Here’s a fun, retro twist that surprises and delights: Popcorn Salad! 🥗🍿 It’s crunchy, creamy, tangy, and totally Midwest — perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just when you’re feeling adventurous.
🍿 Popcorn Salad Recipe
🍽️ Servings: 6–8
🕒 Prep Time: 15 min
🧺 Dish Type: Side Salad
Flavor: Creamy, tangy, crunchy
Vibe: Classic, quirky, potluck-ready
📝 Ingredients
- 8 cups popped popcorn (plain, not buttered)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp sugar (optional for a hint of sweetness)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup celery, finely sliced
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- 4 strips crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
🔥 Directions
1. Make the dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Add the mix-ins
Stir in carrots, celery, green onions, bacon, and cheese. Mix until everything’s well-coated.
3. Add popcorn last
Just before serving, fold in the popcorn gently to coat — be careful not to crush it!
4. Serve immediately
This salad is best enjoyed right after mixing so the popcorn stays crispy.
💡 Tips & Notes
- Add-ins: Peas, diced red bell pepper, or water chestnuts add crunch and color.
- Make-ahead: Prep the dressing and veggies ahead of time, and mix in popcorn just before serving.
- Flavor boost: Try adding a dash of Dijon mustard or a sprinkle of paprika.
❄️ Storage
Leftovers don’t keep well due to sogginess — so make just enough or keep popcorn and dressing separate until ready to eat.
Popcorn Salad Recipe
8
servings15
minutesIngredients
8 cups popped popcorn (plain, not buttered)
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 tsp sugar (optional for a hint of sweetness)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup celery, finely sliced
½ cup chopped green onions
4 strips crispy bacon, crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
- Make the dressing In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the mix-ins Stir in carrots, celery, green onions, bacon, and cheese. Mix until everything’s well-coated.
- Add popcorn last Just before serving, fold in the popcorn gently to coat — be careful not to crush it!
- Serve immediately This salad is best enjoyed right after mixing so the popcorn stays crispy.
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