A Tasty Twist on a Southern Staple

Summary: Experience the true flavors of the South with this Classic Southern Cornbread Salad Recipe. It offers a delightful twist on traditional salads, bursting with color and taste. Perfect for potlucks, lunches, or family dinners, this dish combines fresh ingredients, crispy bacon, and homemade cornbread, all topped with a creamy dressing. It’s easy to make and guaranteed to please any crowd.

What is Southern Cornbread Salad?

Southern Cornbread Salad is a beloved dish that combines crumbled cornbread with fresh vegetables, crispy bacon, cheese, and a creamy dressing. Typically prepared in layers, it creates a striking presentation and offers a contrast of textures and flavors—making it a perfect dish for gatherings. Whether you’re using leftover cornbread or making it fresh, this salad transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.

Key Ingredients for Southern Cornbread Salad

To make this delicious salad, you’ll need these essential ingredients:

Cornbread: Use your favorite cornbread mix or recipe to form the base.
Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy texture.
Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes bring juiciness and flavor.
Bell Pepper & Green Onion: Add crunch and a bit of spice.
Beans: Pinto and black beans add protein and creaminess.
Corn: Fresh or canned corn gives the salad sweetness and texture.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds richness and creaminess.
Dressing: A mix of ranch dressing and mayonnaise ties all the flavors together.

How to Make a Southern Cornbread Salad

The key to any good cornbread salad is the cornbread itself. Use either a homemade recipe or a boxed mix like Jiffy to get started.

Bake the Cornbread: Follow your favorite recipe or the package instructions. Let the cornbread cool completely.
Crumble the Cornbread: Once cooled, break the cornbread into bite-sized pieces or cube it for a slightly different texture.
Prepare the Vegetables: Dice fresh tomatoes, chop bell peppers and green onions and cook or drain the corn.

Preparing the Vegetables for Your Salad

Freshness is key to achieving the best results. Here’s how to prep the vegetables:

Tomatoes: Dice ripe, juicy tomatoes.
Bell Pepper & Green Onion: Finely chop for added crunch and a mild, tangy kick.
Corn: Use either cooked fresh corn or canned corn, rinsed and drained.

The Best Dressing for Cornbread Salad

For this classic recipe, a creamy dressing made from ranch and mayonnaise works perfectly.

Mix: Combine ranch dressing and mayonnaise in a large bowl until smooth.
Season: Adjust with salt and pepper to taste.

This creamy dressing brings the flavors together, ensuring every bite is balanced and flavorful.

Tips for the Best Southern Cornbread Salad

Layering is essential to create a visually appealing salad with great texture. Here’s how to do it:

Layer the Cornbread: Start by placing the crumbled cornbread at the bottom of a clear trifle dish or large bowl.
Add Vegetables: Layer diced tomatoes, bell peppers, green onions, corn, pinto beans, and black beans.
Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and crispy bacon bits over the top.
Repeat: Continue layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with the dressing on top.

This method creates a salad that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cornbread Salad

Cornbread salad is perfect for make-ahead meals, especially for parties and potlucks. Here’s how to prepare it in advance:

Assemble: Layer the salad as directed but don’t add the dressing yet.
Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
Add Dressing: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.

Letting the salad rest allows the flavors to meld, making it even more delicious when it’s time to serve.

Variations on the Classic Cornbread Salad Recipe

While the classic version is a hit, you can easily customize the salad to suit your tastes:

Southwestern Twist: Add black beans, fresh corn, and avocado for a Tex-Mex version.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and add more beans or veggies for a hearty, meat-free option.
Cheese Lovers: Mix in cheddar and pepper jack for an extra cheesy salad.

These variations allow you to tailor the recipe to your preferences and make it your own.

Classic Southern Cornbread Salad Recipe

Author: myfullcook

Print Recipe

Description

Discover a classic Southern cornbread salad recipe that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing:

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup sour cream

1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning and dressing mix

Cornbread:

1 (8.5 ounces) box Jiffy corn muffin mix

1 egg

⅓ cup milk

⅓ cup sour cream

Salad:

1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced

1 (15-ounce) can of pinto beans, rinsed and drained

1 (15.25 ounce) can sweet corn, drained

1 medium sweet onion, finely chopped

3 large tomatoes, chopped

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

8 slices bacon, crispy cooked and crumbled

2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

Prepare Dressing:

In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch seasoning packet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.

Make Cornbread:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.

In a medium bowl, mix the corn muffin mix, egg, milk, and sour cream until just combined. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the cornbread to cool on a wire rack.

Assemble Salad:

Cut the cornbread into 1-inch squares and place them in the bottom of a trifle dish or clear bowl. Layer with diced red bell pepper, pinto beans, corn kernels, chopped onion, and tomatoes.

Spread the ranch dressing evenly over the top layer. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve or up to 10 hours.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 12
Calories: 380kcal
Sugar: 3g
Fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 66mg

Keywords: Classic Southern Cornbread Salad Recipe