Cornbread Salad with Chicken

Cornbread Salad is a delicious Southern favorite side dish or main course! It's simple to make and perfect to prep ahead of time. We add a twist to the classic recipe with shredded chicken. It's great for potlucks, picnics, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests.

Cornbread Salad reigns supreme in the south. This layered salad is a classic, my mom passed down this recipe to me and it's the perfect definition of a family favorite recipe. Mix it with savory chicken, veggies, cheese, and a creamy dressing and you have yourself a beautiful and delicious side dish!

Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, potluck, or simply craving a taste of the South, it's sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. It's a recipe that's easy for anyone to make and also perfect to make ahead of time.

When it comes to this layered salad, you'll want to make your favorite cornbread. Sweet or savory styles work for this salad, but my go-to is this Southern Cornbread. You can cook chicken from scratch or use leftover or rotisserie chicken for ease. Also customize the veggies to your liking!

As you add this to your get-together menu, be sure to check out my other viral side dishes including my Best Ever Macaroni Salad, Sweet and Crunchy Ramen Salad, and The Best Pasta Salad!

This is so delicious! It is a meal in itself. It will definitely go on my monthly rotation! -Sherry

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy Recipe: After some quick chopping, southern cornbread salad is simple to assemble. You can make it even easier by starting with a rotisserie chicken. Some grocery bakeries have ready-made cornbread as well.
• Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients and dressing to suit your preferences.
• Incredible Flavorful Combination: The combination of savory cooked chicken and cornbread, fresh vegetables, tangy cheese, and spicy dressing is out of this world delicious!
• Serves a Crowd: If you want to wow your family and friends, this cornbread salad is sure to do just that! It's an excellent dish to bring to potlucks, parties, special occasions, backyard barbecues, and holiday get-togethers!

Ingredients

Scroll down to recipe card for exact ingredient amounts. 

• Cornbread: The base or the salad. It provides a hearty texture and soaks up the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Cooked Chicken: Adds protein, savoriness, and substance to the salad.
• Vegetables (Corn, Pinto Beans, Red Onion, Green Pepper): These provide texture, color, and a variety of fresh flavors that complements the salad.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds richness, creaminess, and a sharp, tangy flavor
• Spicy Ranch Dressing: Adds moisture, creaminess, flavor, and a spicy kick.

Tools You'll Need

• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife
• Trifle Dish (My bowl is a Pampered Chef Trifle Bowl and no longer available. Second-hand websites like ebay often have it for sale.) You can also use a Large Clear Salad Bowl
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

How to Make Cornbread Salad

1. Layer half of the following ingredients in a glass trifle bowl or glass serving bowl in this order: cornbread, chicken, corn, beans, onion, bell pepper, cheese, and dressing. 

2. Layer the remaining ingredients in this order: cornbread, chicken, corn, beans, onion, bell pepper, dressing, and cheese. 

3. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
4. Mix when ready to serve.

Expert Tips

• Moisture Level: Ensure your cornbread is not overly dry. If your cornbread tends to be on the drier side, you can add a bit of chicken broth or milk to moisten it up. This will prevent your salad from being too dry.
• Customize Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can also add ingredients like diced tomatoes, grape tomatoes, sugar snap peas, avocado, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
• Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor and texture, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This will give the flavors a chance to meld together and the salad to set properly.

Substitutions

• Cheese Varieties: While cheddar cheese is our favorite, you can try varieties like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, blue cheese, or even crumbled feta.
• Protein Options: If you don't have cooked chicken on hand or prefer a meatless option, you can substitute it with other protein sources such as grilled tofu, black beans, or chickpeas.
• Fresh vs. Canned Corn: Drained whole kernel corn, frozen and thawed, and fresh sweet corn can all be used.
• Homemade Dressing: Spicy ranch dressing has such a nice flavor, but you might consider making your own spicy ranch dressing for a fresher and more flavorful option. You can control the level of spiciness and adjust the ingredients to your taste preferences.
• Garnishes: Consider topping the salad with additional garnishes such as chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or crushed tortilla chips for added flavor and crunch.

Storage

Cornbread salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness. As time passes, the salad will become soggy due to the moisture from the dressing and vegetables.

This salad does not freeze well. Freezing can alter its texture, particularly the cornbread, causing it to become mushy when thawed.

If the salad seems a bit dry or the flavors have mellowed after refrigeration, you can refresh it by adding a little extra dressing or a splash of lemon juice before serving.

What to Serve with Cornbread Salad

This side dish can go with so many meals. We love serving it at a church potluck, family get-together, and backyard barbecues. It's perfect alongside proteins like grilled meats, barbecue, and sandwiches and side dishes like Macaroni Salad, a fresh fruit salad, Pasta Salad, and Baked Beans.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Easy Side Dishes

• Best Broccoli Cranberry Salad
• Seven Layered Salad (Make Ahead)
• Marinated Vegetable Salad
• Italian Pasta Salad