If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant salad bursting with texture and flavor, you absolutely must try this Amish Broccoli Salad with Cauliflower, Turkey Bacon & Raisins Recipe. It’s a delightful medley of crisp broccoli and cauliflower, sweet golden raisins, smoky turkey bacon, and a creamy, tangy dressing that pulls everything together perfectly. This salad strikes the ideal balance between fresh and savory, crunchy and creamy, making it a standout dish for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner, a picnic, or a potluck with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to nailing this Amish Broccoli Salad with Cauliflower, Turkey Bacon & Raisins Recipe. Each component plays an important role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures, from the crunchy vegetables to the sweet raisins and salty bacon.
- 4 cups chopped broccoli: Choose fresh florets with bright green color for maximum crunch and nutrition.
- 4 cups chopped cauliflower: Adds wonderful white contrast and a mild flavor that complements the broccoli.
- 3/4 cup golden raisins: These bring a lovely natural sweetness and chewiness to the salad.
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion: Provides a subtle sharpness and vibrant pops of color.
- 1/3 cup salted sunflower seeds: Adds an irresistible crunch and a toasty nuttiness.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds the dressing and coats the veggies smoothly.
- 3/4 cup sour cream: Contributes a tangy, rich flavor and silky texture to the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons vinegar: Provides brightness and balances the sweetness in the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Just enough sweetness to enhance and marry all the ingredients perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1 cup crumbled cheese (sharp cheddar is ideal): Adds a savory depth and creamy texture to the salad.
- Turkey bacon (amount to taste): Crisply cooked to add smoky, meaty flavor that’s lighter than pork bacon.
How to Make Amish Broccoli Salad with Cauliflower, Turkey Bacon & Raisins Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Turkey Bacon
Start by cooking the turkey bacon in a cast iron skillet or another heavy-bottomed pan until it’s beautifully crisp. This step infuses the salad with a smoky aroma and satisfying crunch. Once cooked, set it aside to cool while you prepare the veggies.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables and Cheese
Chop your broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces to make every bite enjoyable. Finely dice the red onion so its flavor melds smoothly with the rest of the salad. Crumble the sharp cheddar cheese to sprinkle throughout, adding a savory richness that perfectly contrasts the sweet raisins.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Base
In a large bowl, toss together the broccoli, cauliflower, diced onion, golden raisins, and salted sunflower seeds. This combination of colors and textures is already beginning to look—and smell—like something special.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar and salt into the vinegar until dissolved. Then carefully blend in the mayonnaise and sour cream to create a smooth, creamy dressing. This balance of tangy, sweet, and savory is key to making the Amish Broccoli Salad with Cauliflower, Turkey Bacon & Raisins Recipe truly shine.
Step 5: Add Turkey Bacon
Now, crumble the cooled turkey bacon into the salad mixture, distributing that smoky flavor evenly throughout. It’s amazing how much depth this simple ingredient adds.
Step 6: Toss With Dressing
Pour your luscious dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly. Make sure every piece of broccoli, cauliflower, and raisin gets a generous coating that will marry all the ingredients together beautifully.
Step 7: Chill Before Serving
Transfer your salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling allows the flavors to mingle and the textures to settle into that perfect bite you’re aiming for.
How to Serve Amish Broccoli Salad with Cauliflower, Turkey Bacon & Raisins Recipe
Garnishes
For extra flair, sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving—both bring a fresh herbaceous note that brightens things up. If you want a little more crunch, add some extra sunflower seeds or crumbled cheese as a final touch.
Side Dishes
This Amish Broccoli Salad with Cauliflower, Turkey Bacon & Raisins Recipe shines as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even a hearty sandwich. It’s such a versatile salad that it can also star on its own for a light lunch or picnic treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or tomatoes for a fun, colorful twist. Alternatively, layer it in a glass trifle bowl to show off the vibrant layers or serve scoops atop toasted baguette slices for an easy appetizer that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to three days, though the vegetables may lose some of their crunch. Give it a gentle toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing and refresh the texture.
Freezing
This salad does not freeze well because the mayonnaise and fresh veggies can separate and become watery after thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a few days of making.
Reheating
Since this salad is best served chilled, reheating is not recommended. However, if you want the turkey bacon warm, crisp up some fresh bacon on the side to top the salad when serving for that warm, comforting touch.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Absolutely! Regular bacon will add a richer, smokier flavor, but turkey bacon offers a lighter, leaner alternative that still provides delicious crispness.
Is it okay to substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt works well as a tangy, healthier substitute that keeps the dressing creamy while adding a little extra protein.
Can I make this salad vegan?
You can, but you’d need to swap the mayonnaise and sour cream for vegan versions and skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. Turkey bacon could be replaced with smoked tempeh for similar smoky flavor.
What’s the best way to keep the salad crunchy?
Be sure to chop everything fresh and store the salad chilled until just before serving. Adding sunflower seeds last-minute also helps maintain crunch.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, or sliced cucumbers for extra color and nutrition without losing the salad’s classic appeal.
Final Thoughts
This Amish Broccoli Salad with Cauliflower, Turkey Bacon & Raisins Recipe truly feels like a little celebration in every bite. It’s fresh, flavorful, and completely satisfying, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to something bright and nourishing. I can’t wait for you to make it and enjoy all those delightful textures and flavors—it just might become one of your go-to salads for good!
Print
Amish Broccoli Salad with Cauliflower, Turkey Bacon & Raisins Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus at least 1 hour chilling
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Amish/American
Description
This Amish Broccoli Salad combines fresh broccoli and cauliflower with sweet golden raisins, crunchy sunflower seeds, and savory turkey bacon, all tossed in a creamy tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, and sugar. It’s a refreshing, crunchy salad perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a healthy side dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Mix-ins
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 4 cups chopped cauliflower
- 3/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/3 cup salted sunflower seeds
- 1 cup crumbled cheese (such as sharp cheddar)
- 4–6 slices turkey bacon, chopped
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the turkey bacon: In a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat, cook the chopped turkey bacon until it becomes crisp. Remove from heat and set aside on paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Prepare the vegetables and cheese: Chop the broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the red onion and crumble the sharp cheddar cheese if not pre-crumbled.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped broccoli, cauliflower, diced red onion, golden raisins, and salted sunflower seeds. Mix gently to distribute evenly.
- Make the dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the sugar, salt, and vinegar until the sugar dissolves. Gradually blend in the mayonnaise and sour cream until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Add turkey bacon: Stir the cooked and cooled turkey bacon pieces into the salad mixture.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the vegetables.
- Chill before serving: Transfer the salad to an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to cool.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit turkey bacon or substitute with a plant-based bacon alternative.
- Golden raisins add a sweet contrast that balances the savory ingredients.
- Use salted sunflower seeds for extra flavor and crunch; for a salt-free version, use unsalted seeds and adjust salt in dressing accordingly.
- Chilling the salad helps enhance the flavor and texture.
- The salad can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated.
- Feel free to substitute mayonnaise with a light or vegan mayo to reduce fat or make it vegan-friendly.
