Cornbread Salad Recipe
Cornbread Salad
This delicious Cornbread Salad is a perfect combination of savory flavors with a creamy texture. Its easy to make and great for serving at gatherings or family meals.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 (16 ounce) package cornbread mix
- 1 cups water
- 10 slices bacon
- 1 cups sour cream
- 1 cups mayonnaise
- 1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix
- 2 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans, drained
- 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 cup chopped green onion
- 2 (11 ounce) cans whole kernel corn, drained
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions
- Prepare the cornbread: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Spray the bottom and sides of an 8x8-inch pan with cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornbread mix and water until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake the cornbread for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cornbread cool completely, then crumble it and set it aside.
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until it becomes crispy and evenly browned. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain excess fat. Once cooled, crumble half of the bacon.
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch dressing mix until well combined.
- Assemble the salad: In a large serving dish, crumble half of the cornbread and layer it at the bottom. Then, evenly distribute one can of pinto beans over the cornbread, followed by half of the chopped tomatoes, half of the green bell pepper, half of the green onions, one can of drained corn, one cup of shredded Cheddar cheese, half of the crumbled bacon, and half of the sour cream dressing mixture.
- Repeat the layers: add the remaining cornbread, pinto beans, tomatoes, bell pepper, green onions, corn, cheese, bacon, and sour cream dressing. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Calories | 623 |
| Total Fat | 42g (54% DV) |
| Saturated Fat | 13g (65% DV) |
| Cholesterol | 52mg (17% DV) |
| Sodium | 1534mg (67% DV) |
| Total Carbohydrates | 48g (18% DV) |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g (16% DV) |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 16g (32% DV) |
| Vitamin C | 17mg (19% DV) |
| Calcium | 293mg (23% DV) |
| Iron | 3mg (15% DV) |
| Potassium | 441mg (9% DV) |

This delightful cornbread salad is a true crowd-pleaser, offering a beautiful combination of flavors and textures. Made with crumbled cornbread, crisp bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing, it's a dish that has become a staple at many American gatherings.
History and Origin
The origins of cornbread salad are deeply rooted in Southern cuisine, where cornbread is a beloved staple. The dish is believed to have emerged in the American South, where the practice of creating layered salads using common household ingredients like cornbread, beans, and vegetables became popular in the mid-20th century. This dish is often associated with family reunions, church picnics, and potlucks, reflecting the Southern tradition of sharing hearty and satisfying food in large, communal settings.
Regional Variations
While the core ingredients of cornbread salad remain consistent across recipes, there are some regional twists. In the Appalachian Mountains, where cornbread is particularly cherished, variations of this salad often include fresh herbs like cilantro or basil, and the dressing might incorporate local ingredients like buttermilk or homemade ranch dressing. In Texas and other Southwestern states, you might find jalapeos or green chiles added for a spicy kick. The choice of beans, corn, and cheese can also vary depending on whats locally available or preferred.
Differences from Similar Dishes
Cornbread salad stands out from other similar dishes due to its unique use of crumbled cornbread as the base, which sets it apart from traditional layered salads or bean salads. While many salads rely on leafy greens or pasta, the cornbread here provides a rich, comforting texture that absorbs the flavors of the dressing and the vegetables. Compared to a standard bean salad, cornbread salad incorporates more indulgent ingredients, like bacon and cheese, making it a heartier side dish.
Where It's Usually Served
Cornbread salad is a quintessential dish for gatherings where people want to share something filling and flavorful. It is most often served at potlucks, barbecues, family reunions, and church picnics, but its also a popular choice for holiday meals and casual gatherings. Its ability to be made in advance and served cold makes it a great choice for events where time and space for preparation are limited. In the Southern U.S., it might even make an appearance on the dinner table during Thanksgiving or Fourth of July celebrations.
Interesting Facts
- The cornbread salad recipe is highly adaptable, with many home cooks adding their own unique twists, such as using different types of beans or incorporating additional vegetables like cucumbers or avocados.
- This dish is often praised for its ability to be made in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together, which is why it's a favorite for parties and picnics.
- The use of bacon in cornbread salad adds a savory element that perfectly balances the creamy dressing and sweet vegetables, creating a delicious harmony of flavors.
- While the Southern U.S. is the most well-known region for cornbread salad, it has slowly spread across the country, especially in regions where comfort food and hearty salads are celebrated.
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FAQ about Cornbread Salad Recipe
Comments
Brandon Allen
09/15/2022 05:52:49 AM
I opt for a generous bottle of ranch dressing (in any flavor) instead of going through the hassle of preparing a mixture of mayo, sour cream, and dry ranch seasoning.
Diane Lewis
11/26/2024 07:04:34 AM
Review Rewritten: Despite its unusual taste, this salad truly impressed me. I've already made it twice! When I followed the recipe to the letter the first time, the mayo flavor was a bit overpowering for my liking. So, on the second attempt, I cut back on the mayo to one cup, and it turned out just right. Surprisingly, the salad still had enough dressing even with the reduced amount. Heeding the advice of other reviewers, I simply mixed all the ingredients together, making it easier to transport to a church picnic. I'll definitely opt for this method again in the future. While some mentioned that the salad tasted even better the next day, I personally found it too moist, likely due to the tomatoes releasing their juices. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this unique and delicious salad for a refreshing change.
Scott Gonzalez
12/03/2022 04:37:33 AM
This salad is absolutely phenomenal and creates a striking visual impact when assembled in layers per the recipe's instructions. I opted for a clear 6-quart trifle bowl and made a few tweaks, resulting in a flawless outcome. I utilized 2 packages of Jiffy cornbread mix following the package directions but enhanced the flavor by doubling the spices. Additionally, I included a 4-ounce can of chopped green chilis and a finely diced onion. Swapping out pintos for black beans, I doubled the quantity to 2 cans, as well as using 2 cans of corn. While I kept the bacon amount consistent, I doubled the dressing, onion, green pepper, green onion, and tomato, and adhered to the 2 cups of cheese as outlined in the recipe. While some might prefer mixing everything together, the extra effort of layering this salad is truly worth it if you aim to impress a gathering. It stole the spotlight at our church potluck, both in terms of taste and presentation. This recipe has earned a permanent spot in my collection of cherished recipes and will undoubtedly be enjoyed time and time again. My only regret is not having copies of the recipe on hand, as requests kept pouring in and the glowing reviews reassured me that I had indeed discovered a "keeper!"
Jack Sanchez
10/28/2023 06:13:51 PM
This dish is a definite crowd-pleaser at potlucks. I opted for Fleischmann's Simply Homemade cornbread mix, doubled up on applewood bacon, fresh corn kernels, and vibrant orange peppers for a pop of color. The flavors really come together the day after, and to prevent sogginess, I make sure to deseed the cherry tomatoes. Adding fresh chives elevates the dish even more. Absolutely delicious!
Kelly Davis
04/01/2025 04:44:39 AM
I will definitely be making this dish again. Instead of using all pinto beans, I opted for a mix of black beans and pinto beans. I also believe that adding Black Eyed Peas could work well too. I improvised a homemade ranch recipe and added a touch of sour cream to give the salad more moisture, as I didn't want it to be too mayo-heavy. Since I only had a small amount of green onions, I used red onion instead, and it turned out great. I may stick to using red onions exclusively in the future. Despite forgetting to layer the ingredients as instructed, mixing it all together turned out just fine as it all ends up in the same place. The salad looked beautiful in a truffle bowl, and I topped it with extra dressing and cherry tomatoes. I chose to use seeded and chopped Roma tomatoes in the salad instead of cherry tomatoes to prevent it from becoming too soggy on the first day. Surprisingly, it became slightly soggy overnight, but the taste was still amazing; in fact, I preferred it that way! The dish was a hit, with five people asking for the recipe at a gathering of only a dozen. It was a resounding success.
Virginia Clark
02/24/2024 05:51:54 AM
I have been making this recipe for years. I use a sweet onion instead of green onion and a 16oz bottle of Ranch dressing. It turns out absolutely delicious and is always a hit at any occasion.
Diane Gonzalez
02/22/2024 12:10:27 AM
I made this recipe with a few tweaks and absolutely loved it! I added a can of corn on top of the pintos and used pico de gallo instead of chopped tomatoes. It was a big hit wherever I served it!
Carolyn Gomez
05/31/2023 03:17:01 AM
I have to say, this cornbread salad recipe is hands down the most AMAZING one I've ever tried! I did make a few slight tweaks. I decided to use a skewer to create small holes in the salad and drizzle some regular ranch dressing into them. While still incorporating the mayo, sour cream, and powdered ranch dressing mixture in the layers. Additionally, I opted for one can of pinto beans and one can of kidney beans instead of two cans of pinto beans. I would definitely suggest letting the salad chill in the fridge overnight rather than the suggested two hours, as it really enhances the flavor. My family is absolutely OBSESSED with this salad, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Christine Ramirez
01/03/2023 02:58:02 PM
Absolutely love this recipe! It yields a generous serving in a large bowl. Just a heads up though, make sure to give it a good stir before serving. Using bottled dressing as a substitute for the ranch packet mix doesn't quite measure up.
Joseph Lee
11/30/2023 09:34:24 PM
I prepared this dish yesterday for a graduation party, and despite my initial hesitations due to not being familiar with the recipe, it turned out to be a huge success! I opted for a combination of plain and jalapeno cornbread loaves from the bakery. I decided to swap out one can of pinto beans for black beans and used four ears of fresh corn that I cooked in the microwave. Instead of regular tomatoes, I used mini multicolored heirloom tomatoes. Additionally, I switched the green pepper for red, yellow, and orange peppers. I just learned that the dish was a massive hit at the party, and I'm thrilled I saved a small portion for myself!
Christopher Lewis
01/19/2023 02:27:35 PM
I frequently prepare this salad and it's always a hit with everyone. The only change I make to the recipe is adding a 4 oz. can of chopped green chilies and a touch of cumin to the cornbread batter. It adds a nice kick to it. Absolutely delicious!
Justin King
09/25/2024 05:51:22 PM
I absolutely adore cornbread salad, and this recipe perfectly captures the traditional Appalachian version that I grew up with. However, I have a question about the preparation. The photograph clearly displays only one layer of each ingredient with a bit of cornbread sprinkled on top. So, why do the instructions suggest layering half of each ingredient and then repeating the layers? I typically do double layers, but the recipe image shows only one layer of each component.
Maria Martinez
07/22/2023 04:55:03 AM
Absolutely loved the flavor combination! It tastes even better after refrigerating for a few hours. The taste is fantastic!
Jack Moore
11/12/2024 10:30:41 AM
This recipe appears to be delicious
Jeffrey Nelson
11/23/2023 09:12:10 PM
The party was a hit with everyone in attendance.
Dorothy Jackson
01/12/2023 03:58:37 AM
My mom had never tried cornbread salad before, but now she's a fan. I followed the recipe exactly, except I halved the ingredients since there are only two of us.
Amanda Evans
05/16/2024 12:39:07 AM
I'll keep it short since I'm the only one in my small family who enjoys it. It's delicious!
Adam Cruz
02/02/2024 11:03:07 AM
Definitely worth keeping
Amy Baker
09/29/2022 03:49:59 PM
My mom used to make this dish for every family gathering. It was a beloved favorite, so much so that one year she attempted to change things up but was promptly requested to stick with this recipe instead. There are only a handful of recipes that truly remind me of my mom's incredible cooking skills, and this one certainly ranks in the top 5.
Jerry Thompson
06/03/2024 09:31:54 PM
I had never tried cornbread salad before, so I wasn't sure what to anticipate, but the combination of flavors was delightful! My Texan husband gave it his seal of approval and even the kids enjoyed it (I was uncertain about how they would react to all the ingredients mixed together). The ranch dressing was crucial to the overall flavor in my opinion, so I wouldn't omit that in exchange for store-bought ranch dressing.