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Home » Recipes » Sides

Cornbread Salad

Stacey – June 27, 2012 – 79 Comments

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Layered Cornbread Salad in clear glass bowl

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If you need a fun and impressive dish to take to the next family gathering or potluck that’s also super easy, this Cornbread Salad is it! It’s a layered salad with cubed cornbread, corn, beans, peppers, onion, tomato, cheese, and ranch dressing!

I remember the first time I heard someone talking about it and I thought they were crazy, but one bite and I instantly knew what all the talk was about. It’s just good, despite the fact that it might seem a little weird. Like seriously good. I’ve been making it ever since. And folks are always asking me to bring it to gatherings, so everyone else must think it’s pretty good too. 

Layered Cornbread Salad in clear glass bowlThe recipe calls for about half of a batch of cornbread from an 8 to 9-inch skillet. Now, I’d love to say that it’s perfect made with leftover cornbread, but you and I know both know there rarely is such a thing. Being that’s the case, the dish is perfectly worthy of making a batch of cornbread and then having leftovers from it. 

Layered Cornbread Salad in clear glass bowl - buttermilk ranch being poured over the topWhen it comes to the cornbread, you certainly can use a mix. However, my preference is to use one without sugar. I know other folks that love this made with sweet cornbread though because of the sweet and salty thing. It might just give you a great excuse to make it more than once and use savory cornbread one time and sweet cornbread the other and see which you like better.  It’s all in the name of research, you know.  🙂

Layered Cornbread Salad in clear glass bowl

I also really like to make ranch using a packet mix, but you can use a bottled dressing if you’re short on time. One thing that I’ve found in terms of ranch mixes is that the buttermilk version of the packet mix is WAY better than the regular one. So if you have a choice, grab the buttermilk one. 

Another question I often get about this dish is about the best way to serve it. I’ve seen other folks mix it all together before serving, but once it’s all mixed up, it’s just not nearly as appetizing looking. Trust me. So I like to keep it layered and just serve it with a big spoon. It will all get mixed up as folks dish out individual servings. Y’all are gonna love this! Enjoy!

Layered Cornbread Salad in clear glass bowl - buttermilk ranch being poured over the top
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4.75 from 4 votes

Recipe Card

Cornbread Salad

Course Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Author Stacey Little | Southern Bite

Ingredients

  • half a batch of cornbread (2 to 3 cups when chopped)
  • 1 (0.4-ounce) packet buttermilk ranch dressing mix
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (16-ounce) can of whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 small sweet onion, finely chopped
  • 2 ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing mix, mayo, and milk. Mix well and refrigerate.
  • Cut cornbread into 1 inch cubes and place in the bottom of a large bowl or trifle bowl.
  • Top cornbread layer with rinsed pinto beans.
  • Next, layer drained corn.
  • Top with chopped green bell pepper.
  • Add chopped sweet onion.
  • Next, add chopped tomatoes.
  • Add shredded cheddar.
  • Pour ranch dressing mixture on top; refrigerate for several hours to allow the flavors to develop.
Layered Cornbread Salad in clear glass bowl - buttermilk ranch being poured over the top
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Stacey Little of Southern Bite

Hey, y’all! I’m Stacey…

Feeding people makes me happy. Few things in this world delight me more than my family and friends gathered around my table enjoying a meal. Pull up a chair and join us! Read more…

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  1. Jean Dragastin

    May 16, 2021 at 5:50 am

    Made this salad for supper last night. Really good but we found it a bit salty. Going to try bottled dressing next time.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      May 17, 2021 at 12:09 pm

      So glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  2. Gordon

    October 10, 2020 at 11:37 am

    Stacey,
    I am printing this out for Rita. She loves cornbread and layered salad so I know this will be a huge hit.
    Gordon

    Reply
    • Stacey

      October 12, 2020 at 8:35 am

      I sure hope y’all will enjoy it!

      Reply
  3. food lover

    June 15, 2020 at 11:08 pm

    LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! Thank you for posting this so long ago. I’ve been making this and taking to potlucks and family dinners for quite some time and it is ALWAYS a hit–and often an empty bowl at the end of the meal.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      June 19, 2020 at 11:36 am

      Love hearing that! So glad you’ve enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  4. NKDTW703

    August 24, 2017 at 9:23 am

    I found your recipe on pinterest a few years ago and made this and my mom now asks for me to make it and bring it everytime she has the family over. Huge HIT! Haven’t made it in a while but just pulled it up for this weekend. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      September 5, 2017 at 8:34 pm

      Ha! This is definitely a favorite with my family too! Glad y’all enjoy it!

      Reply
  5. lucy

    May 31, 2016 at 5:01 pm

    I just adore this salad! I get asked for the recipe every single time that I make it. The only substitution for me is that instead of creating the dressing, I use my favorite dressing, Litehouse Homestyle Ranch. This salad is the perfect warm weather salad that can handle the outdoors!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      June 2, 2016 at 9:05 am

      I just love hearing that, Lucy! I used bottled dressing sometimes too for a great shortcut!

      Reply
  6. lucy

    July 23, 2015 at 11:46 am

    how many servings do you think this makes?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      July 23, 2015 at 4:17 pm

      It really depends on the serving size. I think you could easily get 10 to 12, probably more.

      Reply
  7. Tia

    April 10, 2015 at 2:34 pm

    I’m making this now. The only problem is I don’t have mayo so I had to use salad dressing with the buttermilk and ranch I hope it turns out good….:)

    Reply
    • Stacey

      April 15, 2015 at 4:34 pm

      I hope it turned out great!

      Reply
  8. Lee Anne

    February 25, 2015 at 7:09 am

    hello, I made this for a goody day at work today. I didn’t read the comments until this morning. I hope it is not too soggy. I read several hours as overnight…
    I am bringing some extra cornbread with me, so if it is too soggy, people can have some to add.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      February 25, 2015 at 8:44 am

      Hi Lee Ann! I’m going to guess it should be just fine, but way to think about bringing some extra cornbread! Hope y’all enjoy!!

      Reply
      • Cari

        October 28, 2022 at 2:35 pm

        I’ve always used the sweetened cornbread but would love to try a savory version! Is there a cornbread mix that isn’t sweetened? Or would I need to make from scratch?

        Reply
        • Stacey

          October 31, 2022 at 8:56 am

          Yes! Martha White sells several mixes that are not sweetened!

          Reply
  9. Charlie

    November 17, 2014 at 6:34 am

    The corn bread salad sounds and looks great! However, I’m thinking that usng a trifle bowl would be an awkward way to present the dish. How does one help themselves to a serving that includes all the ingredients – particularly a serving that includes the corn bread at the bottom – without “digging” into the bowl and making a total mess of it? How about layering the ingredients into a shallower, 9×13 glass baking dish instead?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      November 17, 2014 at 10:19 am

      I’ve been making it this way for year and haven’t found it awkward at all. In fact, I kinda think that’s what a trifle bowl is all about. You can certainly layer the ingredients in another bowl or dish, but part of the charm of this dish is seeing all the beautiful layers.

      Reply
  10. James Driza

    October 3, 2014 at 5:28 pm

    Looks so good I’m going to put some jalapeno peppers in it

    Reply
    • Stacey

      October 5, 2014 at 1:47 am

      Sounds like a great addition!

      Reply
  11. Beth

    September 16, 2014 at 4:10 pm

    I just have to tell you I am obsessed with this recipe! I have made this cornbread salad for three different potlucks in the last six weeks. I only get a bite of it each time because it is GONE in a jiffy! Everyone raves about it and one of my husbands friends said he was going to find an excuse to have a party just so I can bring it! I have made this recipe the night before and 15 minutes before I walked out the door and it is great both ways. I have to tell you though that I totally cheat…. I buy the cornbread precooked from the bakery department. The onions, green peppers and tomatoes prechopped from the produce department. It’s so quick and easy to put together, I love it!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      September 17, 2014 at 10:09 am

      That’s awesome! And I love that you’ve found a way to make it even easier! So glad you’re getting lots of use out of this one!

      Reply
  12. Lora

    May 25, 2014 at 5:20 pm

    The recipe says layer all ingredients, then refrigerate for several hours. Then, in response to poster said that allowing to stay in frig overnight could make it soggy. Please define “several hours” for me. I don’t want to mess this up. Thx. 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacey

      May 25, 2014 at 8:12 pm

      No problem, Lora! I would refrigerate for no more than 4 hours. Hope y’all enjoy it!

      Reply
  13. Heidi

    April 30, 2014 at 11:11 pm

    Made this cornbread salad today and took it to work to share. It was a huge success!! Thank you for sharing the recipe, this is now on my favorite’s list and I will make it again and again!!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      May 25, 2014 at 8:12 pm

      I’m thrilled everyone enjoyed it, Heidi!

      Reply
  14. Lydia

    July 3, 2013 at 1:39 pm

    Oh. Mylanta. Making for a 4th of July gathering tomorrow. Looks ridiculously amazing!!! The only changes that I anticipate making are using bottled ranch (already have it and it’s not getting used otherwise!), and adding less sweet onion.
    Nommmmmmy!!!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      July 3, 2013 at 2:25 pm

      Sounds great! Y’all enjoy!

      Reply
  15. Jana

    June 27, 2013 at 5:58 pm

    Thanks! I may just have everything cut up and put it together before serving.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      June 28, 2013 at 9:22 am

      That might be the best option. Hope it turns out GREAT!

      Reply
  16. Jana

    June 27, 2013 at 1:41 pm

    Could I make this the day before and put it in the fridge? Maybe just add the dressing the day of? Or if I added the dressing the night before would it be too soggy?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      June 27, 2013 at 3:44 pm

      I would definately wait and add the dressing just before serving. It may end up a tad soggy overnight even without the dressing, but it will still be yummy.

      Reply
  17. Missy

    June 25, 2013 at 5:52 pm

    Making this tonight, no way it can be bad! I added bacon because hubby wanted a salad “with meat!” And it’s even more southern now!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      June 26, 2013 at 9:47 am

      Sounds perfect! I love to make it with bacon! 🙂 Enjoy!

      Reply
  18. Sue

    June 24, 2013 at 9:01 pm

    I bought bottled buttermilk ranch dressing. Could I use that instead of the packet, buttermilk and mayo or should I add the mayo to the bottled dressing.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      June 25, 2013 at 9:38 am

      Absolutely! Feel free to just use the bottled dressing instead of making your own. Just omit the dressing mix, mayo, and buttermilk.

      Reply
  19. Korrie

    May 26, 2013 at 9:25 pm

    I really want to make this but I want to use Chipotle sour cream instead of Ranch/mayo. This looks so yummy, it would just need a little tweak for my family. Mmmm!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      May 28, 2013 at 2:40 pm

      Sounds delish!!

      Reply
  20. Jami

    May 17, 2013 at 3:17 pm

    Who could do a Calorie count on this for me??

    Reply
  21. lynda

    May 7, 2013 at 3:37 pm

    This sounds awesome but my people don’t like bellpepper or onions. Do you have any suggestions for substitutes?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      May 7, 2013 at 4:23 pm

      Lynda, you are welcome to just leave those ingredients out if you’d like. I also sometimes add some chopped cooked bacon.

      Reply
  22. Cathe Salveson

    April 21, 2013 at 1:05 pm

    Stacey, I am making this right now can’t wait to see how it turns out. I will let you know. Thank you for your wonderful website, I truly enjoy it.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      April 22, 2013 at 9:41 am

      Thanks for letting me know, Cathe. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! I’m so glad you are enjoying the site!

      Reply
  23. Donna

    April 11, 2013 at 3:25 pm

    Well I have decided to make this for a fundraiser…after church we’re gonna have different SALADS for JOY ministries where we buy yarn etc. to make shawls and blankets for people who are shut ins or sick or having a baby…the list is longer than that! But l hope to win this and make alot of money for JOY (just older youth) ministries!! Thank you I’ll get back with ya! Donna

    Reply
    • Stacey

      April 18, 2013 at 10:32 am

      How exciting! Come back and let me know how it turns out.

      Reply
  24. Mary

    April 8, 2013 at 10:04 pm

    we make this quite a bit,..we use Jiffy corn bread mix & add chopped green chilies and cumin in the batter. We also add a layer of crumbled, crispy bacon….SO GOOD!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      April 9, 2013 at 9:28 am

      Yum! Sounds great! You know I LOVE me some bacon!

      Reply
  25. Rosemary Wilcher

    April 1, 2013 at 3:23 pm

    Sounds very good! I’ve had it once, but it was very dry! I’m really don’t think they put the buttermilk dressing? I nearly choked to death that time! So I’m really hoping this is so much better! And I’m not big on eating meats…..and all the ingredients sounds wonderful 🙂 Just looking forward to trying….
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      April 3, 2013 at 8:56 am

      Hopefully this recipe will be more moist! Enjoy!

      Reply
  26. Diane Lestina

    February 21, 2013 at 12:56 pm

    Want to do this for a lunch buffet – any thoughs on servings? [email protected]!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      February 22, 2013 at 12:51 pm

      If you’re asking how many folks this will serve, I’d say between 8 and 10. Good luck and let me know if you have other questions.

      Reply
  27. Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon

    February 7, 2013 at 10:04 pm

    Seriously?? This looks amazing!! My kids would love it! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      February 8, 2013 at 5:26 pm

      LOVE the site, ladies!!! Thanks! I hope the kids DO enjoy it!

      Reply
  28. Janet

    February 5, 2013 at 10:07 am

    I have never had cornbread salad, but want to try it. Do you mix it together prior to serving? Or let everyone serve it as is?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      February 5, 2013 at 10:27 am

      It’s delish! I usually leave it layered and let folks mix it as they serve it. There are others who mix it all together before serving. It’s just up to you.

      Reply
  29. Felicia

    February 2, 2013 at 10:39 pm

    This is amazing! I have made it several times and it’s a huge hit! I’m curious though, I noticed in the recipe you call for 1/2 cup of buttermilk but you have a half gallon of 2% in your picture. Do you add both? If so, how much 2% milk?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      February 3, 2013 at 1:56 pm

      I don’t always have buttermilk on hand and often make my own by combining 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. Allow that to sit for about 5 minutes and the resulting soured milk is a great substitute for buttermilk.

      Reply
  30. chris.barber

    December 29, 2012 at 5:10 pm

    I cannot wait to use this recipe!!! Something tells me its going to be a new favorite!!!

    Reply
  31. Melissa

    November 21, 2012 at 11:35 pm

    I’m making this for my contribution to Thanksgiving dinner at the church tomorrow. Looks so delish! I made my ranch instead getting a bottle. It’s the best.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      November 23, 2012 at 4:42 pm

      Sounds like a wonderful addition. I hope everyone enjoyed it! ~winks~ I make my own ranch, too!!

      Reply
  32. Michele Long

    November 7, 2012 at 10:27 am

    Looks awesome – but being big meat eaters – I am thinking about adding some seasoned hamburger meat ! What do you think??

    Reply
    • Stacey

      November 7, 2012 at 10:31 am

      I think it sounds great! Even taco flavored ground beef would be great. Even shredded cooked chicken! Just turn it into a whole meal!

      Reply
  33. Mary

    November 3, 2012 at 8:10 pm

    Could you suggest another dressing that might work? We aren’t fans of Ranch but everything else looks SO delicious.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      November 5, 2012 at 9:05 am

      Hi, Mary! I would imagine that anything like an Italian or Thousand Island would work just as well. Thanks for dropping by!

      Reply
  34. Angela

    October 17, 2012 at 8:35 am

    Do you use sweet corn bread (like Jiffy) or unsweet/plain (like for cornbread dressing)?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      October 17, 2012 at 9:45 am

      Use plain, unsweetened cornbread. 🙂

      Reply
  35. Melissa @ Bless This Mess

    September 27, 2012 at 2:38 pm

    Holy delicious. I need a reason to make this NOW. It’s like tamale pie in a trifle. Dinner is served… thank you!

    Reply
    • Melissa @ Bless This Mess

      September 29, 2012 at 9:28 pm

      Made this tonight for a pot luck at church and it was a HIT! SO very delicious, thanks a million. I’m making this again for book club on Thursday!

      Reply
      • Stacey

        October 1, 2012 at 9:11 am

        Wonderful! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!

        Reply
        • Anna Robinson

          September 24, 2020 at 8:16 pm

          I had this once and have been craving it every since love love love…

          Reply
          • Stacey

            September 25, 2020 at 11:57 am

            Hope my version is as good as the one you remember! Enjoy!

  36. Carol Bowles

    July 23, 2012 at 10:37 am

    I am making this tommrow for supper.It is so hot it sounds so cool,just 2what we need.Thanks for sharing. Carol

    Reply
    • Stacey

      July 23, 2012 at 10:44 am

      I hope you’ll enjoy it!!

      Reply
  37. Netttie Moore

    June 27, 2012 at 8:12 pm

    Your cornbread salad looks wonderful, can’t wait to try it!! Nettie

    Reply
    • Stacey

      June 28, 2012 at 7:52 pm

      Thanks, Nettie! I hope you’ll try it and that you enjoy it!

      Reply

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Feeding people makes me happy. Few things in this world delight me more than my family and friends gathered around my table enjoying a meal. Pull up a chair and join us! Read more…

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