Frito Corn Salad Recipe

This Frito corn salad is a celebration in a bowl! It’s hard to stop eating it once you start, just like a bag of Fritos!

Packed with sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy dressing, this dish gets an unexpected pop of texture from Fritos. Every bite is a delightful surprise.

When you want a dish full of fresh veggies and a lot of crunch for dinner, look no further. It’s also perfect for any occasion, from tailgates to backyard BBQs or holiday parties. 

Once your guests try it, they’ll beg you for the recipe!

Grab a bag of Fritos, and let’s make this easy Frito corn salad.

Frito Corn Salad 

If you’ve never heard of Frito corn salad, let me formally introduce you. 

It combines crunchy Fritos with colorful corn, peppers, and onions in a creamy mayo dressing. And did I mention it has cheese?

The best part is you can throw together this salad before the burgers finish on the grill. 

It’s easy, delicious, and a must-have at your next gathering.

Ingredients 

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this top-notch salad.

Chili cheese flavor Frito corn chips – Chili Cheese Fritos deliver the perfect amount of smoky, Mexican-inspired flavors. If you can’t find them, you can use regular Fritos with a packet of taco seasoning. 

Yellow kernel sweet corn – Sweet corn compliments the flavors in this dish so well. And you don’t have to get fancy. Canned or frozen yellow corn works in this recipe. 

Bell peppers – Red and green bell peppers add a crunchy, earthy bite to this salad. While the recipe calls for red and green, you can also use yellow and orange peppers. 

Purple onion – Purple onions add color and a delicate sweetness. They’re the perfect accent with Chili Cheese Fritos!

Mayonnaise – Mayo adds a creamy texture that binds all the ingredients together. You can use whatever you like, including reduced-fat or vegan mayo. 

Shredded cheddar cheese – Everything is better with cheese! While the recipe calls for shredded cheddar, you can use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for extra spice. 

How to Make Frito Corn Salad 

 It doesn’t get much easier than this Frito corn salad! Follow these three simple steps. 

1. Prepare the veggies. Drain the corn, and chop the pepper and onions into small pieces. 

2. Mix the salad. Add the veggies, cheese, and mayo to a large mixing bowl and stir until combined. 

3. Add the Fritos. Right before serving, gently stir in the Fritos. Always add Fritos right before serving, or they’ll become soggy. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Corn Salad 

Here are some quick tips to ensure this salad is the talk of your next party. 

• Don’t forget to drain. Whether fresh, canned, or frozen, always drain the corn well. If you don’t, the added moisture will make your Fritos soggy. Nothing ruins a party quite like soggy Fritos!
  
• Have a Fritos grand finale. To ensure your Fritos stay crispy and crunchy, always add them to the salad before serving. 
  
• Go for uniform veggie magic. When chopping veggies, keep all the pieces about the same size as a kernel of corn. Keeping the veggies small ensures every bite delivers an explosion of flavor. 

Variations 

Here are a few easy ways to improve your Frito corn salad!

Frito Flexibility. If you can’t find (or don’t like) chili cheese Fritos, regular works, too! For added flavor, add a packet of taco seasoning to your salad. 

Ride the heat wave. For a kick of spice, try adding chopped jalapeños. Or, if you’re feeling brave, habanero peppers!

Bulk it up. You can also transform this salad into a more filling option with a simple can of black beans. 

What to Serve with Corn Salad 

The bright flavors of Frito corn salad go great with classic BBQ or tailgate foods like burgers, hot dogs, and pulled pork. 

You can serve this salad as a tasty dip, too! Grab a bag of Frito scoops, and go Frito-overboard. 

There’s no such thing as too many Fritos. 

Make Ahead and Storage Tips 

You can make this salad beforehand if you follow a few rules. 

To Make Ahead: Combine everything except for the Fritos. Store it in an air-tight container in the fridge to stay fresh for a few days. 

When you’re ready to serve, let the veggies warm on the counter for a few minutes, and then add the Fritos. 

To Store: You can store leftovers in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, but the Fritos won’t be as crunchy. The salad will still taste amazing, though!

More Corn Sides You’ll Love

Ina Garten Corn Salad
Honey Butter Skillet Corn
3-Ingredient Ranch Cornbread
Mexican Street Corn Salad