Fried Okra Salad

Crispy, golden fried okra meets the fresh crunch of mixed greens in this irresistible Fried Okra Salad, a southern-inspired dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Coated in a flavorful blend of cornmeal, smoked paprika, and black pepper before being fried to perfection, the okra adds a delightfully crunchy texture to a bed of tender salad greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. The homemade buttermilk dressing, infused with zesty lemon, garlic, and a touch of honey, ties it all together with a creamy, tangy finish. This quick and easy salad, ready in just 25 minutes, is a vibrant and satisfying way to enjoy seasonal produce. Perfect as a main course or show-stealing side, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of southern cuisine and bold flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh okra pods
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 0.25 cup buttermilk (for dressing)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 0.25 teaspoon salt (for dressing)
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper (for dressing)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and pat dry the okra pods. Trim the ends and cut them into 1/2-inch slices.

Step 2

Pour 1 cup of buttermilk into a bowl and add the sliced okra. Let it soak for 10 minutes.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 4

Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).

Step 5

Remove the okra from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, then toss the okra in the flour mixture to coat evenly.

Step 6

Fry the okra in small batches in the hot oil, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 7

While the okra cools slightly, prepare the salad dressing by whisking together 1/4 cup buttermilk, mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.

Step 8

In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and red onion slices.

Step 9

Top the salad with the fried okra and drizzle with the buttermilk dressing. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1401.7 grams (1401.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2989

Total Fat 245.80g	315%
Saturated Fat 37.70g	189%
Polyunsaturated Fat 135.00g
Cholesterol 59mg	20%
Sodium 3406mg	148%
Total Carbohydrate 193.60g	70%
Dietary Fiber 24.20g	86%
Total Sugars 34.00g
Protein 33.80g	68%

Vitamin D 159IU	793%
Calcium 716mg	55%
Iron 11mg	58%
Potassium 2438mg	52%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 70.9%

Protein: 4.3%

Carbs: 24.8%