Funeral Salads are a beloved dish often served at funerals as a side dish to accompany other funeral foods. Funeral salads help provide comfort and nourishment at funerals, wakes or memorial services. Whether creamy, fruity, or savory, these funeral salads bring people together during times of reflection. Below, we explore 10 different funeral salad recipes, each offering a unique take on this timeless dish.
Origins and Cultural Significance of Funeral Salad
The term “Funeral Salad” encompasses a variety of recipes, each with its own unique regional twist. In many communities, these salads are a staple at post-funeral gatherings, symbolizing comfort and togetherness during times of mourning. The ease of preparation and the ability to serve large groups make them ideal for such occasions.
1. Classic Watergate Salad
Watergate Salad is a light, fluffy, and slightly nutty dessert funeral salad with a signature green hue. Made with pistachio pudding, whipped topping, and crushed pineapple, it’s a perfect balance of creamy and fruity flavors. The marshmallows add a fun, chewy texture, while chopped pecans give a slight crunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
Instructions:
- Mix pudding mix with crushed pineapple until smooth.
- Fold in marshmallows and pecans.
- Gently stir in whipped topping.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
2. Southern Ambrosia Funeral Salad
A timeless Southern favorite, Ambrosia Salad is a refreshing blend of citrus fruits, coconut, and marshmallows coated in a creamy dressing. Its name, meaning “food of the gods,” hints at the luxurious and indulgent flavors packed into each bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup sour cream or whipped topping
Instructions:
- Combine fruit, coconut, and marshmallows in a bowl.
- Fold in sour cream or whipped topping.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
3. Tangy Jello Salad
Jello Salad brings a fun, bouncy texture to the table, combining fruit, gelatin, and cottage cheese for a unique mix of sweet and tangy flavors. This retro-style funeral salad pairs well with heavier entrees.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (6 oz) orange or lime gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
- Dissolve gelatin in boiling water; add cold water.
- Mix in pineapple, cottage cheese, and walnuts.
- Pour into a mold and refrigerate until set.
4. Creamy Grape Salad
This decadent grape salad offers juicy bursts of fresh fruit paired with a luscious cream cheese dressing. A sprinkle of brown sugar and pecans adds a caramelized finish that makes it a truly great option for a funeral.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs seedless grapes (red and green)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Whisk sour cream, cream cheese, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Toss grapes in the mixture.
- Sprinkle with pecans before serving.
5. Amish Macaroni Salad
A comforting pasta funeral salad, this dish blends cooked macaroni, boiled eggs, and a slightly sweet dressing with mustard and vinegar. It’s creamy, tangy, and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup sweet pickle relish
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Stir well to coat the pasta.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
6. Old-Fashioned Carrot and Raisin Salad
A refreshing mix of shredded carrots, raisins, and pineapple with a light dressing. The combination of natural sweetness and crunch makes it a simple yet satisfying option.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
7. Deviled Egg Salad
This deviled-egg-inspired funeral salad is creamy, tangy, and rich in flavor. It works as a dip or a side dish.
Ingredients:
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mash eggs with mayonnaise, mustard, and relish.
- Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Serve chilled with crackers or bread.
8. Broccoli and Bacon Salad
This hearty funeral salad features fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a tangy dressing. It’s both crunchy and creamy, making it a well-balanced side dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- ½ cup cooked bacon bits
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions:
- Toss broccoli, onion, bacon, cheese, and sunflower seeds.
- Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar; pour over salad.
- Stir well and chill before serving.
9. Pineapple Pretzel Funeral Salad
A layered salad with a crunchy pretzel base, a sweet cream cheese filling, and pineapple topping. The combination of flavors makes it uniquely delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 cup sugar (divided)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
Instructions:
- Mix pretzels, butter, and ½ cup sugar; bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Beat cream cheese and remaining sugar, fold in whipped topping.
- Layer mixture over pretzels and top with pineapple.
- Chill before serving.
10. Sweet and Savory Waldorf Salad
A crisp apple salad with celery, grapes, and walnuts, coated in a light dressing. It’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 apples, chopped
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ½ cup walnuts, toasted
- ½ cup seedless grapes, halved
- ¼ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- Toss apples, celery, walnuts, and grapes in a bowl.
- Mix mayonnaise or yogurt with lemon juice; fold into the salad.
- Chill before serving.
Conclusion
Each of these Funeral Salad variations brings comfort and nostalgia to the table. Whether you prefer a creamy fruit salad, a tangy gelatin dish, or a hearty pasta-based version, these recipes ensure a meaningful and delicious way to bring people together.
