Summer Cornbread Salad (Printable Page)

# What You Need:

→ Cornbread Base

01 - 4 cups crumbled cornbread (homemade or store-bought, preferably a day old)

→ Salad Layers

02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
04 - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - ½ red onion, finely diced
07 - 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
08 - 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
09 - ¼ cup chopped green onions or chives
10 - ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

→ Dressing

11 - ¾ cup sour cream
12 - ¾ cup mayonnaise
13 - 1 tbsp lime juice
14 - 1 tsp garlic powder
15 - Salt and pepper to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
02 - In a large trifle dish or clear glass bowl, layer half the crumbled cornbread, followed by half of each of the following: black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, bacon (if using), cheddar cheese, and dressing. Repeat layers.
03 - Finish with green onions and chopped cilantro.
04 - For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

# Helpful Tips:

01 - Add diced avocado just before serving for a creamy twist.
02 - For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and ensure cornbread is meat-free.
03 - Great use for leftover cornbread and grilled corn.