Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

This hearty Amish Broccoli Salad has been my go-to dish for potlucks and family gatherings for years. The crisp vegetables combined with a creamy, slightly sweet dressing create a perfect balance that even vegetable skeptics can't resist.

I first made this for a summer barbecue when I needed something to balance the heavier grilled dishes. It was the first empty bowl at the table, and now my family requests it for every gathering regardless of season.

Ingredients

• Fresh broccoli head provides the perfect crunch and packs impressive nutritional benefits. Look for tight, dark green florets without yellowing.
• Cauliflower head offers a milder flavor that balances the broccoli beautifully. Choose firm heads without brown spots.
• Mayonnaise creates the creamy base for the dressing. Full-fat mayo works best for the richest flavor.
• Apple cider vinegar adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness. White vinegar works too but has a sharper profile.
• Sugar balances the tanginess with necessary sweetness. The authentic Amish version embraces this sweetness.
• Salt enhances all the flavors and brings everything together.
• Cheddar cheese brings savory depth. Opt for medium or sharp cheddar for more pronounced flavor.
• Bacon provides smoky, salty goodness. Thick-cut bacon offers more substantial texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables

Cut broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces small enough to eat easily but large enough to maintain texture. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry to prevent diluting the dressing. Combine these vegetables in a large mixing bowl with plenty of room for tossing.

Create the Dressing

In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and the sugar fully dissolves. This creates a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy dressing that defines Amish broccoli salad.

Combine and Coat

Pour the prepared dressing over your vegetables, ensuring every piece gets coated. The dressing should generously cover all the vegetables but not pool in the bottom. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and fold everything together gently to avoid breaking the florets.

Chill for Flavor Development

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour, though longer is better. This critical step allows the vegetables to slightly soften and the flavors to meld together beautifully. The dressing penetrates the vegetables slightly while they maintain their crispness.

Finish with Bacon

Just before serving, crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle it across the top of the salad. Adding it last preserves the crispy texture that makes such a wonderful contrast to the creamy vegetables.

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My grandmother always said the secret to this salad was letting it sit overnight. I once rushed and served it immediately, and while good, it couldn't compare to the depth of flavor that develops after proper chilling. The bacon is my favorite component as it adds the perfect salty finish to each bite.

Make It Your Own

This classic Amish broccoli salad welcomes creativity. Try adding dried cranberries for sweetness and color, or sunflower seeds for extra crunch. Green onions provide a mild bite that complements the other flavors beautifully. For a heartier version, add diced red onion or hard-boiled eggs. Each addition creates a slightly different experience while maintaining the essence of this beloved salad.

Storage Tips

This salad keeps remarkably well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors continue to develop, making it sometimes even better on day two. If you plan to make it further ahead, consider keeping the bacon separate and adding it just before serving to maintain its crispness. The dressing may thicken slightly in storage, so a quick stir before serving refreshes the consistency.

The Amish Connection

Traditional Amish cooking celebrates simplicity, freshness, and community. This broccoli salad exemplifies these values with its straightforward preparation and crowd-pleasing results. Amish cooks typically use ingredients from their gardens and dairy products from their farms. While modern adaptations exist, the core elements of creamy dressing, fresh vegetables, cheese, and bacon remain true to its heritage as a dish meant to be shared at community gatherings and family meals.

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Common Questions

→ How far in advance can I make Amish broccoli salad?

You can prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance. For best results, keep the dressing separate and combine it with the vegetables 1-2 hours before serving. Add the bacon just before serving to maintain its crispiness.

→ Can I use frozen broccoli or cauliflower?

Fresh vegetables are strongly recommended for this salad as they provide the signature crunch. Frozen vegetables tend to become too soft when thawed and won't maintain the desired texture.

→ Is there a lighter version of the dressing?

Yes! You can substitute light mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt for half or all of the regular mayonnaise. You can also reduce the sugar to lower the calories while maintaining the creamy texture.

→ What makes this an "Amish" salad?

This style of broccoli salad is associated with Amish communities known for hearty, simple dishes using fresh ingredients. The combination of vegetables with a sweet, creamy dressing and bacon is typical of traditional Amish cooking.

→ What main dishes pair well with this salad?

This salad works beautifully alongside grilled meats, fried chicken, hamburgers, or sandwiches. It's particularly popular at potlucks, picnics, and barbecues as it holds up well without wilting.

→ Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, use a plant-based mayonnaise and omit the cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative. The salad will still be delicious with the sweet dressing and bacon.