For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Start with fresh broccoli. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water and pat dry. Chop into small, bite-sized florets. You want pieces that are easy to scoop with a fork, not too large.
Tip: You can lightly blanch the broccoli by boiling it for 30 seconds and immediately transferring it to ice water. This keeps the broccoli bright green and slightly tender, but still crunchy.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Cook your bacon until crisp. You can fry it in a pan over medium heat or bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes. Once cooked, let it cool slightly, then crumble into small pieces.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped broccoli, diced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, crumbled bacon, and sunflower seeds (if using). Toss everything gently to combine.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth. Taste and season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. The dressing should be sweet, tangy, and creamy.
Step 5: Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Using a large spoon or salad tongs, gently fold the dressing into the salad until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the broccoli.
Step 6: Chill for Best Flavor
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, giving the broccoli a slightly tangy-sweet flavor and allowing the bacon and cheese to infuse the salad.
Tip: For a more intense flavor, you can prepare the salad a day in advance.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and taste for seasoning. Adjust with extra salt, pepper, or a dash more vinegar if needed. Serve chilled as a side dish alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or at holiday gatherings.
Variations to Try
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or almonds for extra texture.
- Fruity Twist: Swap cranberries for chopped apples or grapes.
- Healthier Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dressing.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan mayo and omit bacon or replace with smoked tempeh.
Final Thoughts
Amish Broccoli Salad is more than just a simple side dish; it’s a celebration of textures and flavors. The crisp broccoli, creamy dressing, sweet cranberries, and smoky bacon make every bite a delight. With this step-by-step guide, you can easily recreate this classic salad at home, impressing family and friends alike.
If you want, I can also create a visual ingredient chart and step-by-step infographic for this salad to make it even easier to follow. It would be perfect for sharing or printing.
Do you want me to do that?
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