{"id":132659,"date":"2018-01-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-09-15T01:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/origin-www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/popcorn-salad\/"},"modified":"2025-06-17T12:57:57","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T17:57:57","slug":"popcorn-salad","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/popcorn-salad\/","title":{"rendered":"Popcorn Salad"},"content":{"rendered":"

Popcorn in a salad? Yep, you read it right. Not to be confused with movie theater salad, which combines buttery popcorn with candy mix-ins, this popcorn salad is a savory side dish from the Midwest. It’s the sort of kitschy, old-fashioned recipe you’d find in well-worn copies of Junior League and church cookbooks<\/a>.<\/p>\n

With a mayo-based dressing and fun mix-ins, popcorn salad may be an unexpected combination, but there’s no denying the creativity and fun packed into this dish. Plus, aside from popping corn kernels, this is a no-cook recipe. Once you try it, you’ll get why it’s such a crowd favorite!<\/p>\n

What is popcorn salad?<\/h2>\n

Popcorn salad is a side dish that combines freshly popped popcorn with a creamy mayonnaise dressing and mix-ins, like crunchy veggies, shredded cheese and smoky bacon. Our version includes fresh celery and carrots, water chestnuts, shredded cheddar cheese, crispy crumbled bacon and aromatic chives.<\/p>\n

We keep the dressing simple with plain mayo. I’ve seen other versions that include a spoonful of Dijon or a splash of vinegar for extra tang, similar to other mayonnaise-based salads like creamy potato salad.<\/p>\n

It’s anyone’s guess where popcorn salad originated, but celebrity foodie Molly Yeh featured it on an episode of Girl Meets Farm<\/em>\u2014and the internet had a lot to say about it!<\/p>\n

According to Molly, popcorn salad is a Midwest favorite at potlucks and church gatherings. Some people are turned off by the thought of popcorn in a creamy, savory salad, while others are (rightfully) intrigued. Those who have tried it say it’s a must-make. There’s only one way to find out which camp you fall into.<\/p>\n

Popcorn Salad Ingredients<\/h2>\n

\"AMark Derse for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n