Description
This Cornbread Salad is a flavorful and versatile side dish that perfectly balances salty, sweet, and tangy flavors with a variety of textures. Made with hearty cornbread, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, tangy gherkin pickles, and fresh green onions, this salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Whether served as a side for grilled meats, paired with smoky barbecue, or brought to a holiday potluck or Thanksgiving feast, this dish is always a hit. Plus, it’s highly customizable—you can add your favorite ingredients to make it your own. It’s a delightful way to use up leftover cornbread while creating a colorful and satisfying addition to any meal!
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups cornbread, cubed (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red or orange bell pepper, diced
- 15 ounces corn, drained
- 1 cup sweet gherkin pickles, diced
- 1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup onion (red or green) chopped
- 1 jalapeno, diced (optional)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup gherkin pickle juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 celery seed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Cornbread:
Start by preparing a pan of cornbread ahead of time or use leftover cornbread. Allow the cornbread to cool completely, then cut it into 1-inch pieces. Place the pieces in a large mixing bowl. - Add the Salad Ingredients:
To the bowl with the cornbread, add the chopped tomatoes, diced bell peppers, corn, chopped gherkin pickles, crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, shredded cheese, and jalapeños (if using). Gently toss to combine the ingredients evenly. - Make the Dressing:
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, garlic powder, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust the sweetness with more honey or the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if desired. - Combine the Salad:
Pour the prepared dressing over the cornbread mixture. Gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to break up the cornbread too much while mixing. - Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. - Serve:
When ready to serve, give the salad a gentle toss and transfer to a serving dish. Enjoy as a flavorful side for grilled meats, barbecue, or holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Cuisine: American