Description
This Cornbread Salad is a Southern classic that’s creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor! Made with crumbled cornbread, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, this dish is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or a comforting side dish. Serve it layered or mixed for a delicious crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cornbread (if homemade):
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup melted butter
For the Salad:
- 4 cups crumbled cornbread (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 8 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
- 3 boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cornbread
- If making homemade cornbread, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pour into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool before crumbling.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
- Chop the vegetables (tomatoes, bell peppers, and green onions).
- Cook and crumble the bacon.
- Rinse and drain the beans.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, vinegar, and black pepper.
- Set aside for flavors to blend.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Layered Version:
- In a large glass bowl or trifle dish, layer half of the crumbled cornbread at the bottom.
- Add half of the beans, bacon, veggies, and cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining ingredients, then top with dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Mixed Version:
- In a large bowl, combine cornbread, beans, bacon, veggies, and cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Let it chill before serving for the best flavor.
Notes
- Make Ahead Tip: This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
- Healthier Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo and turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days (best served fresh).
- Add-Ins: Try adding avocado, jalapeños, or grilled chicken for a twist!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing, Layering
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Keywords: Cornbread Salad, Southern cornbread salad, layered cornbread salad, creamy cornbread salad, best cornbread salad recipe