Description
Southern cornbread salad blends rustic charm with fresh ingredients, creating a colorful Southern picnic classic. Layers of crumbled cornbread, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressing invite you to savor this delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) crumbled cornbread (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) whole kernel corn (drained)
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup (240 ml) diced tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes, halved)
- 1 cup (240 ml) diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup (240 ml) diced cucumber
- ½ cup (120 ml) diced red onion
- 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
- ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
- ½ cup (120 ml) cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix (or 1 tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 12 tbsps (180 ml) fresh lemon juice (optional, for tang)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) chopped fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Dressing Preparation: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and lemon juice together, seasoning with salt and pepper. Chill until assembly.
- Cornbread Foundation: Crumble cornbread into rustic, bite-sized pieces, creating a textural base in a clear serving dish.
- Layer Construction: Methodically build the salad by spreading crumbled cornbread as the initial layer, then systematically arrange pinto beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, and onions.
- Protein and Cheese Enhancement: Distribute crispy bacon pieces and generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the vegetable medley.
- Flavor Infusion: Drizzle prepared dressing evenly over the layered ingredients, ensuring complete coverage.
- Finishing Touches: Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions to add visual appeal and herbal brightness.
- Resting and Serving: Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld, then serve chilled as a vibrant side dish or standalone meal.
Notes
- Cornbread Consistency: Ensure cornbread is slightly stale or day-old for better texture and ability to absorb flavors without becoming mushy.
- Layer Precision: Build layers carefully to maintain distinct textures and prevent ingredients from blending prematurely.
- Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigeration is crucial to allow ingredients to marinate and develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
- Customize Protein Options: Substitute bacon with grilled chicken, turkey, or vegetarian protein alternatives for dietary flexibility.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg