Frito Corn Salad: The Crunchy, Creamy Classic You Need to Try

Frito Corn Salad is a beloved potluck staple that combines sweet corn, salty corn chips, and a creamy dressing into one unforgettable dish. It’s bold, colorful, and packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or whipping up a quick side dish, this easy salad is sure to impress.

It’s the kind of recipe that invites creativity while delivering comfort. The crunch of Fritos, the zest of lime, and the creaminess of mayo and sour cream all come together in a way that feels like summer in every bite. Plus, it’s fast to prep and even faster to disappear!

Before diving into the recipe, it’s worth knowing what makes this dish a crowd favorite. Aside from its irresistible taste, the use of ingredients like corn adds nutritional value. You can learn more about the nutritional facts about corn from the USDA to better appreciate this salad’s balance of indulgence and wholesomeness.

The magic of Frito Corn Salad lies in its creamy dressing. This isn’t just any mayo mix—it’s a carefully balanced blend that clings to every kernel of corn and chip crumb. To understand why mayo-based dressings work so well in cold salads, check out this detailed guide from Serious Eats.

What Is Frito Corn Salad?

Frito Corn Salad is a no-cook, creamy corn salad made with:

• Crunchy Fritos corn chips
• Sweet corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• Cheddar cheese
• Bell peppers
• Red onion
• Cilantro
• Mayonnaise and sour cream
• Optional: lime juice, jalapeños, taco seasoning

The flavor profile is sweet, tangy, spicy, and savory—a flavor bomb in every bite.

Why Everyone Loves It

• ✅ Quick and easy to make with minimal prep
• ✅ Uses pantry staples
• ✅ Ideal for potlucks, BBQs, and picnics
• ✅ Customizable based on taste or dietary needs
• ✅ Kids and adults both love it

Key Ingredients Breakdown

🌽 Corn

• Fresh, frozen, or canned all work well.
• If using fresh, microwave or grill the cobs and cut off the kernels.

🧀 Cheese

• Shredded sharp cheddar is most popular.
• Substitute with Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for variation.

🌶️ Peppers & Onion

• Red bell peppers add sweetness and crunch.
• Jalapeños give it a little kick.
• Red onion brings sharpness—can be soaked in cold water to reduce bite.

🥣 Dressing

• Mayonnaise + sour cream is the classic combo.
• Add taco seasoning, lime juice, salt, and pepper for extra zing.

🍽️ Fritos

• Use original or chili cheese Fritos for extra flavor.
• Crush them lightly before mixing.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Cook or prep the corn (if using fresh).
2. Chop onions, peppers, and cilantro.
3. Mix dressing ingredients in a bowl.
4. Combine everything except the Fritos.
5. Add Fritos just before serving to keep them crispy.
6. Garnish with extra Fritos and fresh herbs.

Tip: Don’t mix the chips in too early—they’ll get soggy and lose their signature crunch!

Nutritional Snapshot

A standard serving (¾ cup) has:

• Around 300–400 calories
• 10–15g fat (depending on the amount of dressing)
• 15–20g carbs
• 5–8g protein

Use low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Delicious Variations to Try

• Mexican Street Corn Style: Add cotija cheese, lime zest, and chili powder
• Bacon Ranch Twist: Replace taco seasoning with ranch powder and toss in crispy bacon
• Tex-Mex: Include black beans, diced avocado, or even rotisserie chicken
• Vegan: Use vegan mayo and dairy-free cheese

Expert Tips for the Best Salad

• Don’t add the Fritos until the last minute.
• Let the salad chill for 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
• Store in the fridge up to 2 days, but expect some sogginess after day one.

Need help keeping your salads crispy longer? Bon Appétit’s crunchy salad tips can make a big difference.

What to Serve It With

Frito Corn Salad pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled meats: BBQ ribs, steak, chicken thighs
• Sandwiches: Pulled pork, sloppy Joes
• Other sides: Potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans

Storage and Leftovers

• Best eaten fresh.
• Store in an airtight container up to 2 days.
• Refresh with a bit more mayo and a handful of new Fritos before serving leftovers.

FAQs About Frito Corn Salad

Can you make Frito corn salad ahead of time?
Yes, but mix in the Fritos just before serving to keep them crispy.

What can I use instead of Fritos?
Try tortilla strips, Doritos, or kettle chips as a crunchy alternative.

How do you keep corn salad from getting watery?
Drain canned corn thoroughly and avoid adding wet ingredients too early.

Is it gluten-free?
Yes, but check the Fritos and seasoning packets to ensure they’re gluten-free.

Can I use frozen corn?
Absolutely. Just thaw and pat dry before using.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free mayo and cheese alternatives.

This Frito Corn Salad recipe delivers on flavor, simplicity, and versatility. It’s a hit every time and only takes minutes to pull together. Add it to your go-to side dish list, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe!