It’s warming up nicely here in the south, which means a whole new direction in the kitchen. Â Gone is the Dutch oven and crock pot filled with stews and roasts and out comes the grill and scrumptious summer salads just filled with delicious fresh vegetables! Â As promised earlier in the week, here is my favorite cornbread recipe. Â It is served cold, making it the perfect picnic or potluck dish. Â This is mine and Bradley’s favorite spring and summer dish as it is so refreshing. Â
Audley isn’t a huge fan of it, as he believes cornbread can only be served hot and with butter, but since he is on the road with work, we will indulge without him!
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What makes this recipe so delicious is all of the fresh ingredients straight from the market or garden. Â Don’t cheat yourself out of flavor by using canned veggies if at all possible. Â I did have to use canned corn because it’s a long time until true fresh corn in available. Â
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Southern Cornbread Salad
1 (1 oz.) pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch dry salad dressing mix
1 c. sour cream
1 c. mayonnaise
1 (9 inch) pan buttermilk cornbread, crumbled (see below for my simple as pie recipe)
3 cups pinto beans, cooked & drained
2 lg. tomatoes, chopped
1/2 c. chopped bell pepper
1/2 c. chopped green onions
1 lg. cucumber, chopped
2 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
6 ears of sweet corn, cooked & removed from the cobÂ
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2 (11 oz) cans niblet corn, drained
**Combine salad dressing mix, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Set aside.
**Place half of crumbled cornbread in the bottom of a large serving bowl (I love the look of the salad in a glass bowl!) & Top with half of the beans.
**In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, pepper, cucumber and onions: layer half of this mixture over beans.
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**Layer half of cheese, bacon, corn, and your ranch dressing. Repeat layers using remaining ingredients.
**Garnish as desired.
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| The versatility of this recipe is limitless. Â For my layers I used 2/3 of the cornbread, 1/2 the pintos, raw mixed veggies, cheese, bacon, 1/2 Â the corn, dressing, raw veggies, cheese and garnished with a dollop of the ranch dressing, bacon & green onion. |
**Cover and chill 2-3 hours before serving.
10-12 servings
** I used low-fat mayo & sour cream, 2% cheddar cheese, reduced sodium bacon and organic veggies. These substitutions make a huge difference in the nutrition content and don’t you know we all need to be a bit more health conscious?!
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If you need a good Southern cornbread recipe, here is a simple buttermilk recipe that I rely on….
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**2 cups Self-Rising Buttermilk Cornmeal Mix (I use Martha White)
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**1 3/4 cups buttermilk (VERY IMPORTANT INGREDIENT!)
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**1/4 cup canola oil (I actually use Enova oil as it is healthier)
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**1 Large egg
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**1 to 2 tablespoons sugar (only if you are from up North or out in the Midwest)
Instructions:
1. HEAT oven to 425°F. Add a couple Tablespoons of oil to your cast iron skillet. Place skillet in oven to preheat. Leave until the oil is sizzlin’ hot!
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2. COMBINE cornmeal mix, buttermilk, oil, egg and sugar, if desired. Mix well. Pour into your sizzlin’ hot skillet. It’ll start cooking before you ever put it into the oven!
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3. BAKE 20 to 25 minutes for 10-inch skillet or 25 to 30 minutes for 8-inch skillet.
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If you are looking for a good Southern dish, especially one great for the hot summer months, this is the one for you! Â
Serve it up with a glass of sweet tea & ENJOY!!
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