Amish Broccoli Salad

Introduction

Amish Broccoli Salad is a delightful and wholesome dish that combines fresh vegetables with a creamy dressing to create a crowd-pleasing recipe. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, this salad is beloved for its flavors and simple preparation. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or looking for a tasty way to add more greens to your meals, Amish Broccoli Salad is a great option. Let’s dive into the details of this fresh and flavorful dish.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Broccoli florets:

8 cups, chopped

Red onion:

1 small, finely diced

Crisp-cooked bacon:

10 slices, crumbled

Sunflower seeds:

1 cup

Shredded cheddar cheese:

1 cup

For the dressing:

Mayonnaise:

1 cup

Sugar:

1/4 cup

Apple cider vinegar:

2 tablespoons

Prep Time

Chopping, mixing, and preparing this Amish Broccoli Salad will only require about 15 minutes. The straightforward recipe ensures that you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the delicious flavors.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: No cooking is required for this salad
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 8

This refreshing, yet rich salad can brighten up any meal or event with its balanced texture and distinctive flavor. It combines the crunch of broccoli and sunflower seeds with the creaminess of the dressing, offering a dish that’s both nutritious and indulgent. Give it a try and enjoy!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Broccoli

Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Wash thoroughly under cold water, then pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Add the florets to a large mixing bowl.

Cook the Bacon

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon slices to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Allow the bacon to cool, then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.

Combine the Vegetables

Finely dice the red onion and add it to the bowl with the broccoli florets. Toss in the shredded cheddar cheese for added flavor.

Prepare the Dressing

In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise, white vinegar, and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. This will be the salad dressing.

Combine Salad and Dressing

Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. With a large spoon or spatula, gently toss the mixture to ensure the dressing coats the vegetables evenly.

Add the Bacon

Add the crumbled bacon to the salad and give everything a good mix until the bacon is evenly distributed throughout.

Chill the Salad

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve the Salad

Once chilled, remove the salad from the refrigerator, give it a quick stir, and serve immediately. Enjoy your Amish Broccoli Salad!

Notes

On the Broccoli

Ensure the broccoli florets are completely dry before mixing with the dressing to prevent the salad from becoming watery.

On the Bacon

For added convenience, pre-cooked bacon can be used. Alternatively, thick-cut bacon can be cooked for extra texture and flavor.

On the Onion

Red onion is recommended for its mild flavor, but you can substitute it with yellow or white onion if preferred.

On the Dressing

If you prefer a less sweet dressing, reduce the amount of sugar or substitute with a natural sweetener.

On Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the salad may become less crunchy over time.

On Add-Ins

Feel free to customize the salad by adding sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, or diced apples for extra texture and flavor.

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Cook techniques

Preparing Broccoli

Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Rinse thoroughly under cold water to clean and drain it completely before using in the salad.

Cooking Bacon

Fry the bacon until it’s crispy. Once cooked, remove from the pan and let it cool on a paper towel to absorb excess grease. Crumble the bacon into small pieces for adding to the salad.

Mixing the Salad Dressing

Combine the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar in a small bowl. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the dressing has a smooth consistency.

Combining All Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped broccoli, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and other desired ingredients. Pour over the prepared dressing and toss to combine thoroughly.

Chilling Before Serving

Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the flavors to blend beautifully before serving.

FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture and flavor in the salad. If you use frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw it completely and remove any excess moisture before using.

How long can I store Amish Broccoli Salad?

The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, the texture of the salad may change slightly as it sits.

Can I use a different dressing?

Yes, you can experiment with other dressings, but the traditional combination of mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar is what gives the salad its classic taste.

What other ingredients can I add to the salad?

You can add ingredients like sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture variety.

Is this salad gluten-free?

The salad itself is gluten-free, but ensure that any prepackaged ingredients like bacon or shredded cheese are confirmed as gluten-free before using.

Conclusion

The Amish broccoli salad is a delightful combination of fresh vegetables and flavorful ingredients that is both satisfying and quick to prepare. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or as a side dish for any meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Its versatility allows it to be adjusted to suit personal tastes, making it a truly enjoyable recipe to make and share.

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