Southern US Picnic Salad

Southern US Picnic Salad, often called 'Confetti Salad' or 'Fiesta Salad', is a vibrant, cold pasta salad beloved at barbecues and potlucks across the American South. It typically features a base of rotini or macaroni pasta tossed with a colorful mix of diced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and celery, along with canned tuna or chicken, peas, and a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise or a mayo-sour cream blend.

🍳 View the full Southern US Picnic Salad recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is generally high in carbohydrates from the pasta and can be moderate to high in fat, primarily from the creamy dressing. It provides a good source of protein if made with tuna or chicken, along with vitamins and fiber from the mixed vegetables, with a typical serving landing in the 350-500 calorie range.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	350 kcal
Protein	8 g
Carbs	25 g
Fat	24 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	680 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Vitamin A	120 mcg
Vitamin C	15 mg
Vitamin K	45 mcg
Calcium	120 mg
Iron	1.8 mg
Magnesium	30 mg
Phosphorus	150 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a quintessential 'potluck dish' that showcases the Southern tradition of communal, make-ahead comfort food designed to feed a crowd. Nutritionally, its unique appeal lies in its ability to be a complete, one-bowl meal, balancing carbs, protein, and vegetables in a format that holds up well without refrigeration for hours in the summer heat.