Smoky BBQ Pork and Cornbread Panzanella Salad

Ingredients

• • Pork shoulder: 2 lbs
• • Smoked paprika: 2 tsp
• • Garlic powder: 1 tsp
• • Onion powder: 1 tsp
• • Kosher salt: 1 tsp
• • Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
• • BBQ sauce (your favorite): 1 cup
• • Cornbread (day-old or toasted): 4 cups, cubed
• • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
• • Mixed greens: 6 cups
• • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
• • Red onion: 1/2, thinly sliced
• • Jalapeños: 2, thinly sliced
• • Queso fresco: 1 cup, crumbled
• • Lime juice: 2 tbsp
• • Honey: 1 tbsp
• • Apple cider vinegar: 2 tbsp
• • Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped

Instructions

1. 1 Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. 2 In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
3. 3 Place the pork in a roasting pan and cover with foil. Roast in the oven for about 2 hours or until the pork is tender and pulls apart easily.
4. 4 While the pork is roasting, prepare the cornbread croutons. Toss the cubed cornbread with olive oil and spread on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until crunchy, then set aside.
5. 5 Once the pork is cooked, shred it using two forks and mix with BBQ sauce. Set aside to cool slightly.
6. 6 In a large bowl, layer the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, jalapeños, and queso fresco. Add the shredded BBQ pork and cornbread croutons on top.
7. 7 In a small jar, shake together lime juice, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Drizzle over the salad.
8. 8 Garnish with fresh cilantro and toss everything gently to combine all the flavors. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

• • This Smoky BBQ Pork and Cornbread Panzanella Salad is a meal in itself, but if you're hosting a get-together, consider pairing it with a crisp, refreshing beer or a glass of chilled white wine to enhance the smoky and tangy flavors. A side of grilled vegetables or a bowl of creamy coleslaw complements the salad beautifully, adding more freshness to the table. For a touch of sweetness, serve alongside cornbread muffins drizzled with honey butter.

Storage Tips

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