Description
This Crack Corn Salad is a fun and crunchy dish featuring popped popcorn, sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, offering a burst of flavor and texture in every bite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups of popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
- 1 cup of sweet corn (canned or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup of red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup of green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup of sour cream
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Measure out 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels.
- If using an air popper, add the kernels and pop according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For stovetop, heat a large pot over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of oil, and once hot, add the kernels. Cover and shake occasionally.
- When popping slows (about 2-3 seconds between pops), remove from heat and let sit for a minute. Transfer popped popcorn to a large bowl and let cool.
- Rinse canned sweet corn and drain. If using frozen corn, thaw under warm water and drain.
- Wash cherry tomatoes and slice in half.
- Dice red bell pepper and slice green onions, using both white and green parts.
- If using cilantro, chop finely.
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise and sour cream.
- Add lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- In the bowl with cooled popcorn, add sweet corn, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions.
- Pour dressing over the mixture and gently fold together, being careful not to crush the popcorn.
- If using cilantro, sprinkle on top and fold in gently. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Transfer the salad to a large serving bowl or individual cups. Add any saved toppings for extra color and texture.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For added crunch, consider topping with crushed tortilla chips just before serving.
- If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The popcorn may lose some crunch, so consider adding fresh popcorn before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes