Frito Corn Salad Recipe

If you’re craving something crunchy, creamy, and absolutely packed with flavor, you’ll fall in love with this Frito Corn Salad. Imagine sweet corn and black beans, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and crisp bell peppers, all tossed together with a tangy-smooth dressing and plenty of shredded cheddar, then crowned with the unbeatable salty crunch of Fritos. It’s a party favorite that never lasts long, and it’s easy enough to whip up any day of the week. Get ready—this is the salad everyone will ask you for!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients make Frito Corn Salad shine—each one brings its own special kick, crunch, or creaminess. They come together in perfect harmony for a colorful, irresistible dish that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat.

• Sweet corn: For the base—use two cans, well-drained for bursts of juicy sweetness.
• Black beans: Don’t skip these! They add hearty texture and a subtle earthiness that balances the creamy dressing.
• Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles): The shortcut ingredient with a pop of heat and tang, so be sure to drain them well.
• Bell pepper (red, green, or yellow): Fresh crunch and vibrant color—pick your favorite or mix for extra flair.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty magic that ties every bite together with a savory kick.
• Fritos (corn chips): The signature crunch—add these last so they stay crazy crisp.
• Sour cream: The creamy base of your dressing, just the right amount of tang.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle silkiness and rounds out the flavors in the dressing.
• Salt: Essential for bumping up every flavor in the bowl.
• Black pepper: Classic warmth and depth.
• Garlic powder: Adds quick garlicky goodness without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Onion powder: Sweet, savory flavor for richness in every bite.
• Ground cumin: Just enough smokiness to keep things interesting.

How to Make Frito Corn Salad

Step 1: Mix Up the Creamy Dressing

Grab a small bowl and add your sour cream, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. Whisk everything together until the dressing is super smooth and looks lusciously creamy. This is the flavor powerhouse of your Frito Corn Salad, so make sure there are no lumps!

Step 2: Combine the Veggies and Cheese

In a big mixing bowl, throw in your drained sweet corn, black beans, the entire can of (well-drained) Rotel, diced bell pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss it all together, making sure the cheese gets evenly distributed so every forkful is a winner.

Step 3: Bring It All Together With Dressing

Now spoon that dreamy dressing over your veggie-and-cheese mixture. Fold everything together until every piece is nicely coated in creamy goodness—take a moment to appreciate how beautifully colorful it all looks!

Step 4: Add the Fritos (Just Before Serving!)

Right before you’re ready to eat—this part is crucial—pour in the Fritos. Gently fold them into the salad, being careful not to break them up too much. Doing this step last keeps your Frito Corn Salad crunchy, so every bite crackles with delicious corn chip flavor.

How to Serve Frito Corn Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese or a handful of thinly sliced green onions makes this Frito Corn Salad look irresistible. For extra zing, try a few chopped cilantro leaves or a swirl of hot sauce right on top.

Side Dishes

Frito Corn Salad pairs beautifully with all your cookout classics. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or smoky barbecue ribs. It’s also fantastic next to pulled pork sandwiches, or even as the star of a Tex-Mex buffet.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your creativity shine! Try serving Frito Corn Salad in individual mason jars for easy party portions, or hollow out mini bell peppers and stuff them for adorable, crunchy appetizer cups. It’s also right at home scooped up with extra Fritos or sturdy tortilla chips.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Frito Corn Salad in an airtight container in the fridge, but hold off on mixing in the Fritos until you’re ready to enjoy it again. The dressing will keep everything fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad—the fresh veggies, sour cream, and Fritos all lose their best texture after thawing. This recipe is at its best freshly mixed and enjoyed within a few days.

Reheating

No need to reheat! Frito Corn Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it a convenient, ready-to-eat dish straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make Frito Corn Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Mix up everything except the Fritos, then store in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, stir in the chips so they stay crispy and irresistible.

What can I use instead of Fritos?

If you’re in a pinch, try using other corn chips or even sturdy tortilla chips. Just make sure whatever you use has plenty of crunch to stand up to the creamy dressing.

Is Frito Corn Salad spicy?

The Rotel tomatoes add a mild kick, but overall the salad isn’t too spicy. If you want more heat, add fresh jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce!

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the sour cream for your favorite plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free shredded cheese. You’ll still get that creamy, zesty vibe, perfect for everyone at your gathering.

How long does Frito Corn Salad keep?

If stored without the Fritos, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Once the Fritos are mixed in, it’s best enjoyed immediately to preserve their wonderful crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, delightfully crunchy side that’s a total breeze to make, don’t miss out on Frito Corn Salad. Bright, bold, and just a bit addictive, it always disappears fast—so be ready to share the recipe with friends and family!

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