Description
Popcorn Salad is a delightful Midwestern-style side dish featuring fluffy air-popped popcorn combined with crunchy vegetables, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy, slightly tangy dressing. This no-bake, easy-to-make salad offers a perfect balance of crispy, creamy, salty, and sweet flavors, making it an excellent choice for potlucks, picnics, BBQs, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Popcorn Mix
- 10 cups plain popped popcorn (air-popped preferred)
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup celery, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup sweet bell pepper, diced
Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare popcorn: Pop 10 cups of plain popcorn, preferably air-popped to avoid excess oil, then remove any unpopped kernels. Place the popcorn in a very large mixing bowl to accommodate all ingredients.
- Add mix-ins: To the bowl of popcorn, add 1 cup of cooked crumbled bacon, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup diced celery, ½ cup finely chopped red onion, and ½ cup diced sweet bell pepper. Gently stir to distribute these ingredients evenly.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ¾ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the popcorn mixture and gently toss everything together, ensuring that all popcorn and mix-ins are evenly coated without crushing the popcorn.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for 30 to 60 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to slightly soften the popcorn.
- Serve: Before serving, gently toss the salad again to redistribute the dressing and mix-ins, then serve chilled for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Add popcorn just before serving to maintain maximum crunch if prepping in advance.
- Use lightly salted popcorn and avoid buttery microwave popcorn to prevent sogginess and overpowering flavors.
- For extra flavor, consider adding 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning to the dressing.
- This salad is best enjoyed the same day it is made, as popcorn will soften over time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad · Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
