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
Scale
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.
