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This Popcorn Salad Recipe is so unique and delicious! Crunchy and flavorful, you’ll love to bring this easy side dish to potlucks.

Popcorn Salad with Mayonnaise

If you’ve never tried this salad before, you are in for a treat! Full of crunchy ingredients, it’s a simple salad with a ton of flavor. You can really taste the cheddar cheese and bacon.

Serve it right away for an extra crunchy salad or make ahead and the popcorn will soften up, tasting more like a pasta salad. Either way, it’s super yummy! This salad is so full of flavor that it will be a big hit at any neighborhood bbq or potluck.

Looking for more side dishes for bringing to a potluck? Check out these easy recipes: Easy Chicken Pasta Salad – Healthy Main Dish Pasta Salad Recipe!, Egg Salad With Bacon, or Keto Cauliflower “Potato” Salad. All are crowd-pleasers!

How To Make Popcorn Salad

This easy recipe basically involves tossing ingredients into a mixing bowl and stirring to combine.

Start with popped popcorn. We prefer the salted variety for this dish. Add 6 cups to a medium-sized bowl.

Next chop up 2 stalks of celery (ends and leaves removed) and 2 green onions. Add these veggies to the bowl.

Open up a package of bacon bits and empty into bowl. Follow that up with a (drained) can of water chestnuts.

Finally, add the shredded carrots, cheese, and mayonnaise. Toss to mix. And you’re done!

Cooking Tips

Be sure to drain the water chestnuts before adding to the salad
Served immediately after preparation, the salad is crunchy. If the popcorn softens, the texture is more like a pasta salad
Feel free to change up the recipe according to your preferences. Try flavored popcorn, adding seasonings, or swapping out the cheddar cheese for another type of shredded cheese

What Are Some Healthy Substitutions for Mayonnaise in Pot Luck Salads?

If you prefer to not use mayo, try any combination of olive oil, Greek yogurt, pesto, mustard, avocado, or hummus. You can totally make a flavorful, creamy pot luck salad without mayo.

How Long Will Popcorn Salad Last in the Fridge?

If stored in an air-tight container, prepared popcorn salad can last 3-5 days. The salad may keep better if you wait to add the dairy ingredients until you are ready to serve it.

What To Serve with Popcorn Salad

How about some ideas for classic potluck main dishes? You’ll love Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Drumsticks, Air Fryer Bone-In Chicken Thighs, Easy Oven Baked Salmon Kabobs Skewers, and Grilled Honey-Lemon Chicken Shish Kabobs.

And if you’re looking for more delicious and hearty sides to serve with the Popcorn Salad, may we suggest this Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad Recipe With Lemon Yogurt Dressing, Easy Chicken Pasta Salad, or this Pasta Recipe With Zucchini, Mushrooms And Chicken.

As for drinks to prep for a crowd, try some of our refreshing favorites: Raspberry Infused Flavored Water, Instant Pot Peach Lemonade Recipe With Fresh Peaches, or Keto Sangria.

More Salad Recipes To Try

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