Description

This Amish Broccoli Salad features fresh broccoli florets tossed with crunchy sunflower seeds, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and sweet raisins, all coated in a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. It’s a vibrant, make-ahead salad perfect for potlucks or casual meals that melds crisp textures with savory and sweet flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/3 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

Dressing Ingredients

3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh broccoli florets, thinly sliced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, cooked and crumbled bacon, and raisins or dried cranberries if using. Toss these ingredients gently to mix them evenly.
Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This tangy dressing will coat the salad ingredients beautifully.
Combine salad and dressing: Pour the creamy dressing over the broccoli mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the dressing for maximum flavor infusion.
Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the broccoli to absorb the dressing.
Serve: Before serving, stir the salad gently once more. For the best texture, add the bacon right before serving if you prepared the salad a day ahead to keep the bacon crisp.

Notes

This salad can be prepared up to a day in advance. Add the bacon just before serving to maintain its crispiness.
For a lighter version, substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
You can swap raisins for dried cranberries if preferred for a slightly different sweetness.