrigerator: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The flavors deepen over time, so it’s often even better the second day!
- Avoid freezing: This salad is not freezer-friendly. Freezing changes the texture of the broccoli and the dressing tends to separate when thawed.
- Refresh before serving: If the salad has been sitting for a day or two, give it a quick stir before serving. You can also add a small spoonful of fresh dressing if it seems dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh is really best here. Frozen broccoli tends to be softer and waterier, which takes away from the salad’s crisp bite.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
Try Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or use a mayo-yogurt combo. If you’re dairy-free, go with a plant-based mayo.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! This salad is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Just assemble, refrigerate, and enjoy within 3–4 days.
Is this salad healthy?
It’s definitely veggie-forward and packed with fiber and vitamins from the broccoli. You can make it lighter by adjusting the mayo or sugar, or adding more veggies.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about a cold, creamy broccoli salad—and this Amish Broccoli Salad hits all the right notes. It’s crunchy, creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to a flavorful side, this salad fits right in. It’s the kind of simple, satisfying dish you’ll find yourself making again and again.
So grab your broccoli and get tossing—this might just become your new favorite side dish!
Amish Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded or diced cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds (optional)
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, red onion, cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds (if using), raisins or cranberries, and crumbled bacon.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
