This Popcorn Salad Recipe Has Gone Viral for All the Wrong Reasons

"A crime against humanity."

Just when you think things are looking up, someone decides to give the internet another monstrosity for us to weep over. Behold: Food Network’s popcorn salad.

Yes, I’m being serious.

Food Network genuinely thought they could get away with mixing mayo, veggies and cheesy popcorn together, and everyone would just be cool with it.

Back in February, the cooking channel posted a video recipe to their website and socials, instructing viewers on how to build a salad featuring popcorn.

It didn’t get picked up until early April and is now going viral on Twitter for being “a crime against humanity.” Honestly, I’m surprised it stayed under the radar for that long.

The monstrosity in question was created (or at least presented) by Food Network’s Molly Yeh and is essentially just popcorn, carrots, green beans and celery in a mayo and sour cream dressing with some watercress leaves on top.

An incredible 2.8 million viewers tuned in to watch Molly make this hell-dish that the network has called ‘Crunchy Snap Pea Popcorn Salad’.

But why such a reaction online? Savoury popcorn recipes are nothing new, after all. However, if we’re being honest, we think the reason why this is such a huge no no is 'cos that popcorn is just gonna get nasty and soggy in the dressing.

Despite this observation, it seems that most people on Twitter are just offended by the idea of it, and honestly, same.

I believe in the fundamental right of every human being to pursue their happiness, but I am drawing the line at popcorn salad.

— Cody Daigle-Orians 🏳️‍🌈 (@CDaigleOrians) April 12, 2021

That lady really got on the food network and put popcorn.. in the salad pic.twitter.com/FYJmZtZbqJ

— ً (@illustjuan) April 12, 2021

If you bring me popcorn salad I'm taking it as a personal threat against me and my ancestors. https://t.co/muyM7cuLwr

— WAKANDA PUNK @ BLACK TRANS LIVES MATTER (@indiedynamo) April 12, 2021

Even the very well-known Kalen Allen—Ellen Degeneres' fave food reviewer—gave his two cents on the recipe.

As a native of the midwest...I rebuke this recipe!!! pic.twitter.com/QsCJEndcka

— Kalen Allen (@TheKalenAllen) April 12, 2021

If you’re curious to find out what it actually tastes like but don’t want to risk your stomach, a brave writer from Buzzfeed actually tried and tested the recipe. Spoiler alert: she confirmed that it was awful.

All I know is that I will defs not be trying it. Soz.

Header Image: Food Network