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Classic Southern Loaded Cornbread Salad

classic southern loaded cornbread salad - featured image

A quick and easy Southern-style salad combining cubed cornbread with crisp vegetables and a tangy, creamy dressing. Perfect for potlucks and gatherings, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (8 oz / 225 g) package of cornbread, baked and cooled (classic Jiffy mix recommended)
  • 1 cup (150 g) canned corn, drained
  • 1 cup (120 g) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup (120 g) chopped cucumber, peeled if desired
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) finely diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) chopped green bell pepper (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (35 g) chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
  • 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise (Hellmann’s or Dukes recommended)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) sweet pickle relish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cornbread according to package instructions if using a mix. Let cool completely on a wire rack (about 30 minutes). Cut into roughly 1-inch cubes.
  2. Dice the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper. Drain canned corn thoroughly. Chop fresh parsley or cilantro finely.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and optional sweet pickle relish until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the cubed cornbread with the chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over and toss carefully to coat evenly, keeping some cornbread texture intact.
  5. Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and cornbread to soften without becoming mushy.

Notes

Use a serrated knife to cube cornbread to reduce crumbling. Drain canned vegetables well to avoid sogginess. Chill salad at least 1 hour for best flavor and texture. Add more vinegar or mayo if salad seems dry after chilling. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free cornbread mix. For dairy-free, substitute mayo with vegan mayo or coconut yogurt. Optional additions include cooked bacon, diced avocado, black beans, or jalapeños for spice.

Nutrition

Keywords: cornbread salad, Southern salad, potluck recipe, easy salad, loaded cornbread salad, creamy dressing, vegetable salad