By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on September 22, 2023 | Last Updated on September 22, 2023
Are you looking for a unique side dish that will add some zing to your meal? Brenda Gantt’s Cornbread Salad is the perfect solution. This savory, comforting salad is made with simple ingredients.
It’s sure to become your new favorite go-to comfort food! The best part about this is that it’s easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins for a delicious twist.
Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to make Brenda Gantt’s Cornbread Salad at home. With this, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious side dish in no time! Let’s get started.
What is Brenda Gantt’s Cornbread Salad?
Brenda Gantt is a renowned chef and food blogger in the South. She’s known for making delicious Southern dishes, such as her famous Cornbread Salad.
This unique salad combines the savory flavor of cornbread with the sweetness of tomatoes, bell peppers, cheese, green onions, pinto beans and sweet corn for a delicious and comforting side dish.
Brenda Gantt’s Cornbread Salad is a great addition to any meal. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also full of flavor and texture. The cornbread gives the salad a light and fluffy texture, while the vegetables add sweetness and crunch.
And the ranch dressing adds a zesty kick that ties everything together. It’s a dish that is sure to be loved by all! Whether you’re hosting a potluck or want to try something new for dinner, this Cornbread Salad is a great option.
How did I first get introduced to the Brenda Gantt’s Cornbread Salad?
I first heard about Brenda Gantt’s Cornbread Salad while searching for new recipes to try out. I’m a big fan of Brenda Gantt’s cooking and had been looking for something special to make that my family would enjoy. When I stumbled upon this recipe, on YouTube, I knew it was the perfect dish!
The combination of cornbread, vegetables and ranch dressing sounded unique and delicious. I was curious to see how it would turn out and excited to give it a try.
I followed the recipe step-by-step, making sure to measure each ingredient accurately. The cornbread came out light and fluffy, with a perfect golden color. And when I combined all of the ingredients together, I could tell that this was going to be a hit!
I served the Cornbread Salad as a side dish with grilled chicken and it was a big hit. Everyone loved it, even my picky eaters who usually turn their nose up at anything new. I’m so glad I tried this recipe; Brenda Gantt’s Cornbread Salad has become one of our favorite dishes.
Since then, I’ve served it at all sorts of gatherings and it’s always a hit. It’s so easy to make that I can whip it up in no time – perfect for when I’m short on time or energy. Plus, the ingredients are simple yet flavorful, making this dish an instant classic.
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How to make Brenda Gantt’s Cornbread Salad?
Making Brenda Gantt’s Cornbread Salad is easy and fun. All you need are a few ingredients and some simple steps, and you’ll have an amazing side dish in no time!
Ingredients
- Diced Tomatoes: This vegetable adds a crunchy texture as well as a sweet taste to the salad.
- Diced Bell Peppers: This vegetable adds a mild flavor and vibrant color to the salad.
- Grated Cheese: The cheese will help bind all of the ingredients together and add an additional layer of zing.
- Green Onions: These will provide a subtle onion flavor that pairs nicely with the cornbread.
- Pinto Beans: Pinto beans are high in fiber and protein, making them a great addition to the salad.
- Bacon: Bacon adds an extra layer of smoky flavor and crispiness to the dish.
- Sweet Corn: Sweet corn adds sweetness and crunch to the salad and pairs nicely with the other ingredients.
- Buttermilk: The buttermilk adds a subtle sour flavor to the cornbread and helps keep it moist.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind all of the ingredients together, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- White Lily Self-Rising Buttermilk White Cornmeal Mix: This mix adds a rich flavor and light texture to the cornbread.
- Ranch Dressing Mix: Ranch dressing mix adds a zesty flavor to the salad dressing, making it perfect for drizzling over the top of your salad.
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise helps bind all of the ingredients together and adds a creamy texture to the dressing.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Prepare the batter for cornbread
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and sugar until smooth.
- Stir in White Lily Self-Rising Buttermilk White Cornmeal Mix until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
Step 2
Bake the cornbread
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before cutting into cubes.
Step 3
Prepare the dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together ranch dressing mix, mayonnaise, and buttermilk until combined.
Step 4
Assemble the salad
- In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, bell pepper, cheese, green onions, pinto beans, bacon, and corn.
- Pour dressing over top and stir to combine.
- Gently fold in cubed cornbread.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Tips
- For a gluten-free version, substitute a gluten-free cornbread mix.
- Use fresh or frozen vegetables of your choice.
- Add cooked chicken or turkey for additional protein.
- Try adding different herbs and spices to the dressing for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Brenda Gantt’s Cornbread Salad?
Here are a few dishes that pair nicely with Brenda Gantt’s Cornbread Salad:
- Grilled chicken or fish – the smoky, savory flavor of the grilled meat will complement the sweet and crunchy flavors in the salad.
- Barbecue ribs – the sweetness of the barbecue sauce will balance out the zestiness of this cornbread salad.
- Baked salmon – the light and fluffy texture of the fish will pair nicely with all of the crunchy vegetables in this dish.
- Roasted veggies – roasted root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, squash, and parsnips are a great accompaniment to this salad for an easy and delicious meal.
How to store leftover Brenda Gantt’s Cornbread Salad?
Leftover Brenda Gantt’s Cornbread Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, store all of the ingredients separately and combine them when ready to serve.
If you plan on serving the salad later, it’s best to wait until right before serving to assemble the dish so that the vegetables and cornbread don’t get soggy. For longer storage, you can freeze the salad for up to 3 months.
To do this, separate all of the ingredients into individual containers or bags and store in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight before assembling and serving.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, Brenda Gantt’s Cornbread Salad is safe for pregnant women to eat. All of the ingredients used in this recipe are pregnancy-safe and provide many key nutrients that are essential during pregnancy.
The tomatoes, bell peppers, pinto beans, and corn all offer a good source of vitamins A and C which help support a healthy immune system and promote bone health.
The eggs and cheese provide protein which is important for the baby’s growth and development, while the bacon adds iron which helps increase energy levels during pregnancy.
Brenda Gantt’s Cornbread Salad Recipe
Equipment
- baking dish
- bowl
- Whisker
Ingredients
For Salad:
- 1/2 bell pepper finely diced
- 3-4 vine-ripened tomatoes meticulously diced
- 3-4 green onions thinly sliced for a touch of freshness
- 1 can of pinto beans carefully drained and rinsed
- 2 cups of hand-grated artisanal cheese
- 12 ounces of bacon expertly cooked and crumbled
- 1 can of sweet corn gently drained
For Cornbread:
- 1 cup of velvety buttermilk
- 1/2 cup of White Lily Self-Rising Buttermilk White Cornmeal Mix
- 1/2 scoop of brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
For Salad Dressing:
- 1 packet of premium ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup of rich buttermilk
- 1.5 cups of gourmet mayonnaise
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs and sugar until thoroughly combined. Add in White Lily Self-Rising Buttermilk White Cornmeal Mix and stir till blended smoothly. Pour mixture into a prepped pan and spread evenly.
- Bake the cornbread in a preheated oven at 375°F for around 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cornbread to cool completely before cubing it.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together ranch dressing mix, mayonnaise and buttermilk until creamy and combined.
- Place tomatoes, bell pepper, cheese, green onions, pinto beans, bacon and corn into a large bowl. Carefully pour in dressing and stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly coated. Gently fold in cubed cornbread and serve immediately or chill prior to serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute a gluten-free cornbread mix.
- Use fresh or frozen vegetables of your choice.
- Add cooked chicken or turkey for additional protein.
- Try adding different herbs and spices to the dressing for extra flavor.
FAQs
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, Brenda Gantt’s Cornbread Salad can be made up to 3 days in advance. To do this, prepare all of the ingredients separately and store in airtight containers or bags until ready to assemble.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can add any vegetables you like to this salad. Popular additions include chopped broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus.
Is there a vegan version of this?
Yes, Brenda Gantt’s Cornbread Salad can easily be made vegan by omitting the bacon and replacing the eggs with flax eggs or aquafaba. You can also swap out the cheese for a vegan cheese of your choice.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for checking out Brenda Gantt’s Cornbread Salad. This classic Southern dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.
With its combination of crunchy vegetables, creamy dressing, and zesty cornbread cubes, this salad is sure to delight your taste buds.
We hope you enjoy every bite and find the perfect accompaniments for this delicious dish. Whether you choose roasted vegetables, grilled fish, or barbecue ribs, this salad is sure to be a hit!
Please share this article with your friends and family to let them know about this amazing recipe.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
