Southern Cornbread Salad with Bacon and Veggies

If you’re looking for a fun, hearty twist on classic Southern flavors, you have to try this Southern Cornbread Salad with Bacon and Veggies!
Loaded with savory crumbled bacon, crisp veggies, sweet corn, hearty beans, and a creamy ranch dressing, this layered salad is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or anytime you want to impress a crowd.
I spotted this recipe on TikTok and immediately knew I had to make it — it’s packed with everything good!
Ingredients
- 8 cups crumbled cornbread (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (any color you like)
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Directions
1. Make the Creamy Dressing
- In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Set aside while you build the salad layers.
2. Layer the Salad
- In a large bowl, clear trifle dish, or 9×13″ pan, start layering:
- Half of the crumbled cornbread
- Half of the bacon
- Half of the cheddar cheese
- Half of the chopped red onion
- Half of the bell pepper
- Half of the tomato
- Half of the corn
- Half of the pinto beans
- Spread half of the dressing mixture evenly over the layers.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with the remaining dressing on top.
3. Garnish and Chill
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Servings |
---|---|---|---|
20 minutes | 2 hours | 2 hours 20 minutes | 10–12 servings |
Tips for the Best Cornbread Salad
- Use day-old cornbread if you can! It holds up better and doesn’t get soggy.
- Customize your veggies: Add jalapeños for a spicy kick or swap in black beans instead of pinto beans.
- Make it ahead: This salad actually tastes even better if made the day before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
This Southern Cornbread Salad is layered with bold flavors and textures — savory, creamy, sweet, and crunchy all in one bite! Plus, it looks so pretty when served in a clear dish where you can see all those colorful layers.
Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
(And yes — TikTok delivered with this one!)
#SouthernRecipe #PotluckFavorite #CornbreadSaladLove