Chili Cheese Frito Corn Salad

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s bursting with flavor and crunch, look no further than Chili Cheese Frito Corn Salad!

This vibrant salad marries sweet and charred corn with creamy dressing and the irresistible crunch of Chili Cheese Fritos, creating a dish the whole family will enjoy. 

Move over potato salad, there is a new star to the potluck party. And this one has great flavor, great texture, and is so easy to make!

Let me introduce you to this frito corn salad.

Packed with veggies and flavors, this easy salad will be a great addition to your next event.

If you have a busy day, you can prepare this salad a day in advance, making it a perfect option for summer cookouts and the church potluck table.

The combination of sweet corn, creamy dressing, and the spicy kick from jalapeños creates a flavor explosion that’s truly irresistible.

Mixing crunchy Fritos and tender vegetables offers a texture contrast that keeps each bite of this corn and chili cheese frito salad interesting.

You can serve it with anything.

This Chili Cheese Fritos recipe can stand alone as a simple side dish or be used as a topping for tacos, burritos, or even enjoyed as a dip with chips and veggies.

It doesn’t have to be spicy! You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more jalapeños or opting for milder peppers, making it suitable for everyone’s taste buds

However you choose to serve it, this corn salad with chili cheese fritos  will be the highlight of your next barbecue, potluck, or weeknight dinner.

What Ingredients Are in Chili Cheese Frito Corn Salad?

• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness to the dressing.
• Sour Cream: Contributes a tangy flavor and smooth texture.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the frito chili cheese corn salad.
• Lime Zest: Provides a refreshing citrusy aroma and taste.
• Lime Juice: Brightens the dressing with its acidity.
• Whole Kernel Corn: Gives the fritos chili cheese salad sweetness and natural flavor.
• Fire Roasted Corn Kernels: Add a smoky flavor that deepens the taste profile.
• Red Onion: Adds a zesty sweetness to the salad.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Introduces a creamy, cheesy element.
• Green Bell Pepper: Offers a crunchy texture and mild sweetness. I like green for the color contrast, but use red bell peppers if you prefer a sweeter crunch.
• Fresh Jalapeños: Infuses heat and freshness to this corn chili cheese frito salad.
• Chili Cheese Fritos: crunchy corn chips bring a great crunch and delicious flavor.
• Optional Garnishes (green onions, red onion, sliced jalapeños, cilantro, whole Chili Cheese Fritos): great additions for freshness, color, and extra crunch.

Pro Tips:

• Use Fresh Corn: If in season, fresh corn can elevate the flavor even more than canned varieties.
• Use your Favorite Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for an extra spicy twist.
• Add protein: Add a (drained & rinsed) can of black beans for extra fiber and protein.

How to Make Chili Cheese Frito Corn Salad:

1. Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, zest, salt, and pepper to create a smooth dressing.
2. In a large bowl, combine the corn, cheddar cheese, green pepper, and jalapeños.
3. Add the dressing to the corn mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.
4. Just before serving, crush the Chili Cheese Fritos and fold crushed fritos into the salad.
5. Garnish with additional toppings like whole crunchy frito corn chips as desired.

Pro Tips:

• Timing is Key: For the best crunch, add the Fritos right before serving. No one likes soggy fritos, so store them separately if you are making this recipe in advance.
• Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the seasoning or add more lime juice for extra zing.

Is Chili Cheese Frito Corn Salad Healthy?

While this chili cheese corn salad recipe is packed with delicious ingredients, it’s important to remember that it includes mayonnaise and sour cream, which can be high in calories and fat.

However, it also uses vegetables and can be made lighter by using reduced-fat alternatives for the creamy ingredients.

While this may not be in my top 10 healthy recipes dish, you can enjoy it a little bit as a part of a balanced meal.

Do Fritos Get Soggy in This Chili Cheese Salad?

Yes, Fritos can get soggy if left in this frito corn salad for too long.

It’s best to add them just before serving to maintain their crunchy texture.

If you’re preparing the salad in advance, keep the Fritos separate and mix them in right before eating.

Can I Use Regular Fritos in This Salad?

Yes you can use regular fritos in this salad!

While Chili Cheese Fritos add a unique cheesy flavor, regular Fritos or other corn chips can also work well.

Feel free to use whichever type of corn chip you prefer or have on hand.

How Long Does Chili Cheese Frito Corn Salad Last?

Chili Cheese Frito Corn Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for about three days.

The Fritos will lose their crunch over time, so it’s recommended to store them separately and add them right before serving if you are planning to keep this in the fridge for a bit.

How to Store Chili Cheese Frito Corn Salad:

Store any leftover chili cheese frito corn salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Keep the Fritos separate to maintain their crispness for as long as possible.

Can You Freeze Chili Cheese Fritos Salad?

No, you should not freeze this Chili Cheese Frito Corn Salad.

The texture of the vegetables and creamy dressing can change when thawed.

Plus, the Fritos will become soggy and lose their crunch.

What to Serve with This Chili Cheese Frito Salad Recipe:

This chili cheese frito corn salad recipe pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, tacos, or burgers.

It also makes an excellent filling for burritos or as a dip for tortilla chips and fresh veggies.

For a complete meal, serve it alongside your favorite barbecue dishes or at your next potluck. 

Here are some of my favorite Main Dish recipes to serve with this dish:

• Chicken Salad with Pistachios
• Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad Recipe
• Chef Salad
• Avocado Chicken Salad
• Best Chicken Noodle Soup
• Chili Cheese Burrito
• Baked Lemon Herb Chicken

Here are some other potluck favorites to serve with it:

• Alfredo Potatoes
• Leftover Rice Balls
• Mustard Potato Salad
• Mustard Carrots Recipe
• Lipton Soup Mix Roasted Potatoes
• Homemade Cheese Puffs
• Original Grape Salad Recipe
• Popcorn Salad

Chili Cheese Frito Corn Salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, making it the perfect side dish for any occasion.

With it’s fast and easy prep and tasty flavors, it will quickly become your go-to recipe for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or even a quick weeknight side. Enjoy this crowd-pleaser at your next gathering!

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