This Frito Corn Salad is a fun and crunchy dish that combines sweet corn with savory Fritos and a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for barbecues and potlucks!
I love how easy this salad is to whip up. Just mix everything together and watch it disappear. Plus, the crunchy Fritos make it super addictive—good luck stopping at just one serving!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fritos Corn Chips: The star of the salad! Their crunchiness adds a fun texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using baked tortilla chips or even corn tortilla strips.
Corn Kernels: Fresh corn is sweet and delicious, but frozen corn works just as well when fresh isn’t available. You could even use canned corn; just be sure to rinse it well to remove excess salt.
Jalapeño: This adds a nice kick. If you want it spicier, keep some seeds in! For a milder alternative, use a green bell pepper or omit it altogether.
Red Onion: For a sweeter flavor, try using green onions or scallions instead. They’re milder and give a nice fresh taste.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: I prefer this classic combo for creaminess, but Greek yogurt is a great healthy substitute. This gives a tangy flavor while reducing calories.
How Can I Ensure My Dressing is Smooth and Creamy?
Getting the dressing just right is key to a delightful salad. Here’s how to make it smooth and creamy:
- Start with room temperature mayo and sour cream. Cold ingredients can cause clumping.
- Whisk them together in a smaller bowl before adding spices, so everything blends evenly.
- For extra creaminess, add a bit of milk or lime juice to adjust the consistency if it feels too thick.
Remember, taste as you mix! Adjust seasonings gradually for the best flavor. Enjoy your delicious Frito Corn Salad!
Easy Frito Corn Salad Recipe with Creamy Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large bag (about 9-10 oz) Fritos corn chips
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (if frozen, thawed)
- 1 large jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion or shallot
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional: Juice of 1 lime
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Frito Corn Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You can serve it right away, but if you prefer to let the flavors meld, it can chill in the fridge for up to an hour. Just remember, the longer it sits, the softer the Fritos will become!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Corn Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh (or thawed) corn kernels, diced jalapeño, and diced red onion. Stir gently to mix everything evenly.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine the Mixtures:
Pour the creamy dressing over the corn mixture and stir gently to coat all the corn evenly with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the corn!
4. Add the Fritos:
Just before you are ready to serve, fold in the Fritos gently. Make sure to keep them whole for that perfect crunch, but you can break up some of the chips if you like smaller pieces throughout the salad.
5. Final Touches:
If you’re using them, stir in the chopped cilantro and squeeze a bit of lime juice to add a pop of freshness! Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
6. Ready to Serve!
Serve your Frito Corn Salad immediately to enjoy the wonderful crunch of the chips. If you need to, you can refrigerate it for up to an hour—just remember the Fritos will get softer over time. Enjoy this delightful side dish!
This creamy and crunchy salad is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or BBQs! Enjoy!
FAQ About Easy Frito Corn Salad
Can I Use Canned Corn Instead of Fresh or Frozen?
Absolutely! If using canned corn, just be sure to drain and rinse it well to remove excess salt and starch. Canned corn will be softer than fresh or frozen, but it will still work great in this salad!
How Can I Make This Salad Spicier?
If you want to add more heat, consider leaving some seeds in the jalapeño or even adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing. You can also serve the salad with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer extra spice.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the corn mixture and the dressing separately and combine them just before serving to maintain the crunch of the Fritos. If mixed too far in advance, the Fritos will soften, so add them right before serving!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind the Fritos will continue to soften, so if you want to preserve their crunch, you might want to separate them and add them fresh before eating.
