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Frito Corn Salad

How to Make the Best Crunchy Frito Corn Salad


  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A classic Frito corn salad is a chilled American side dish that combines sweet corn kernels with crisp diced vegetables, shredded cheese, and crunchy corn chips. All these ingredients are tossed in a seasoned mayonnaise and sour cream dressing. Rather than serving plain vegetable sides, this recipe blends creamy dairy elements with savory snack foods.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups sweet corn, drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup Fritos corn chips, lightly crushed
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
  • ½ cup green bell pepper, finely diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1–2 sliced jalapeños, optional

Instructions

  • Prepare the vegetables:
    Drain the corn well and place it in a large mixing bowl. Add the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeños if using.
  • Make the dressing:
    In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
  • Combine:
    Pour the dressing over the corn mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
  • Add the cheese:
    Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro.
  • Chill:
    Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
  • Add the Fritos:
    Just before serving, fold in the crushed Fritos so they stay crunchy.
  • Serve:
    Garnish with extra Fritos, cheddar, cilantro, or sliced jalapeños. Serve chilled or slightly cool.

Notes

For the best texture, add the Fritos right before serving. You can also add cooked halal beef bacon, black beans, avocado, or a sprinkle of Tajín-style chili-lime seasoning for extra flavor.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad / Side Dish
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 315 kcal

Keywords: frito corn dip, corn salad with fritos, crunchy corn chip salad, creamy chili corn salad