Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is a fun twist on traditional corn salad with the addition of crunchy Fritos for extra texture and flavor. It’s quick to throw together, requires minimal ingredients, and is always a hit at parties. The creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy combination is downright irresistible.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Canned whole kernel corn (or fresh corn, cooked and cooled)
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Red bell pepper, diced
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Green onions, chopped
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Shredded cheddar cheese
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Mayonnaise
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Chili cheese Fritos, crushed slightly
Directions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine corn, red bell pepper, green onions, shredded cheddar, and mayonnaise. Mix well until evenly coated.
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Just before serving, fold in the chili cheese Fritos to keep them crunchy.
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Serve immediately and enjoy.
Servings and timing
Serves 6–8.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
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Different Chips: Try Cool Ranch or classic corn chips instead of chili cheese Fritos.
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Lighter Version: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and mayo.
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Add Protein: Toss in black beans or grilled chicken for a heartier salad.
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Mexican Twist: Add lime juice, cilantro, and Cotija cheese.
Storage/Reheating
This salad is best eaten fresh since the Fritos lose their crunch if left in too long. Store the corn mixture separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and add Fritos just before serving. Do not freeze.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but wait to add the Fritos until just before serving to keep them crispy.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, thaw and drain it well before mixing.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt or sour cream works as a lighter alternative.
Can I make it spicier?
Add jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce to the mix.
Do I have to use chili cheese Fritos?
No, regular Fritos or other flavored corn chips work well too.
Can I serve this as a main dish?
Yes, by adding beans or chicken, it can be a hearty lunch option.
Is this served hot or cold?
It’s served cold and is refreshing, especially in warm weather.
How do I keep the Fritos crunchy?
Add them right before serving.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, black beans, tomatoes, or avocado make great additions.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, simply scale up the ingredients proportionally.
Conclusion
Frito Corn Salad is the ultimate party side dish—creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor. With sweet corn, tangy dressing, cheese, and crispy Fritos, it’s quick to make and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Just don’t forget to save some extra Fritos for topping!
Frito Corn Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Frito Corn Salad is a creamy, crunchy, and flavorful side dish made with sweet corn, cheese, mayo, and chili cheese Fritos. It’s quick, refreshing, and always a hit at potlucks, barbecues, and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 cans (15 oz each) whole kernel corn, drained (or 4 cups fresh cooked corn)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 cups chili cheese Fritos, slightly crushed
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine corn, red bell pepper, green onions, shredded cheddar, and mayonnaise. Stir until evenly coated.
- Just before serving, fold in the chili cheese Fritos to maintain their crunch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy cold.
Notes
Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version.Use regular or flavored Fritos depending on preference.Mix in black beans, chicken, or avocado for a heartier dish.Keep Fritos separate until serving to avoid sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
