This Layered Southwestern Cornbread Salad makes a spectacular edible centerpiece. It features layers of flavorful vegetables with a spicy ranch dressing.
Layered Southwestern Cornbread Salad
Salads like this Layered Southwestern Cornbread Salad are a true favorite here in the South. This variation has evolved through the years in my kitchen because of my family's love of Southwestern and Tex-Mex flavors. The fresh pico de gallo, is a must and takes this salad over the top. It also pairs beautifully with the classic flavors that inspired my take on cornbread salad.
Tips for Making Layered Southwestern Cornbread Salad
Cornbread salad needs to be made ahead to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- If you plan on serving this salad for dinner, it can be made during early morning for the best same day results. Otherwise, overnight is ideal for the full impact and flavor combination to shine.
- For the top, I reserve some of the pico de gallo, bacon crumbles, and cheese to garnish. So, theoretically, there are four layers of pico, bacon and cheese in my salad, but, who's counting?
- I'm pretty generous with the dressing when assembling the salad, so I use plain sour cream dolloped on top as a garnish.
- When serving a salad that includes spicy or hot peppers, I always try to place a few visible as a garnish, letting people know what's inside of the dish. So, a few rounds of jalapeno are placed on top of the sour cream for the finishing touch
- You may also like this article from Barefeet in the Kitchen about How To Eat Salad Everyday and Like It.
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Helpful Kitchen Items:
Layered Southwestern Cornbread Salad
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 7.5 oz box cornbread mix plus ingredients to prepare
- 1 1.0 oz package dry Spicy Ranch dressing mix i.e. Hidden Valley
- 1 ⅓ cups milk or buttermilk
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- Pico de gallo:
- 6 medium Roma tomatoes
- 1 medium purple onion
- 1 medium jalapeno pepper
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 Tbsp lime juice
- garlic salt and black pepper to taste
- Salad:
- 2 12 oz packages frozen Southwestern Corn [i.e. Steamfresh] OR 2 [11 oz] cans Mexi-Corn drained
- 1 15 oz can black beans drained & rinsed
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 small head iceberg lettuce shredded
- 12 oz bacon cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup sour cream [for garnishing the top]
Instructions
- Prepare cornbread per instructions on package and cool. Divide into thirds.
- Prepare the dressing using 1 ⅓ cup of milk or buttermilk and 1 cup of mayo. Whisk until fully combined, then chill until assembling the salad.
- Prepare pico de gallo: In a medium size mixing bowl, toss together diced tomatoes, onion, and jalapeno pepper. Add chopped cilantro, lime juice and season with garlic salt and pepper to your taste. Chill until assembling.
- To assemble:
- Divide the ingredients into thirds. Layer in this order...shredded lettuce, crumbled cornbread, bacon, corn and black beans, pico de gallo, a drizzle of dressing and shredded cheese. Repeat until all of the ingredients are used.
- Reserve some pico de gallo, bacon crumbles, and cheese to garnish the top. Dollop plain sour cream on top as a garnish.
- Refrigerate for several hours, or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to come together before serving.
Notes
- In the Summer months when fresh corn is abundant, I always use cooked fresh corn in this salad.
- If you're unable to find Spicy Ranch Dressing mix, use the same amount of bottled Ranch dressing.
Tried this recipe?Mention @melissassk or tag #melissassk!
My name is Melissa and I'm the Creator of Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen. Cooking, baking, developing recipes and kitchen tips is my passion. I love sharing my dishes and connecting with people through the food that I create.
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Tracy
Absolutely delicious!!
N Vermilyea
Absolutely Amazing!!! Thank you so much for sharing. This recipe was a hit, and I will make it for every BBQ. It was perfect with pulled pork.
Melissa
Thanks so much, I'm delighted you enjoyed it!
Liz
What a fabulous layered salad! The cornbread is such a yummy addition!!
Cathy Pollak
Using cornbread is absolutely genius.
Judy P
I have a question about the print feature. When I chose that option it is very widely spaced and prints on four pages. Am I doing something wrong or is that how it is supposed to print. I prefer one page.
Melissa
That likely has something to do with the settings on your device. It's only one page.
Stephanie @CopyKat.com
I haven't had cornbread salad in years. I love this updated version of this classic!
Joanne
Such perfect potluck food and a crowdpleaser too!
Toni | Boulder Locavore
I can't wait to give this a try!!
Lori @ RecipeGirl
This salad definitely has a WOW factor to it!
Aysegul Sanford
Layers of layers of goodness. I mean, for REALS! How gorgeous does that salad look!
Jane Wright
I do not eat lettuce. I will eat raw spinach. Do you think I could substitute raw spinach for the lettuce?
Melissa
I love raw spinach I think you could, sure.
Sue
Good with chicken added on each layer, too. I use rotisserie chicken from the deli.
Melissa
It' true, chicken is a nice addition.
Melissa
Hi Lisa, thanks so much for popping over!
Lisa Howard
Well....there you are Sweetie! I've not been seeing you in my feed, so I went back and "liked" a bunch of stuff, and now you're back! YAY Anyway.....I can't wait to try this one. I'm making chicken enchiladas for a church dinner tomorrow. This would be perfect for my "side"! Thank you....again! You always come through when I need something a little different. 🙂
Melissa
Sure, omit if you prefer.
Anonymous
Would it taste just as good if we omitted the jalapenos.My family doesn't like spicy foods .
Melissa
Pinto or light red kidney beans are equally delicious in this salad.
Anonymous
I don't like black beans,so what other kind of beans could I use?
Melissa
All o your adjustments sound so good, and I also make this salad with pinto beans at times. So happy you enjoyed it, thanks so much for stopping by to say so!
Memaw2405
This is the most awesome salad ever! So easy and tasty. I highly recommend this to everyone. I made my own cornbread and swapped out the black beans for pinto beans only because I don't care for black beans. I didn't find the Spicy Ranch dressing mix but I did find Fiesta Ranch which is very similar. I also found canned corn with jalapenos and another with chipotle seasoning so used one can of each. I put it all together only a few hours before the party I was attending because I didn't want it to be soggy. it was a HUGE hit! There was only a little bit left when it was time to clean up and the hostess practically begged me to be allowed to keep the leftovers!
Melissa
Thank you!
Anonymous
That's the most beautiful salad I have ever seen! I'll be making this.for.the next get-together! 🙂
Bluv1182
This looks soooo good!! I am going to make this, and I'm going to make some taco seasoned meat and put the salad on top of the meat when I am ready to serve it!!! Yum, yum. Thanks for showing this.
Melissa
Thank you Dolly, that makes my day. I appreciate your sweet comment.
Dolly V.
Oh, my! This looks to be a winner! Am definitely going to make. You have such wonderful recipes...you are my favorite blogger! God Bless.
Melissa
Hello! I know it can be a challenge adapting recipes. Our cornbread would be similar in texture to a savory polenta type bread. I wish I could give you a great substitute but, I'm not sure what's available in your market, sorry. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Seema
Hi, do you know if there is another bread you can use instead of cornbread as it is hard to find in the UK. thanks
Melissa
Hi Lin, oh sure, a very good substitution would be pinto beans, or even a light red kidney bean. Delicious!
Lin
Melissa, have you tried it with other beans? I'm not a fan of black beans as I don't care for their flavor. Do you think cannelini or pinto beans would be to bland?
Melissa
That's a challenge isn't it? I think you could make this lighter using low fat dairy. Now, the cornbread? Not so sure, but, if you have a lighter recipe you can use, or a brand that only calls for water not adding any additional fats, it would certainly help.
hgr83
This looks so tasty! But I have to cook heart healthy for my family due to several members having heart issues...I wonder how heart healthy this dish is or if they're is a yummy heart healthy version of this?
Melissa
Hello, even though some readers enjoy serving this as a dip it is a salad. The multiple layers are what set it apart. The taste is unique due to the cornbread layers. Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit!
hdsdjsd
Wow, this does look amazing and lots of great comments. We have made the traditional seven layer bean dip in a large glass baking dish like Pyrex has. You could use it for this recipe if you want less layers. Dawn
Melissa
You should be able to yield 12-14 servings. This always depends on the appetites of those you're serving, of course. Some people love to serve this salad as a dip, so in that case it will go a bit further.
Kathleen Shutsy
How many people does this feed? It looks big!
Melissa
What a sweet comment. It's perfect for football parties, too. Thanks so much for stopping by. 🙂
Anonymous
I wish I had seen this before I had company on Saturday for a pool party. On my list for next Saturdays football game. Thank you so much for your inspiration and beautiful presentations. I always say if it looks good people will at least try things that otherwise might have ones turning up their noses.
Anonymous
You could add seasoned shredded chicken or ground beef and make it a complete meal.
Melissa
Awesome! You're so right, a basket of chips nearby is always a great idea. ☺ Thanks for stopping by to let me know, truly appreciated! ~ Melissa
Anonymous
Made this for a pool party on the 4th of July, everyone loved it! Some folks ate it as a dip with chips, others as a side. I halved the recipe but used all the bacon (because why not?!) Cheddar cheese only, and most of the dressing.
Melissa
Hi John, this dish although easy to assemble, has several steps so, it could be easy to miss. ☺ Here's the paragraph from the body of the directions: Hope this helps!
..."Divide the ingredients into thirds. Layer in this order...shredded lettuce, crumbled cornbread, bacon, Mexican corn and black beans, pico de gallo, dressing and shredded cheese. Repeat until all of the ingredients are used."
john
i may have missed it but where does the cornbread get added in?
Melissa
This salad is typically served as just that, a side dish. Scoop and serve as you would any salad. I actually like your idea about dipping it with chips as well. You can't go wrong, truly. Enjoy!
Anonymous
Do you just spoon it out as a salad or eat like a 7-layer style dip with tortilla chips?
Melissa
Hi Jeanie! Well, you know your family best. 🙂 I think it actually holds together quite well, when I serve it this way for large gatherings. In fact, it makes a beautiful edible centerpiece for the table. For those who may not have a trifle dish, a shallow 9 x 13 inch glass dish will work beautifully, too. Enjoy! Melissa
Jeanie
The cornbread has to make this so special. This is the best recipe I have seen in a long time for my family. However, I think I will serve it in a slightly more shallow clear bowl and make 3 layers instead of 4 for easier and less messy digging. It is so beautiful as you have made it, but I think it would be a total mess after about 6 of my family members got through helping themselves.
Melissa
My pleasure, happy to help. Enjoy ~ Melissa
Mispinkie
OMG I had a co-worker make this one thing I have been looking for this recipe forever. Thank you
Melissa
Hi Lani, That's a super substitute in a pinch. There isn't any sour cream in the dressing, but I did use it on top to garnish. Thanks for stopping by to let me know you enjoyed it! 🙂 Melissa
Lani Waterstrat
I couldn't find the pkg of spicy ranch mix BUT I did find Spicy Ranch salad dressing in the 16 oz bottle so I used that instead. It's measures out to be 1/2 cup for each layer. So if you do this omit the sour cream &. buttermilk needed for making the dressing. I made the pico de gallo the night before so flavors would meld. It was SUPER yummy & I will definitely be making it again!
Anonymous
It looks very, very good.
Melissa
Hi Tiffany, hmmm, I never have. If your family enjoys robust flavors, that would certainly add another layer of spice. If you decide to go that route, let me know how you liked it. Thanks for stopping by! ~ Melissa
tiffany harris
Have you ever used mexican corn bread instead of regular? Or do you think that would be too much??
t
Melissa
Hi Kat! The Martha White cornbread mix does have a sweet flavor, however you could use a more savory version if you like. It's not quite as sweet as Jiffy Cornbread so, that's why I use Martha White it's just personal preference. Hope this helps!
Kat Heisler
Do you use sweet corn bread or regular? It sounds amazing!!
Melissa
Overnight will change the texture a bit but it will still be tasty. If you have a concern I would encourage you to make it early morning for a drier texture. You can use the regular buttermilk version and add ground chipotle powder to your taste to add a bit of spice. If you prefer the plain dressing, it will work, too. Hope this helps!
Anonymous
I need to make this overnight. Will it get soggy? Also I can't find spicy ranch. Any ideas of what spices to use with my plain ranch dressing mix?
Colet
I found the spicy ranch at Walmart. Mine didn’t get soggy like I thought. Used Romaine instead of iceberg lettuce too. It does wilt some overnight.
Melissa
Hello, that sounds fantastic! I sure hope your family enjoys it. Happy Easter to you and yours ~ Melissa
Debilou ~ Mississippi Mama
this looks really good,,might try to take this for our Easter get-together. Thanks
Melissa
Thank you Janay! It's a fun dish to make, and my guests always love it 🙂 I agree, anything with pico de gallo is tops for me! Thanks for stopping by ~ Melissa
Janay
What a gorgeous salad!!!! Beautiful presentation and it looks so delicious!!!! I adore Pico de gallo!!!
Melissa
Thank you, Beth! 🙂
Beth Evenson
yummm!! That looks so delicious!!
Melissa
Perfect for Summer parties of all kinds...enjoy! 🙂
Two Southern Sweeties
Dayummmm!!!! Sorry that was the only word that came to mind seeing this LOL. Aileen and I will absolutely be making this and enjoying it out on the deck together with our family dinners or pool parties.
Melissa
Didi, it's so great to hear from you, thank you!! xoxox
Didi
I am SOOOOOOOOOOO making this!!!
Total winner, winner, winner!!!
xoxoxooxo