Shoepeg Salad

 

Shoepeg Salad: A Southern Classic Bursting with Sweet Corn Flavor

If you’ve never tried Shoepeg Salad, you’re in for a refreshing, tangy, and irresistibly crunchy treat. This Southern-inspired salad has been gracing potluck tables and family dinners for generations—and for good reason. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and gets even better as it chills.

Named for its star ingredient—shoepeg corn, a small, sweet, and tender white corn—this salad is the perfect mix of savory, sweet, and zesty. It’s a year-round favorite, but especially popular during warmer months when you want something light, crisp, and full of vibrant flavor.

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🌽 What Is Shoepeg Corn?

Shoepeg corn has smaller, whiter kernels than typical yellow corn and a uniquely sweet flavor. It holds its texture well in cold salads and adds a delicate crunch that really stands out. You can find it canned in most grocery stores, often labeled "white sweet corn" or specifically "shoepeg corn."

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🥗 What’s in Shoepeg Salad?

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and balance of flavors. A classic version typically includes:

• Shoepeg corn (drained)

• Chopped celery for crunch

• Green bell pepper or red pepper for color and sweetness

• Green onions or red onion for a little bite

• Pimentos or diced tomatoes for extra color and tang

• A light dressing made with oil, vinegar, sugar, and a few simple spices

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🥄 How to Make It

1. Chop and mix: Combine drained shoepeg corn with chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl.

2. Prepare the dressing: In a saucepan, heat sugar, white vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper until dissolved and slightly thickened.

3. Combine and chill: Pour the warm dressing over the corn and veggies, toss gently, and refrigerate for a few hours (or overnight for best flavor).

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve cold as a side dish for grilled meats, sandwiches, or barbecue.

• Spoon over a bed of greens for a light lunch.

• Great as a make-ahead dish for potlucks, picnics, and holidays.

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💡 Tips & Variations

• Add black beans or chickpeas for extra protein.

• Stir in fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a burst of freshness.

• Use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar for a sweeter, more mellow tang.

• Try adding shredded carrots or cucumber for more crunch.

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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Salad

Shoepeg Salad is a timeless dish that’s as flexible as it is flavorful. It’s light, colorful, and refreshingly different from traditional pasta or potato salads. Best of all, it gets better the longer it sits, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy hosts or weekday meal preppers.