Amish broccoli salad is the kind of side dish that quietly steals the spotlight. With its perfect balance of crisp-tender broccoli, sweet raisins, smoky bacon, and a creamy, tangy dressing, this simple yet irresistible recipe belongs at every potluck, picnic, and Sunday dinner table.
You’ll love how quickly this vibrant salad comes together—no cooking required, just mix, chill, and serve. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats, fried chicken, or serving it at a holiday buffet, this salad will disappear fast.
Table of Contents
💚 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No cooking required – 15-minute prep
- Sweet, savory, and creamy in every bite
- Crunchy texture and bright color
- Perfect make-ahead side for gatherings
- Easily adaptable to your taste or dietary needs
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup raisins
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup crispy bacon bits
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
Optional Garnish:
- Extra bacon bits
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Wash broccoli under cold water and cut into small, bite-sized florets. Pat dry.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, raisins, chopped red onion, and bacon bits. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
Step 5: Serve
Give the salad a quick stir before serving. Top with extra bacon bits or sunflower seeds for added crunch.
⏱️ Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Skill Level: Easy
📊 Nutrition Facts (Per 1 cup serving)
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Cholesterol: 15mg
💡 Tips & Variations
- Make it vegetarian: Omit bacon or use plant-based bacon bits
- Swap the raisins: Use dried cranberries or chopped dates for a twist
- Add crunch: Sprinkle with sunflower seeds or slivered almonds
- Cheese it up: Stir in shredded cheddar for extra richness
- Lighten it up: Use plain Greek yogurt instead of some or all the mayo
❓ FAQs
Can I make Amish broccoli salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes better when chilled for a few hours or overnight.
Do I need to cook the broccoli?
No, this salad uses raw broccoli for a crisp texture. But you can blanch it for 30 seconds if you prefer a slightly softer bite.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days in an airtight container. The broccoli stays surprisingly crisp!
Can I use turkey bacon or no bacon at all?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon, plant-based bacon, or no bacon still makes for a great salad.
Amish Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- **Prep Broccoli**: Wash and chop broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- **Make Dressing**: Whisk mayo, vinegar, and sugar in a medium bowl until creamy.
- **Mix Salad**: In a large bowl, combine broccoli, raisins, onion, and bacon. Pour dressing over and toss gently.
- **Chill**: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- **Serve**: Stir again and top with garnish before serving.
Notes
– Use Greek yogurt for a lighter version
– Make up to 24 hours in advance
🥗 Serving Suggestions
- BBQ pulled pork or grilled chicken
- Holiday ham or roasted turkey
- Picnic spreads with pasta salad and deviled eggs
- Served solo as a light lunch with crusty bread