POPCORN SALAD

Who would have thought? I never had it until I moved to Montana. We had a potluck today and one of our employees, Kathy brought it in.  Immediately, I thought wow, this might be a “kid friendly” salad. A great way to get vegetables into your little ones, and what kid doesn’t like popcorn?

Ingredients:

• 1 bag of microwave buttered popcorn popped (about 6 cups)
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• ½ cup of finely chopped green onion (scallions) or red onion
• ½ cup of diced green pepper (or any other color)
• 6 – 8 strips of cooked bacon crumbled (or substitute 1/3 cup bacon bits)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ to ¾ cup lite mayonnaise (just enough to “wet” the popcorn when mixed)
• The following vegetables can be added for color and flavor (optional);
  • Celery, sliced thin
  • Raisins
  • Baby peas
  • Sliced green beans
  • Grated carrot
  • Sliced water chestnuts
  • Tiny little broccoli flowerets that have been steamed until crunch tender
  • Pomegranate seeds
  • Shredded cabbage, red or white

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together, refrigerate.  Keeps for 2 days.