Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! Prep the salad base and the dressing, combine them, and store tightly covered in the fridge. Just remember: always wait to add Fritos until right before serving to keep them crispy.

What can I use instead of Fritos?

If you’re out of Fritos, try tortilla chips, chili cheese corn chips, or even crunchy Doritos for a fun twist. Anything with a hearty crunch will work.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

Definitely! Use your favorite dairy-free cheese and swap out the sour cream for a plant-based version or even creamy avocado. You’ll still get loads of flavor and creamy texture.

How spicy is this salad?

The standard recipe is pretty mild, especially if you use original Rotel. For more heat, pick the “Hot” Rotel or add fresh jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy cheese.

Frito Corn Salad Recipe

Description

This Frito Corn Salad is a quick, flavorful, and irresistible dish perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a snack. Golden sweet corn, hearty black beans, colorful bell pepper, Rotel, and shredded cheddar are tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing, then topped with crunchy Fritos right before serving. Fast to assemble and crowd-pleasing with every bite.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Salad

2 (15-ounce) cans sweet corn, drained
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
1 (10-ounce) can Rotel, drained
1 bell pepper, diced (red, green, or yellow)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 (9.25-ounce) bag Fritos

Dressing

2/3 cup sour cream
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

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Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine sour cream, extra virgin olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cumin. Whisk the mixture until smooth and fully incorporated so the flavors blend together perfectly.
Mix the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the drained corn, black beans, Rotel, diced bell pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir to evenly distribute all veggies and cheese.
Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Gently stir until everything is thoroughly coated in the creamy seasoning.
Add the Fritos: Just before serving, add the Fritos to the salad. Carefully fold them in to keep them as intact as possible and ensure the salad retains its crunchy texture.

Notes

This salad is best served immediately after adding the Fritos to maintain their crispiness.
For make-ahead convenience, store the dressing and salad mixture separately and combine with Fritos just before serving.
If storing leftovers, keep Fritos separate to avoid sogginess.
Customize with additional toppings such as diced green onions, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8th of recipe
Calories: 360
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 20mg