Cornbread Salad Recipe without Beans (2024)

By: Jessica · Posted: Aug 24, 2018 · Updated: Jun 2, 2023 · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This cornbread salad recipe is made without beans and has a BBQ Ranch flavor that is hard to beat! It’s an easy side dish recipe that’s perfect for a barbecue, dinner time with the family, or a potluck dinner!

We’ve been on a salad recipes kick lately but my goodness they’re good, aren’t they? This red skin potato salad is another one of our favorites, that’s a go-to for summertime, too.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Alright, I get it. Cornbread salad? But for real, the first time I tried this, it was like the heavens parted, the birds were signing and I felt like twirling around like Snow White.

Ok maybe that’s a little much, but just know that I mean business when I say how happy I am that I discovered another side dish I could make for dinner or to take to a potluck.

Can you agree that it’s super tough to come up with a recipe OTHER than a side salad, green bean casserole, corn casserole, baked beans, and scalloped potatoes when someone says

If you could just bring a side dish, that would be great.

I used to panic at the thought of “Crap. What can I make and take with me that a gagillion other’s won’t be bringing?”

Well, now I know! Boom! And you can too… you’ll want to make this. Not only does it have gorgeous, vibrantcolors, but the flavor combination is DYNAMITE!

It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients and has beautiful colors!

And now… I love this as much as I love panzanella, which is another side dish I LOVE seeing at potlucks that’s better than the side dishes you typically see!!

What kind of cornbread do I use?

For this recipe, I just grabbed a box of theZatarain’s Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread mix and made it according to the package directions.

Heads Up: If you’re using the boxed mix that I used, make sure you have cheddar cheese, butter, milk and egg to make it! Or, you can sometimes find jalapeno cheddar cornbread already made at your local grocery store!

Can I make it without beans?

Yes! Actually, I prefer it without beans and love the texture that the other ingredients in this recipe provide.

Ingredients

It takes very little to make this easy salad recipe but it packs a BIG punch of flavor!

You’ll need:

• prepared jalapeno cheddar cornbread(I used Zatarain’s Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread Mix in the box – but feel free to Jiffy or what you have on hand!)
• cooked bacon
• green pepper
• cherry tomatoes
• green onions
• shredded cheddar cheese
• bbq ranch dressing

How to Make Cornbread Salad

In a large bowl, break up the cornbread and use a fork to break it all down into a crumble.

Next, toss in the remaining ingredients (I save the dressing for last) and gently mix it all together until all of the dressing is evenly distributed.

Would you look at that? Aren’t the colors OUTSTANDING together!?

I absolutely love carrying this dish into a potluck dinner or serving it as a side dish at dinnertime.

I’m not going to lie… I will just eat THIS for a meal sometimes. I don’t need anything else to satisfy my tastebuds!

Tips for Making the Best Cornbread Salad:

• The jalapeno cheddar cornbread is by far the best for this recipe but feel free to use Jiffy or whatever you may have on hand. If you want a jalapeno cheddar cornbread recipe, I have one included in my Fabulously Fast Dinners e-cookbook that you can get and save RIGHT NOW!
• If you can’t find the bbq ranch dressing at the store, simply mix in a little of your favorite bbq sauce, in with your favorite ranch dressing, according to your taste!
• I like to wait to mix everything together right before serving for the best results.
• If you need more side dish recipes, then you’ll love these:
  – cauliflower “potato” salad
  – bacon ranch pasta salad
  – carrot salad
  

📖 Recipe