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Southern Cornbread Salad Recipe - Classic Layered Side Dish

This classic Southern cornbread salad brings together homemade cornbread with fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and barbecues. The cornbread soaks up the dressing while maintaining structure, creating a delightful contrast with crisp vegetables for a comforting side dish.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. Combine milk, oil, and egg in another bowl. Mix wet and dry ingredients, pour into greased 8-inch pan, bake 20-25 minutes until golden. Cool completely and crumble.
  2. Prepare vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, dice bell pepper, finely chop red onion. Thaw corn if frozen. Hard boil eggs, cool, and chop into small pieces.
  3. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
  4. Layer in large glass bowl: crumbled cornbread, tomatoes, bell pepper, corn, red onion, hard-boiled eggs. Drizzle dressing over each layer. Repeat layers, ending with dressing. Top with shredded cheese.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Serve chilled as side dish or main course.

Notes

Bake cornbread a day ahead to dry out slightly for better texture. Toast crumbled cornbread for crisper texture. Customize with cucumbers, black beans, or green onions. Substitute Greek yogurt for lighter dressing. Make ahead for best flavor development.