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cornbread salad recipe

Southern Cornbread Salad

A refreshing and hearty cornbread salad that combines toasted sweet cornbread cubes with fresh vegetables and tangy feta cheese for a perfect summer side dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Potato & Starchy Salads
Cuisine: Southern American
Calories: 215

Ingredients
  

For the Salad Base
  • 2 cups cornbread cubes toasted until golden
  • 4 cups baby spinach leaves washed and dried
  • 1 cup red bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup cucumber sliced into half-moons
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels fresh or thawed frozen
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves torn
  • 1/2 cup black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1/3 cup pickled jalapeños chopped, for heat
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or toasted pecans for crunch

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Salad tongs

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut cornbread into 1-inch cubes and spread on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden and slightly crisp. Allow to cool completely.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add the baby spinach leaves as the base layer.
  3. Add the diced red bell pepper, cucumber slices, and halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl.
  4. If using optional ingredients like corn kernels, red onion, black beans, or fresh herbs, add them now.
  5. Gently fold in the toasted cornbread cubes, being careful not to break them up too much.
  6. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad.
  7. Drizzle with your chosen dressing and the olive oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  8. Gently toss all ingredients until evenly coated with dressing, right before serving to maintain the best texture.

Notes

  • For the best texture, toast your cornbread cubes until they're golden but not too dry.
  • This salad is best assembled just before serving, but all components can be prepared ahead of time.
  • Sweet cornbread works especially well, but jalapeño cornbread adds a nice kick.
  • If making ahead, store the cornbread separately from other ingredients until serving time.
  • Honey-lime dressing pairs particularly well with this cornbread salad recipe.