10 southern 'salads' everyone should make at least once

Chances are the first time won’t be the last.

Southerners like to break the rules—especially when it comes to our “salads.” While the rest of the world might be surprised if they ordered a salad and it arrived with nary a shred of lettuce in sight, Southerners wouldn’t bat an eye.

Although it’s not a hard and fast rule, in many cases almost anything can be a salad if there’s at least some mayonnaise in it. From meaty to veggie-filled to cherry-topped, fluffy, and chilled, there’s room at Southern tables for “salads” of all stripes. If you haven’t made our ten favorites listed below, put them on your to-do list. Marking them off will be a delicious accomplishment.

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01 of 10

Watergate Salad

Taking its name from a cake of similar color that came into being during the tumultuous 1970s, this super-retro “salad” stars pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, and plenty of whipped topping.

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02 of 10

Broccoli Salad

From artificial green to the real thing, this salad of broccoli, bacon, dried cranberry, onion, and mayonnaise is a must have at any Southern potluck.

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03 of 10

Southern Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is like a fingerprint—every Southerner’s version is unique. This classic recipe is one of our favorite, with a dash of all of our favorite ingredients.

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04 of 10

Cornbread Salad

This may be the first you’ve heard of cornbread salad, but after one bite you’ll be wondering where it has been all your life.

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05 of 10

Pear Salad

Oh man—this Southern salad takes the cake! Technically it does include a lettuce—a single leaf. Other than that, it’s totally out of the box. But we’re not mad at it...

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06 of 10

Ranch Potato Salad

Chances are you’ve enjoyed potato salad before...but have you tasted our Ranch Potato Salad? While some can be mushy and forgettable, this chunky, cheese-and-bacon stuffed potato salad is one for your must-make list.

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07 of 10

Shrimp Salad

Like the Pear Salad, this non-vegetable salad slides into the category on a single lettuce leaf. That’s OK by us—this recipe is super tasty and perfect for any special luncheon.

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08 of 10

Egg Salad

For years I shied away from egg salad, but recently I’ve fallen head-over-heels for it. Spicy brown mustard and a little pickle relish join forces with mayonnaise to make this salad perfect for slathering onto your favorite bread or scooping onto crackers.

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09 of 10

Tuna Salad

The most humble member of the Southern salad pantheon, this easy lunch recipe leans on canned tuna for convenience.

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10 of 10

Strawberry-Pretzel Salad

We couldn’t let you leave without sharing one of our most outrageous “salads.” This is straight up a dessert, but don’t tell Beverly, Nancy, Martha, or whoever brought it to the church potluck. Salad is in the name, so salad it is. The only thing that matters is it’s darn delicious.

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Read the original article on Southern Living