SerpApi.Org
From retro gelatin creations to creamy mayo-based classics, the South likes to use the term "salad" loosely.
In the South, we use the term "salad" with somewhat wild abandon. While some might only see a salad as leafy greens dressed up in different ways, we go beyond the bed of lettuce. For example, consider such retro gelatinous classics such as Strawberry-Pretzel Jello Salad or Watergate Salad, as well as cool, creamy, mayo-based creations such as Classic Macaroni Salad and our many potato salad renditions. For Southerners, salad is based more in tradition and passed-down recipes than a certain ingredient list—and yes, it can sometimes be used interchangeably as both a side dish and dessert.
01 of 36
Strawberry-Pretzel Jello Salad
Starting with a vintage favorite, this sweet and colorful take on a salad includes strawberry gelatin, cream cheese, whipped topping, and pretzel. What it lacks in veggie nutrients it makes up for in fun flavor.
02 of 36
Classic Macaroni Salad with Ham
Mayo-based salads are a prominent pillar in the Southern potluck community, and it doesn't get more familiar than a macaroni salad. This recipe is bulked up with cubed ham.
03 of 36
Marinated Cucumber, Tomato And Onion Salad
A staple come summertime in the South. Unlike salads with lettuce, this one gets better the longer it sits.
04 of 36
Nana's Marinated Pea Salad
This old-school salad is meant to be eaten alongside cooked-to-death vegetables, like collards or butter beans, to brighten them up.
05 of 36
Melon Salad
Jalapeño pepper in the dressing gives this melon salad a little zing. Feta cheese adds a creamy contrast.
06 of 36
Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad
There's no rhyme or reason why broccoli-grape salad works so well, but nonetheless it always remains a side dish staple at any Southern cookout. Crumbled bacon tops off the crunchy dish.
07 of 36
Cranberry Fluff Salad
Don't knock this creamy, dreamy, sweet salad until you try it. This retro-inspired recipe is just as common to be plopped on the plate by the green bean casserole as it is to be served as dessert.
08 of 36
Whipped-Cream Corn Salad
A unique take on creamed corn, this crowd-pleasing seasonal recipe comes together with fresh corn that's dressed with a light and fluffy cloud of whipped cream.
09 of 36
Creamy Overnight Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is always a fresh addition to any spread, but this dish makes it a little bit more indulgent. The base starts with canned fruit for convenience.
10 of 36
Deviled Egg-Potato Salad
Two Southern classics—deviled eggs and potato salad—come together in this mayo-laden salad that is packed full of flavor and fits in at just about any meal.
11 of 36
Frozen Fruit Salad
This is a cool treat that's perfect for when you want a refreshing bite of pineapple and fruit cocktail. Freeze, slice, and serve.
12 of 36
Mama Mae's Ambrosia Salad
Folks like to poke fun at this retro cold salad, but it's actually quite refreshing alongside creamy casseroles. While some renditions call for whipped cream, marshmallows, and fruit cocktail, this recipe has only three ingredients: oranges, pineapple, and sweetened coconut.
13 of 36
Heirloom Tomato-Cracker Salad
If you haven't heard of this tomato salad, you've been missing out. The simple concoction is like a tomato sandwich deconstructed and only calls for a few ingredients, including saltine crackers and—of course—a little bit of mayonnaise.
14 of 36
Watergate Salad
You might also know this recipe as Pineapple Pistachio Delight, Green Fluff, or Funeral Salad. Made from pistachio-flavored instant pudding mix, canned pineapples, whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and toasted nuts, it is an American potluck classic.
15 of 36
Cajun-Style Potato Salad
This is basically a traditional potato salad that has gotten a Louisiana-style makeover. Creole mustard and Cajun seasoning make this anything but boring.
16 of 36
Strawberry Praline Salad
We like to imagine this concoction as a bowl of strawberry cheesecake with a healthy helping of pretzels and pecans. Equally creamy and refreshing, this dessert will be a star at the next summer potluck or holiday party.
17 of 36
Homemade Chicken Salad
There's no luncheon or shower that wouldn't do well with a basic chicken salad made with mayonnaise. You can serve it with crackers, on miniature croissants, or loaded thickly on two slices of fluffy white bread.
18 of 36
Bacon-Ranch Pasta Salad
If you want a pasta salad that will please everyone at the barbecue, this creamier recipe combines the complimentary flavors of ranch seasoning and bacon along with tomatoes and pasta. Like a BLT, minus the lettuce!
19 of 36
Marinated Watermelon Tomato Salad
Southerners know that tomato and watermelon go together like unexpected best friends. You can't be the burst of freshness with each bite of this simple side dish, and all it needs is a light coating of a minty vinaigrette and crumbles of goat cheese.
20 of 36
Classic Potato Salad
This Southern staple is perhaps one of the most popular lettuce-less salads that we serve many times every year. It fits in for various occasions, from Easter to summer cookouts.
21 of 36
Lime Gelatin And Cottage Cheese Salad
An unexpected ingredient that you might not assume goes into this congealed salad? Horseradish! Make this your jiggly holiday centerpiece, and you're sure to spark up conversation.
22 of 36
Florida Fluff
We embrace the retro favorite fluff salad and give it a Florida twist with lime, graham crackers, and coconut, all reminiscent of a good Key lime pie. Don't add the graham cracker crumble until you're ready to serve.
23 of 36
Muffuletta Pasta Salad
New Orleans' most legendary sandwich just got a makeover. Meat, cheeses, olives, and peppers combine for an unforgettable pasta salad. The recipe is simple but the flavors are anything but basic.
24 of 36
Cheesecake Fruit Salad
Consider this a fun take on a fruit salad. Sliced fruit pieces are folded into a cheesecake filling made with cream cheese, frozen whipped topping, yogurt, and powdered sugar.
25 of 36
Creamy Cucumber Salad
If those cheeky cucumber sandwiches from a luncheon or shower became a salad, it would be this refreshing creation. During warmer months, a cool, creamy salad with a little extra crunch makes the perfect complementary side dish.
26 of 36
Tomato Cracker Salad
While this salad is filled with vegetables, lettuce isn't one of them. This no-cook salad is a creamier version of a fresh tomato salad. Our food editors recommend using salted saltines, in-season fresh tomatoes, and Duke's mayo for this recipe. It's perfect for any summer cookout or as a fresh, flavorful side to any dinner.
27 of 36
Southern Cornbread Salad
This is how Southerners do a panzanella salad. This layered salad is a delicious combination of homemade cornbread, bacon, black-eyed peas, cherry tomatoes, and more. It's all topped off with a dressed-up ranch dressing.
28 of 36
Carrot Raisin Salad
Inspired by both old-school church cookbook carrot salads and Chick-fil-A's beloved (and retired) classic menu item, this salad brings together carrots, raisins, pineapple, and mayonnaise into a surprisingly tasty result.
29 of 36
Pear Salad
While yes, there is clearly lettuce in this salad, in this case, the leafy greens are simply an ornamental garnish. To eat a pear salad properly, you pick up the pear and take a bite, leaving the lettuce behind.
30 of 36
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Make room on the buffet for this pasta salad that is proof that bacon and ranch will always belong together.
31 of 36
Corn Salad
Watch summer corn shine in this fresh and flavorful recipe that stars sumac and feta in one delicious recipe.
32 of 36
Maude Crawford Barton's Potato Salad
There is always a dish that every family member expects to see at a gathering. And for Alexis E. Barton it's her mother’s signature potato salad recipe.
33 of 36
Cowboy Pasta Salad
No cookout is complete without the pasta salad that features taco-inspired ingredients, such as black beans, corn, cheese, jalapeños, cilantro, and ground beef. Now that's what we call a satisfying salad.
34 of 36
Party-Perfect Pasta Salad
There is always room at the potluck for a salad that reminds you of home. Enter this recipe that is an old-school favorite featuring zesty Italian dressing, pepperoni, olives, and pasta.
35 of 36
Fried Potatoes And Onions
Potatoes and onions are the side salad that every Southerner expects to see at the family get-together. It's true, this dynamic duo will give traditional potato salad a little picnic competition.
36 of 36
Snickers Salad
This dessert has Midwestern roots, but made it all the way down South. The chocolate and caramel of the candy is balanced by the crisp green apples. It's a light dessert that you won't be able to stop eating.
Read the original article on Southern Living
