Fritos Corn Salad

Crunchy, creamy, and bursting with sweet and savory flavor, Fritos Corn Salad is a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and summer gatherings. With juicy corn, crisp bell peppers, sharp cheddar, and a tangy dressing, this easy salad gets an irresistible crunch from crushed Fritos corn chips stirred in right before serving. It’s bold, bright, and always the first bowl to be emptied.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No Cooking Required – Just chop, mix, and serve.
Bold & Crunchy – Fritos add unbeatable texture and salty satisfaction.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Just add chips at the last minute.
Perfect for a Crowd – Great for parties, picnics, and family meals.
Customizable – Add beans, switch cheeses, or spice it up!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 3 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ½ green bell pepper, diced
• ¼ red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup crushed Fritos corn chips (plus extra for topping)
• 2 green onions, sliced

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl for dressing
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or spatula for mixing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Veggies
Chop bell peppers, red onion, and green onions.
If using canned corn, drain well. If using fresh, cook and cool before adding.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine corn, cheddar cheese, diced peppers, red onion, and green onions.
Pour the dressing over the salad and stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Add the Crunch
Right before serving, stir in the crushed Fritos so they stay crispy.
Top with additional Fritos and a sprinkle of green onion for extra texture and color.

Tips for Success
Add Fritos Last – Keep the chips crunchy by mixing them in just before serving.
Use Sweet Corn – Fresh summer corn or sweet canned corn adds the best flavor.
Balance the Cream – If too thick, add a splash of lime juice or milk to thin the dressing.
Spice It Up – Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or a dash of cayenne for heat.
Make it a Meal – Stir in black beans or diced grilled chicken for a protein boost.

Serving Suggestions
Perfect for BBQs – Serve alongside burgers, ribs, or grilled chicken.
Taco Night Side – A fun and flavorful alternative to plain corn.
Potluck Star – Easy to double for large gatherings.
In Lettuce Cups – Serve as a crunchy filling in romaine leaves for a fun twist.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Without Fritos: Store salad and dressing in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
With Fritos: Best eaten immediately after mixing, as chips will soften over time.

Make-Ahead Tips:
Mix salad and dressing ahead of time, and refrigerate separately if desired.
Add the Fritos just before serving to keep the crunch intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes! Mix everything except the Fritos and refrigerate. Stir in the chips just before serving.
2. Can I use frozen corn?
   Absolutely. Just thaw and drain well before using.
3. Can I use a different chip?
   Sure! Try Doritos, tortilla strips, or BBQ-flavored corn chips for a twist.
4. Is this salad spicy?
   Not by default, but you can add heat with diced jalapeños or spicy seasoning.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Use dairy-free mayo and omit the cheese or substitute with plant-based cheese.

Final Thoughts
Fritos Corn Salad is the ultimate mix of creamy, crunchy, and colorful—ideal for summer gatherings and beyond. It’s quick to make, full of bold flavor, and endlessly adaptable to suit your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just want a fun side dish, this easy recipe will steal the show.

Try it today and watch it disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag your creation online!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 24g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 360mg

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