Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Mayonnaise is a key ingredient in so many beloved Southern recipes.

Here are a dozen of her go-to recipes.

This recipe gets a flavorful punch from cranberries, a twist Grandma loves to add.

Southern Living Creamy Cucumber Salad in a bowl to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

It’s perfect for serving with toasted baguettes or crackers for a lunch or mid-afternoon snack.

Spinach Dip

When you need a crowdpleaser, we all turn to Grandma’s famous spinach dip.

It’s creamy, really easy, and great for serving with crackers, baguettes, or veggie sticks.

Cranberry Chicken Salad on a light pink plate - Southern Living

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Creamy Cucumber Salad

Only Grandma can whip up everyone’s favorite recipe in 10 minutes.

This fresh chilled salad features cucumbers and gets its creaminess from the sour cream and mayonnaise.

Here, the creamy condiment takes a family-favorite gameday staple up a notch.

seafood pasta salad in a white bowl

Credit:Photographer and Props: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

You might just never go back to the store-bought jars ever again.

Pear Salad

There are some recipes that just taste like home and pear salad tops the list.

It’s remarkably simple to make and brings back memories around Grandma’s table.

Ham salad with saltine crackers - Southern Living

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Grandma serves this easy, cheesy recipe for holiday gatherings and tailgates.

Cheese Slaw

No.

this has nothing to do with coleslaw (although we love that side salad too).

Southern Living Bacon Pimiento Cheese in a bowl to serve with crackers

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Enjoy with crackers or eat straight out of the bowl.

Southern Living Spinach Dip in a bowl to serve with pita chips

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Ham and Cheese sliders in the baking dish ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Classic Homemade Mayonnaise

Credit:Hector Sanchez

Pear salads with mayonnaise, lettuce, cheese, and cherries - Southern Living

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Hot Bacon and Swiss Dip scooped out and ready to serve with vegetables

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Picnic Egg Salad

Credit:Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Southern Living Cheese Slaw in a bowl to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox