🥦🥓 Amish Broccoli Salad – Absolutely Amazing!
🧾 Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli, chopped into bite-sized florets
- 1 head of cauliflower, chopped into small florets
- 1 cup mayonnaise (you can use light mayo if preferred)
- 1 cup sour cream (plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute)
- ½ cup sugar (or use a sugar substitute like Stevia or erythritol)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ pound (225g) bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
🔁 Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds or chopped nuts for crunch
- A dash of black pepper or garlic powder for extra flavor
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prep the Veggies:
- Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli and cauliflower.
- Cut both into small, bite-sized florets and place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Cook the Bacon:
- Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove and place on paper towels to drain, then crumble into small pieces once cooled.
3. Make the Dressing:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, and salt until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli and cauliflower.
- Add in the crumbled bacon (and any optional ingredients like cheese or onion).
- Mix well to coat everything evenly.
5. Chill:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and the vegetables to slightly soften.
🥗 Description
This salad is creamy, tangy, crunchy, and bursting with flavor. The raw broccoli and cauliflower stay crisp, while the dressing adds a sweet and savory richness. The bacon brings saltiness and crunch, making it incredibly satisfying. It’s a fresh twist on traditional coleslaw or pasta salad — with no cooking (except for the bacon) and no fuss.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve cold as a side dish with grilled meats, sandwiches, or at a picnic.
- Great for holidays, potlucks, or a meal-prep lunch.
- Pairs well with roast chicken, burgers, or BBQ ribs.
❄️ Storage
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Best enjoyed within 24–48 hours for peak freshness.
- Not ideal for freezing due to the creamy dressing and raw vegetables.
💡 Tips for Success
- Use fresh, firm vegetables — avoid frozen or pre-chopped for best crunch.
- Let the salad chill well before serving — this improves both texture and taste.
- Cook the bacon extra crispy to avoid sogginess in the salad.
- Adjust the sugar level to taste — you can reduce it or use alternatives.
- Add some acidity (like a splash of apple cider vinegar) if you want a tangier kick.
🌱 Make it Healthier:
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Choose turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives.
- Reduce or replace sugar with a natural sweetener.
- Add more fresh veggies like shredded carrots or red bell peppers.