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Crunchy Frito corn salad is a fun side dish bursting with Mexican-inspired flavors! Corn, cheese, peppers, and onion get tossed in a tasty dressing and mixed with Fritos corn chips. A surprising FAVORITE at any get-together!
Let’s talk side dishes! A good side dish is the way to any guest’s heart. The best ones always go first, and this Frito corn salad is definitely one of those. Have lots of options because your hungry guests will want to try it all. A few of my favorite side dishes are this salad, this yummy jello, or these amazing beans.
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavors: This crunchy corn dip is filled with sweet corn, tangy bell peppers, sharp onions cheese and topped with the most deliciously creamy dressing!
- Texture: This Frito salad has incredibly satisfying textures. My kids love the addition of the chips. They’re salty and crunchy, paired with the vibrant peppers, corn, onions and cheese.
- Versatile: You can quickly make this simple recipe for so many occasions. As an after school snack, side dish for a family gathering or barbecue.
Ingredients For Frito Corn Salad
The fun part of this salad is the Fritos! It’s a perfect side dish for any potluck or BBQ. Follow the recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Canned Corn: Make sure to drain the corn! Thawed frozen corn or fresh corn can also be used.
- Colby Jack Cheese: I love the flavor of this cheese but use your favorite cheese!
- Red Bell Pepper: Any bell pepper works in this salad. I like the sweetness of the red bell peppers.
- Red Onion: The added flavor of red onion is a must! I also garnish with green onions.
- Fritos Corn Chips: Yes, a bag of Fritos gives this salad that added crunch! Use chili cheese Fritos for added flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.
- Cilantro: Chop fresh cilantro then garnish on top for added flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Mayo is the perfect creamy base for the dressing of this salad.
- Lime Juice: A little tang and brightness for the dressing.
- Taco Seasoning: Adds the perfect seasonings to the dressing.
How to Make the Best Corn Salad
This Frito corn salad is the perfect combination of flavors to create the best summertime salad. It’s fresh and bursting with textures! It comes together quickly and can be made ahead of time. Perfect for potlucks and parties.
- Combine the Corn, Peppers, Onions, and Cheese: Add the drained corn, peppers, onions, and cheese to a large bowl.
- Make the Dressing: To make the dressing, add mayonnaise, taco seasoning, and lime juice to a medium bowl then whisk to combine.
- Combine the Salad and Dressing Ingredients and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients then gently toss to coat. Chill for 2-24 hours because the flavors will intensify and fully develop!
- Stir in the Chips: Finally, add the corn chips before serving, then toss to combine.
- Garnish and Serve: Last, garnish with fresh cilantro and additional cheese. Enjoy!
Variations
This frito corn salad recipe is so versatile! Add or switch up the flavors to make it your own. Here are some tips and a few ideas on how you can customize this salad to make it perfect for you and your guests!
- Add Protein: Make this salad more hearty by adding chicken, ground beef, pork, or steak. Then you can serve it as a meal! If you want a vegetarian option, then add black beans.
- Chips: Switch up the chips and use chili cheese Fritos for extra flavor. If you can’t find Fritos, use regular corn tortilla chips. Doritos would also be delicious! Crush the chips or barely crush them at all, the choice is yours!
- Switch up the Veggies: Add or leave out any veggies you want! Use any color or combination of bell peppers or try adding a diced tomato, that would be yummy!
- Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños for some added heat! A pinch of cayenne or hot sauce also does the trick to add spice.
Storing Leftover Frito Corn Salad
This is the absolute BEST salad to make in advance! It’s even better as it sits. So, follow my tips below for making this salad ahead of time and for storing leftovers, if you have any! Lastly, stir in the corn chips just before serving and add the amount of chips you desire, it’s up to you!
- In the Refrigerator: Store the leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. I recommend trying to remove the chips before putting it in the fridge to avoid soggy Fritos.
- Make Ahead: Prepare at least 2 hours or up to 1 day in advance. Leave out the corn chips then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve! Finally, add the chips right before serving then stir and enjoy!
More Corn-Inspired Sides
If you’re a fan of corn and love a good side, I have some great sides to add to your recipe collection! I also like bringing these types of side dishes to potlucks or get-togethers because everyone loves succulent sweet corn. Here are some of my faves!
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Frito Corn Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 3 cans whole kernel corn, drained (15 ounces each)
- 1 ½ cups Colby Jack Cheese, shredded
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- ⅓ cup chopped red onion
- 3-4 cups Fritos corn chips, coarsley chopped
- kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- cilantro, for garnish
Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 lime, juiced
Instructions
- Add drained corn, peppers, onions, and cheese to a large bowl
- To make the dressing, add mayonnaise, taco seasoning, and lime juice to a medium bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat. Chill for 2-24 hours.
- Right before serving, add the Fritos corn chips and toss to combine.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and additional cheese. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
We enjoyed this. it could have benefited from a bit more acid (lime juice), but it was fresh and delicious. I will enjoy serving it again.
This was awesome!! And it’s a good thing, too, because I fully missed that this will serve 8 and made it for my husband and I (and tomorrow our toddler will be trying some and I bet he’s going to love it, too) 😅
Made the base recipe as-is first which I’ve already established was great, and I love that my brain is already buzzing with all sorts of different twists on it that I can try in order to use up stuff in my pantry! Thank you!!
Funny I seen your recipe. I have been making this salad for years. I got the recipe from Schwan’s Home delivery. I am asked to make this all the time for parties. Everything is the same but I use chili cheese fritos minus the taco seasoning, lime and cilantro.
I can not stand mayo, do you think Greek yogurt or sour cream would be a good substitute?
Both would work as a substitute!!