Frito Corn Salad

Frito corn salad is a quick and easy side dish featuring sweet corn, crunchy Fritos, and creamy mayonnaise. Perfect for gatherings, it combines fresh ingredients and bold flavors in just minutes.

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Prep Time10

Total Time1 10

Servings

Table of Contents

Frito Corn Salad Ingredients
Corn Chip Salad Substitutions and Additions
How To Make This Frito Corn Salad Recipe
Troubleshooting Tips For This Fritos Salad
How To Serve Corn Salad With Fritos
How To Store Frito Salad With Corn
Why This Frito Corn Salad Is The Best
Frito Corn Salad Frequently Asked Questions
More Fresh Salads You’ll Love
JUMP TO RECIPE
Even More Recipes You’ll Love

This Frito Corn Salad brings together the best of textures and flavors—sweet corn, sharp cheddar, and crunchy Fritos. The combination of creamy dressing and crispy chips makes this salad stand out on any table. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll create a dish that’s not only easy to make but also a crowd favorite for any occasion.

Our recipe is designed to be as simple and reliable as possible, ensuring that you get consistent results every time. The balance of ingredients, from the tangy lime juice to the savory taco seasoning, has been perfected to provide maximum flavor with minimal effort.

We selected sharp cheddar cheese because it complements the sweetness of the corn and adds a satisfying depth to the salad. The Fritos are not just for crunch—they’re essential for adding a unique texture that sets this dish apart.

When you follow our recipe, you can trust that every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a salad that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. Let’s jump into making this tasty Frito casserole, perfect for summer cookouts and casual dinner parties.

Frito Corn Salad Ingredients

Frito Corn Salad raw ingredients that are labeled

You’ll love how easy and delicious this Fritos corn salad is to make. With its fresh ingredients and perfect crunch, it’s bound to become a favorite at your table. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special.

You’ll need:

3 bags frozen yellow corn, thawed and drained
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¾ cup diced green bell pepper
¾ cup diced red onion
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
5 cups Fritos corn chips, roughly crushed, divided

Corn Chip Salad Substitutions and Additions

Customizing your Frito corn salad to suit your taste or dietary needs is easy. Here are some suggestions for substitutions and additions that can add variety and keep things interesting:

Yellow Corn: If you prefer, you can use canned yellow corn instead of frozen. You’ll need 2 drained cans of corn. This can be a quick alternative if you don’t have frozen corn on hand.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Substitute with medium or mild cheddar or even Colby-jack cheese for a different flavor. Each type of cheese will bring a unique taste to the salad.

Green Bell Pepper: Yellow, orange, or red bell pepper can be used instead. They add a slightly sweeter flavor and a pop of color.

Purple Onion: Swap with white or yellow onions for a milder taste. If you like a bit more spice, try adding a small amount of finely diced jalapeño pepper.

Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative, providing a tangy flavor. Keep in mind this will change the creaminess and taste slightly.

Taco Seasoning: Homemade taco seasoning can be used if you prefer to control the ingredients.

Fritos Corn Chips: For a different flavor, try using chili cheese Fritos. This will add a bit of extra spice to your salad.

How To Make This Frito Corn Salad Recipe

Making this Frito corn salad is easy, and it’s perfect for a busy day or a last-minute gathering. Follow our detailed steps to ensure your salad turns out perfectly every time.

PRO TIP: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure the frozen yellow corn is thawed and well-drained. Dice the green peppers and red onion, and shred the sharp cheddar cheese if you haven’t already.

STEP ONE: To a large bowl, add the thawed and drained yellow corn kernels, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, diced green bell pepper, and diced red onion. Set this bowl aside for now.

thawed and drained yellow corn kernels, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, diced green bell pepper, and diced red onion combined in a bowl

PRO TIP: For the best texture, shred your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains additives to prevent clumping.

STEP TWO: In a small mixing bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, taco seasoning, fresh lime juice, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

mayonnaise, taco seasoning, fresh lime juice, salt, and black pepper combined in a bowl

PRO TIP: Use a small whisk to make the dressing as smooth and as combined as possible.

STEP THREE: Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the bowl of vegetables and cheese. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing. This ensures every bite is flavorful.

mayonnaise mixture poured over the bowl of vegetables and cheese

STEP FOUR: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the salad.

STEP FIVE: Once the salad is well-chilled, take it out of the refrigerator. Gently stir in 4 ½ cups of roughly crushed Fritos corn chips, being careful not to break them up too much. This step adds a delightful crunch to the salad.

roughly crushed Fritos corn chips stirred into the bowl of corn mixture

STEP SIX: Top the salad with the remaining ½ cup of crushed Fritos corn chips just before serving. This garnish adds an extra layer of texture and ensures some chips stay crunchy.

Troubleshooting Tips For This Fritos Salad

Here are additional tips to help bring this salad together even more easily:

Thaw Corn Quickly: If you need to thaw the corn quickly, place the frozen corn in a colander and run cold water over it until it’s thawed. Shake off excess water to ensure it’s well-drained.
Avoid Soggy Chips: To keep the Fritos from getting soggy, stir them in just before serving. You can also keep a portion of the Fritos separate to add more crunch as needed.
Knife Skills: Dice the bell pepper and red onion into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution and a better overall texture. This salad is best when all the mix ins are about the same size.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice makes a big difference in flavor compared to bottled. Roll the lime on the counter under your palm before cutting to extract more juice.
For the Best Flavor: If you taste this recipe as soon as you make it, you might find it tastes a bit bland. However, it’s critical to let the salad chill for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Then, after this time, add more salt or seasoning if you wish.

How To Serve Corn Salad With Fritos

This corn salad with corn chips is not only versatile but also perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a casual family meal or bringing a dish to a potluck, this easy salad is sure to impress. Here are some creative ways to serve and enjoy this delightful dish.

Classic Serving: Serve the Frito corn salad in a large, colorful bowl. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a few extra Fritos for a vibrant and appealing presentation.

Side Dish: This delicious corn salad is perfect for backyard barbecues since it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like BBQ chicken, beef, or fish, and other side dishes like potato salad and macaroni salad. The creamy, crunchy salad complements the smoky flavors of grilled dishes an fresh salads perfectly.

Taco Filling: Use the Frito corn salad as a filling for tacos. Add some shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream for a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos.

Tex-Mex Party Dip: Serve the salad as Frito corn dip with a side of tortilla chips. This makes a fantastic appetizer for Cinco de Mayo parties and gatherings alongside Tex-Mex favorites like quesadillas, fiesta chicken, and nachos.

Burrito Bowl: Create a burrito bowl by layering the Frito corn salad with rice, black beans, guacamole, and your choice of protein such as grilled chicken or beef.

Frito corn salad is a versatile dish that fits perfectly into various occasions, making it a great choice for any event. Its unique combination of flavors and textures makes it an ideal addition to casual meals and more festive gatherings alike.

Make this easy Frito corn salad recipe for your next family barbecue or potluck dinner. It’s also a hit on game days and at Super Bowl parties! The leftovers are delicious, so save whatever you don’t eat for lunch tomorrow.

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How To Store Frito Salad With Corn

Properly storing your Frito corn salad is essential to maintain its freshness and crunch. Here are some tips to make sure your salad stays delicious and ready to enjoy.

MAKE AHEAD: You can make the Frito corn salad ahead of time by preparing the vegetable and dressing mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store the prepared salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To avoid soggy Fritos, add them just before serving.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftover Frito corn salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. You can add a few fresh crushed Fritos just before serving for crunch.

IN THE FREEZER: We don’t recommend freezing your corn and Frito salad. Frito corn salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the mayonnaise-based dressing and the Fritos corn chips.

Why This Frito Corn Salad Is The Best

Frito corn salad is a hit for so many reasons, blending convenience, flavor, and fun into one delightful dish.

Here’s why we know this will be one of your new favorite recipes:

Quick to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, this salad comes together in no time – no cooking required!
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for warm weather gatherings, it’s always a favorite at potlucks and parties.
Crunchy and Creamy: The combination of textures makes every bite interesting.
Colorful Presentation: Bright, fresh ingredients make it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.

Frito Corn Salad Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen corn for this Frito corn salad?

Yes, you can use fresh corn. Simply cook it, let it cool, and cut the kernels off the cob before adding them to the salad.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise with a different option?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used for your Frito corn salad, but the flavor will be somewhat different.

How far in advance can I prepare Frito corn salad?

You can prepare the salad mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Add the Fritos corn chips just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Can I add other vegetables to this Fritos corn salad recipe?

Yes, there are lots of options for vegetable additions, like green onions, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, or jalapeños, or even a can of black beans for extra flavor and texture.

What can I do if my salad turns out too salty?

You can add more corn or vegetables to balance out the saltiness. Be cautious with the amount of taco seasoning and salt used.

What type of Fritos should I use for the best flavor?

Traditional Fritos are great, but you can also use chili cheese-flavored Fritos for an extra kick.

This Frito corn salad is an easy recipe that’s quick, flavorful, and versatile, perfect for your next potluck or backyard BBQ. Enjoy the delicious blend of creamy, crunchy, and fresh ingredients in every bite!

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Frito Corn Salad

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Frito corn salad is a quick and easy side dish featuring sweet corn, crunchy Fritos, and creamy mayonnaise. Perfect for gatherings, it combines fresh ingredients and bold flavors in just minutes.

Prep Time 10

Total Time 1 10

Servings

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Ingredients

30 ounces frozen yellow corn, thawed and drained (three 10-ounce bags)
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¾ cup diced green bell pepper
¾ cup diced red onion
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
5 cups Fritos corn chips, roughly crushed and divided (9 ¼ ounce bag) (4 ½ cups mixed into corn salad and ½ cup for garnish)

Instructions

To a large mixing bowl add the yellow corn, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, diced green bell pepper and diced red onion. Set aside.
To a small mixing bowl stir together the mayonnaise, taco seasoning, lime juice, salt and black pepper until smooth and fully combined.
Add the mayonnaise mixture to the large mixing bowl of vegetables. Stir to fully coat all the ingredients with the mayonnaise mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours or until chilled.
To the bowl of chilled corn mixture, gently stir in the 4 ½ cups Fritos corn chips, being careful not to break up the corn chips too much. Top with remaining ½ cup corn chips for garnish and serve.

Notes

Thaw Corn Quickly: If you need to thaw the corn quickly, place the frozen corn in a colander and run cold water over it until it’s thawed. Shake off excess water to ensure it’s well-drained.
Avoid Soggy Chips: To keep the Fritos from getting soggy, stir them in just before serving. You can also keep a portion of the Fritos separate to add more crunch as needed.
Knife Skills: Dice the bell pepper and red onion into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution and a better overall texture. This salad is best when all the mix ins are about the same size.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice makes a big difference in flavor compared to bottled. Roll the lime on the counter under your palm before cutting to extract more juice.
For the Best Flavor: If you taste this recipe as soon as you make it, you might find it tastes a bit bland. However, it’s critical to let the salad chill for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Then, after this time, add more salt or seasoning if you wish.

Nutrition

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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

Stephanie Keeping Publisher
Layne Kangas Marketing
Lenore Ortyl Editorial Director
Lexus Monroe Editorial Assistant

Frito Corn Salad

Frito Corn Salad Ingredients

Corn Chip Salad Substitutions and Additions

How To Make This Frito Corn Salad Recipe

Troubleshooting Tips For This Fritos Salad