Popcorn Salad – Homemade Hooplah

This retro recipe is sure to be the talk of the potluck, because, yes, it does include popped popcorn! Popcorn salad is a fun twist on a simple side salad.

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I have a soft spot for retro recipes, and this popcorn salad definitely fits the bill.

Not only is it a rare find at parties and potlucks, it’s also one of those dishes that surprise you. The ingredients may seem a little odd, but for whatever reason, they just work together.

Once you’ve tried it, I promise this is one of the recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

What’s in popcorn salad?

The ingredients in this salad are not that uncommon (except for one popped and crunchy difference, of course) but that’s also what makes this dish so classically good:

Wait…  there’s actually popped popcorn in this salad?

Yes! I know it’s a little outside-the-box, but trust me, once you’ve tasted this salad, you’ll find yourself wondering what else you can add popcorn to.

We all have weird flavor combinations that we love, and I guarantee that this popcorn salad will be a new one to add to your list.

What type of popcorn should you use?

For best results, use regular unflavored popcorn kernels and pop them using whatever method you prefer (such as on the stovetop or a popcorn popper). If you need to use any liquid for popping, use only unflavored oil (extra-virgin olive oil, vegetable oil, etc) and no salt.

You can also use the bags of microwave popcorn, but I would recommend getting one with no butter or light butter flavoring. Using this type of popcorn will likely include additional salt, so keep that in mind when mixing your ingredients. You could try to compensate for any saltiness by reducing the amount of bacon in the salad.

TIP: Before adding all of the popcorn to the other ingredients, take one popped kernel of popcorn and taste test it with a small spoonful of the other ingredients, then make adjustments as needed.

Can you make this salad in advance?

You can make this salad in advance, but I do not recommend mixing in the popcorn until you’re ready to serve the salad.

So if making this to serve at a later time, mix together all of the fresh ingredients (mayonnaise, veggies, bacon, cheese, etc) and store them in separate sealed containers from the popcorn. If it’s going to be more than an hour before serving, be sure to refrigerate the container with the mayonnaise until it’s time. When ready to serve, mix in the popcorn with the rest of the ingredients and get ready to share this retro classic with everyone.

Can you save the leftovers of this salad?

I wish I had better news here, but no, this salad does not make for good leftovers. Because of the airy-nature of the popcorn, the clock starts ticking the minute it touches the mayonnaise mixture. You should serve it as soon as you can.

For best results, this salad should be eaten within 2-4 hours of being mixed. I know that might not seem like very long, but thankfully, this tends to be a dish that’s eaten just as quickly.

Notes & tips for this popcorn salad recipe

How do you make popcorn salad?

This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. If you’re looking for the full recipe measurements and instructions, scroll down to Recipe Details.

Step 1 – Add mayonnaise, celery, cheddar cheese, water chestnuts, carrots, and chives in a large bowl, then mix ingredients thoroughly.

Step 2 – Add popcorn to an extra large mixing bowl, then add mayonnaise mixture.

Step 3 – Use a spatula to gently mix all of the ingredients together.

Step 4 – Add to a serving bowl of your choice, then garnish with more cheddar cheese, bacon, and celery.

Step 5 – Serve and enjoy!

Ingredients 

US Customary – Metric

I do my best to provide nutrition information, but please keep in mind that I’m not a certified nutritionist. Any nutritional information discussed or disclosed in this post should only be seen as my best amateur estimates of the correct values.

Made this recipe?

Tag @homemadehooplah on Facebook or Instagram and hashtag it #homemadehooplah so I can see what you whipped up!

When and were did popcorn salad come from (city, state, year). I would appreciate the information. I ask as my family’s roots are many generations in the Midwest and never heard of such a thing.

Wow this is a unique recipe! I have never tried anything like it but it was so tasty, will be making again!!

Sounds so crunchy! Thanks for sharing!

As soon as I saw the title of this recipe I was intrigued!
I’m sure this salad is the one everyone talks about after the party!
Thank you so much for the inspo!

I had never heard of this, but curiosity got the best of me and I had to try it. So glad I did – it was really good!!

This salad is so good! I used Act II Butter Lover’s microwave popcorn, and it was delicious! My one comment that you might not think about: be sure to vet the unpopped kernels out of the mix before serving. They are a little hard on the teeth (advice from someone who forgot to do this once). After I realized that little bit of important information, I brought this to a party, and everyone loved it. Unique, fun, tasty and unexpected. Great for potlucks or BBQ’s.

This was a hit. I used Act II Butter Lovers popcorn, and it was fantastic. My only comment is if using microwave popcorn, vet the unpopped kernels out first before mixing with the balance of ingredients. I brought this to a party and didn’t think about that; I just threw the whole bag in with the mixture on the spot. The bottom of the bowl was a little hard on the teeth. But the top part…ooh la la! Everyone loved it and was commenting how wonderful it was.

Can you use store-bought bagged popcorn, or microwave popcorn, or is it best to use the kind you pop yourself?

Hey Dee! I think you could use store-bought popcorn, but ideally, it should have little to no flavoring on it (which might be tricky). Microwave popcorn might be your best bet between the two; light butter should be okay.

Thank you!! Lookn 4ward to making gud, quik, cheep meals to get us thru the week. Came across the Olive Garden Soup knock off on FB. Immediately knew that this recipe was the ONE for me!! First off, I absolutely ❤
that soup. Secondly, the ingredients are basic staples for our house-hold…except for the heavy cream which is found in every gro store and a few 24hr con-
venience stores near residential areas. Oh” btw…I always buy that soup by the BUCKET full, it even comes with a ladle!!
I can’t wait to make it.
Thanks again!!

Are you rating the right recipe? You’re talking about soup – this is a popcorn salad recipe….