Amish Broccoli Salad | An Easy Delicious Side

One of my favorite things about where I live is having a small Amish grocery and deli right down the road. It’s the kind of place that always has the simplest, most comforting foods—made the old-fashioned way. Every time I stop in, I find myself grabbing a container of their classic broccoli salad recipe. It’s creamy, a little sweet, perfectly crunchy, and always made with the freshest ingredients. This Amish-style broccoli and cauliflower salad is inspired by that deli favorite and has become one of my favorite side dishes for potlucks, holidays, and easy weeknight meals at home.

It’s easy to make ahead, gets better as it chills, and pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, or holiday spreads.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Amish-style flavor – creamy, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced
• No cooking required – quick prep, big payoff
• Make-ahead friendly – ideal for gatherings and meal prep
• Crunchy & creamy texture in every bite

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Ingredients

Salad

• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
• 3 cups fresh cauliflower florets, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup bacon bits (or cooked, crumbled bacon)
• ½ cup raisins

Amish-Style Dressing

• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prep the vegetables
   Wash and thoroughly dry the heads of broccoli and cauliflower. Chop into small, bite-sized pieces and add to a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the mix-ins
   Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, real bacon bits, and raisins until evenly distributed.
3. Make the dressing
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine
   Pour the dressing mixture over the salad and gently toss until everything is well coated.
5. Chill
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften slightly.
6. Serve
   Give it a final stir and adjust seasoning if needed before serving cold.

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Tips for the Best Amish Broccoli Salad

• Chop small: Smaller florets absorb the dressing better and are easier to eat.
• Sharp cheddar works best: It balances the sweetness of the raisins and dressing.
• Let it rest: Overnight chilling makes the flavor even better.
• Dry veggies well: Excess moisture can water down the dressing.

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Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap raisins for dried cranberries
• Add sunflower seeds or chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch
• Use half mayo, half sour cream or plain greek yogurt for a slightly tangier dressing
• Stir in finely diced red onion for a sharper bite

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Make-Ahead & Storage

• Make ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance
• Store: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge
• Do not freeze: The creamy dressing does not freeze well

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Perfect Pairings

This Amish broccoli cauliflower salad pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled chicken, pork chops, or burgers
• Fried chicken or baked ham
• Sandwiches, sliders, and picnic spreads

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