This Amish Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is the ultimate creamy and crunchy side dish you’ve been searching for. Made with fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, and sunflower seeds, it’s tossed in a sweet and tangy mayo-based dressing that pulls everything together.
Perfect for picnics, potlucks, barbecues, or even weeknight dinners, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also holds up well in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead option. If you’re after a refreshing and flavorful vegetable salad, this Amish classic won’t disappoint.
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What is Amish Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad?
Amish Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is a classic, hearty side dish made with crisp broccoli and cauliflower florets, smoky bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, and crunchy sunflower seeds, all tossed in a creamy, sweet-and-tangy mayonnaise dressing.
Despite its name, it isn’t strictly Amish, but rather inspired by the simple, wholesome ingredients often associated with Amish cooking. It’s known for its delicious contrast of textures and flavors, making it a favorite at potlucks, BBQs, and family dinners. This easy-to-make salad offers a perfect balance of freshness, creaminess, and crunch in every bite.
Key Ingredients for Amish Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad:
Here’s a look at what you’ll need:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups fresh cauliflower florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6-8 slices)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese cubes, small
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
How to Make Amish Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad:
This salad is a breeze to whip up, taking about 15 minutes to prepare, and the results are incredibly delicious and satisfying! The creamy, slightly sweet dressing perfectly complements the crisp vegetables and salty bacon. It’s a taste sensation that’s perfect for any occasion.
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Amish Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, crunchy, and fresh side salad made with broccoli, cauliflower, crispy bacon, cheese, and a tangy-sweet dressing—perfect for potlucks and barbecues.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups fresh cauliflower florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6–8 slices)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese cubes, small
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli and cauliflower florets.
- Add the cooked and crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese cubes, finely chopped red onion, and sunflower seeds. Stir gently to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, and white vinegar until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli and cauliflower mixture and fold until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Stir before serving and enjoy chilled.
Notes
Pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or barbecue ribs. Best when made a day ahead to allow flavors to develop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Why You’ll Love This Amish Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

This salad is an absolute winner for so many reasons! Firstly, the combination of creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables creates an irresistible texture contrast that will have you coming back for more. On top of that, let’s talk about the cost benefits! Making this at home is significantly cheaper than buying pre-made salads from the store.
Those can be seriously expensive, and they never taste quite as fresh. And finally— the star ingredients! Crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and red onion all contribute to the symphony of flavours that make this salad a standout creation. If you enjoyed this salad you might want give our “Creamy Cucumber Salad” a whirl! Both salads give summer a run for its money! What are you waiting for? Give this recipe a shot in your own kitchen, and trust me, you won’t regret it!
What to Serve Amish Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad With
This salad is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Grilled Meats: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or hamburgers for a classic barbecue combination.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: This salad makes a refreshing side dish for sandwiches, wraps, or paninis.
- Potlucks and Picnics: It’s a perfect addition to any potluck or picnic spread, offering a light and flavorful option.
- Main Course Salads: Pair it with grilled shrimp or chicken on a bed of lettuce for a more substantial salad meal.
- BBQ ribs or Pulled Pork: The sweetness of the salad complements the richness of barbeque!
Top Tips for Perfecting Amish Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and cauliflower are key to the salad’s crispness and flavor. If using frozen vegetables, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the salad.
- Chop the Vegetables Uniformly: Cutting the broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces ensures that they are easy to eat and that the flavors blend well together.
- Don’t Overdo the Dressing: Add the dressing gradually and mix well to avoid making the salad too soggy. You can always add more dressing if needed.
- Bacon Bits Substitute: Don’t have bacon? No worries! Use crunchy bacon bits as a easy substitute.
- Chill Before Serving: Chilling the salad for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to absorb the dressing, resulting in a more delicious and flavorful salad.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add other ingredients to the salad, such as shredded carrots, celery, or chopped bell peppers.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing. You can also use a sugar substitute such as Stevia or honey. Sugar can be eliminated for those who do not want to incorporate it into the salad.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storage: Store leftover Amish Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so reheating is not recommended. However, if the salad is too cold straight from the refrigerator, you can let it sit at room temperature for a short period before serving.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the mayonnaise-based dressing will separate and become watery when thawed.
- Pro Tip: The salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days, as the vegetables may start to lose their crispness over time. If you are preparing the salad ahead of time, you can store the vegetables and dressing separately and combine them just before serving to keep the salad as fresh as possible.
Final Thoughts:
This Amish Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a side dish for a barbecue or a light lunch option, this salad is sure to satisfy. Give it a try and experience the irresistible combination of creamy, crunchy, and fresh flavors!
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Feel free to explore, save, and share your favorites – there’s a whole world of cozy, homemade magic waiting for you!
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can! In fact, it’s best to make it at least 2 hours ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld together. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator until serving.
Can I use frozen broccoli and cauliflower?
While fresh vegetables are preferred for the best texture, you can use frozen broccoli and cauliflower. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the salad.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with another type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a sharp provolone.
Can I add nuts to this salad?
Yes, you can! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a great addition, adding extra crunch and flavor.
ENJOY
i love it