Can I make this salad in advance for a party?

Absolutely! Prepare the salad and dressing the night before, keep them separate (without Fritos), and combine just before serving. Your Fritos will stay perfectly crispy and fresh.

What can I use instead of Fritos?

If you can’t find Fritos or want a flavor change, use any corn chips, tortilla chips, or even kettle-cooked potato chips for maximum crunch. Just stick to sturdy chips—they hold up best against the creamy dressing.

How can I make this salad spicier?

For more heat, add chopped pickled jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or use a “Hot” variety of Rotel. You can also drizzle in a little hot sauce for a fiery boost.

Is there a way to make this healthier?

Sure! Swap full-fat sour cream for Greek yogurt, use reduced-fat cheese, or add extra veggies like diced cucumber, tomatoes, or spinach. You can also portion the Fritos for lighter crunch.

Frito Corn Salad Recipe - LittleSpoonBites

Description

This Frito Corn Salad is a vibrant, creamy salad packed with sweet corn, black beans, Rotel, bell peppers, cheddar cheese, and crunchy Frito corn chips, all tossed together in a luscious, spiced sour cream-based dressing! It’s quick to make, perfect for potlucks and gatherings, and delivers an irresistible combination of flavors and textures.

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 corn chips

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 the sour cream, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cumin. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
Mix Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained corn, black beans, Rotel, diced bell pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently toss the ingredients to combine.
Add Dressing: Pour the homemade dressing over the corn salad mixture. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
Add Fritos and Serve: Just before serving, add the Frito corn chips. Carefully fold them into the salad to maintain their crunch and avoid breaking. Serve immediately for optimal texture.

Notes

Best Fresh: For the crunchiest texture, add the Fritos right before serving. If left mixed in for too long, the chips will become soggy.
Storage: Store the salad and dressing (without Fritos) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add Fritos only when ready to serve.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the salad and dressing ahead of time. Either combine them just before serving, or even mix the salad and dressing in advance and fold in Fritos at the last minute.
Serving Suggestions: Great as a potluck side, party snack, or a quick lunch!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 228 kcal
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 397mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0.001g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg