Cornbread Salad

Updated Feb 05, 2025

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If you are looking for a sweet and savory recipe, make Cornbread Salad. Crumble homemade cornbread and mix with simple ingredients for a delicious salad recipe.

Bowl of Cornbread Salad on a wooden spoon

This cornbread salad recipe is the perfect BBQ side dish. Homemade cornbread is crumbled and mixed with easy ingredients. This flavorful salad easily comes together to create something delicious.

We love bringing this to many picnics or potlucks as it travels well. The delicious ranch dressing combined with the simple ingredients make this salad a crowd favorite. You may also love this corn salad recipe.

What is Cornbread Salad?

You are in for a tasty treat with this delicious cornbread salad recipe. Homemade cornbread is prepared and crumbled in a bowl. It is then tossed with peppers, corn and tomatoes to create a delicious salad.

Mix in beans, cheese and bacon with the homemade ranch dressing to create a flavorful salad. We love bringing it to all our summer BBQs.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

Pan Cornbread (cooked) – Package of Cornbread or Aunt Jemima Cornbread Recipe
Sweet Onion (finely chopped)
Red Bell Pepper (deseeded and chopped)
Large Tomatoes (chopped)
Sweet Corn Kernels (15 ounce can) drained
Pinto Beans (rinsed and drained)
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
Green Onions (sliced)

For the Dressing

Mayonnaise
Sour Cream
Ranch Dressing Mix (1 ounce packet)

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Recipe Variations

Greek Yogurt – For a lighter option, you can use Greek Yogurt instead of mayonnaise to combine with the other ingredients.
Trifle Dish – You can easily mix these ingredients in a glass bowl or layer in bottom of a large trifle dish.
Bacon – You can prepare bacon in a skillet or heat up already cooked bacon. Crumble the bacon and toss with the other ingredients.
Vegetables – We used red bell pepper, but you can also use green bell pepper. You can also add in other vegetables for added flavor.
Beans – Pinto beans works great in this recipe. But you can also use kidney beans or black beans.
Cornbread Recipe –Feel free to use any kind of cornbread recipe. We have several homemade cornbread recipes here.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare Cornbread – Prepare the cornbread mix and bake in a preheated oven. Allow cornbread to cool completely.

Combine the dressing ingredients together in a bowl with a spatula

Step 2 – Combine Dressing Ingredients – In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayo dressing ingredients. Cover and refrigerate.

Cutting the baked cornbread into cubes on a plate

Step 3 – Crumble Cornbread – Dice the cornbread into 1 inch cubes.

Combining the remaining ingredients together in a bowl

Step 4 – Combine Cornbread Ingredients – In a large bowl, gently toss together the cornbread pieces. Mix with the onions, red bell pepper, ½ cup tomatoes, corn, beans, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon and green onions.

Topping the dressing with the cornbread salad ingredients

Step 5 – Toss with Dressing – Pour the dressing mixture on top and gently toss to coat the salad with the dressing.

Step 6 – Refrigerate – Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Step 7 – Serve and Enjoy – Then the salad is ready to serve and enjoy.

Expert Tips

Cornbread – We prepare to make this salad with fresh homemade cornbread. Make sure it has cooled before layering the ingredients.
Vegetables – You can easily chop the onion, bell pepper, and tomato ahead of time. We recommend that you chop in small pieces to mix well with this salad.
Salad Dressing Mix – After combining the salad dressing ingredients in a medium bowl, make sure to cover and refrigerate.
Refrigerate Salad – Allow the salad to chill after preparing for at least an hour. This helps for all the ingredients to marinate together.
Layering the Ingredients – You can combine the ingredients in a bowl or layer. There is no wrong way to make this salad.

Bowl of Cornbread Salad with a wooden spoon

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this Cornbread Salad ahead of time. Combine the veggies in a bowl and keep the cornbread and dressing separate. Then on serving day, combine the ingredients together and allow to chill in the fridge. Then it is ready to serve and enjoy.

How to Store Leftovers

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cornbread will get mushy after a few days so this salad is best served immediately.

More Salad Recipes

You will love this recipe for cornbread salad because of the flavor and how easy it is to make. If you try it, make sure to leave a comment or a star review.