Save Pin
This crowd-pleasing Frito Corn Salad has been my go-to contribution at summer get-togethers for ages. It hits just the right spot between fresh, wholesome ingredients and addictive crunchiness, making it a standout dish at backyard cookouts and sports viewing parties.
I threw this together for a block party when I needed something fast, and now everyone asks me to bring it. The mix of sweet corn kernels and crunchy Fritos brings back memories of summer festivals and state fairs.
Ingredients
- Whole kernel corn: Gives you that natural sweetness and little pops of texture throughout
- Cheddar cheese: Brings a rich creaminess and depth; go for sharp if you want more kick
- Mayonnaise: Works as the glue that holds everything together with its creamy goodness
- Green pepper: Adds a fresh snap and light veggie taste
- Red onion: Gives nice color contrast and mild zing; pick ones that feel hard with no mushy spots
- Fritos corn chips: The star that gives that unmistakable crunch and salty kick
- Fritos Scoops for serving: Lets folks enjoy it as a dip if they want
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients:
- Throw the corn, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, green pepper, and red onion into a big bowl and stir until everything's mixed well. The mayo should coat all the stuff evenly so it sticks together nicely.
- Chill The Mixture:
- Put the bowl in the fridge for at least an hour before you plan to serve it. This helps all the flavors get friendly with each other. The more time it sits, the tastier it gets.
- Add Fritos Just Before Serving:
- Smash up the Fritos however you like them. Some folks enjoy bigger pieces while others prefer them smashed fine. Mix them into your chilled bowl gently, adding a little at a time until you've got the right amount of crunch.
- Serve Appropriately:
- Dump it into a nice serving bowl and put extra Fritos Scoops nearby for anyone who wants to scoop it up like a dip. Don't forget a big spoon for those who want to eat it as a side dish.
Save Pin
The trick to getting this dish just right is nailing the Fritos timing. At my house, we like adding them right as we're about to eat for that max crunch factor, but I always keep some crushed chips in a separate bowl for anyone wanting to amp up their portion.
Make It Your Own
This easy-going dish can be changed up however you want. Toss in some chopped jalapeños for some heat, throw in black beans for extra protein, or mix in diced tomatoes for freshness. My kid loves putting chopped avocado in her bowl, which adds a smooth richness that works really well with the crunchy chips.
Save Pin
Storage Tips
The main mixture stays good in the fridge for up to three days if you keep it in a sealed container. Never mix in the Fritos until you're ready to eat, as they'll turn mushy fast once they meet the mayo mix. Your best bet is to dish out only what you'll eat right away and add fresh Fritos to each serving.
Seasonal Variations
When corn is at its peak, swap out the canned stuff for four cups of kernels cut fresh from the cob. I like to drop them in boiling water for two minutes then dunk them in ice water for the best bite. In the cold months, thawed and drained frozen corn works just as well.
Common Questions
- → Can I make the salad in advance?
You bet! You can get everything ready ahead of time. Just mix and chill your ingredients but wait to add those Fritos until you're ready to eat so they don't get soft and mushy.
- → What peppers work best with this dish?
Red and green peppers give you the nicest mix of colors and taste. But feel free to try yellow or orange ones too if you want a sweeter touch.
- → Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
Sure thing! Try some plain Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayo if you want different flavors or fewer calories in your dish.
- → How do I control the spice level?
Toss in some Chili Cheese Fritos if you want more heat. If you like things milder, just stick with regular Fritos or cut back on any spicy stuff in there.
- → How should I serve Frito corn salad?
Keep it cold and serve it alongside your BBQ or grilled meats. Or turn it into a tasty dip with Fritos Scoops when you need something for snacking or starting the meal.