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My Backyard BBQ Staple
- A Crunchy Bite of Summer
A few summers ago, during a July BBQ, my cousin Emily showed up with a bowl of what looked like chaos—corn, red peppers, cheese, and Fritos all tossed together in creamy dressing. We all took a bite. Silence fell. Then the “mmm’s” started. That was my first taste of Frito Corn Salad. Since then, it’s made its way into almost every summer gathering I host. It’s not fancy, but it’s perfectly irresistible.
- Why Frito Corn Salad Works
This easy recipe hits all the right notes: sweet corn, crunchy Fritos, creamy sour cream dressing, and a salty-savory balance. It’s a no-cook side dish that wins over kids and adults alike. Whether you’re heading to a summer potluck, hosting a backyard cookout, or just craving something satisfying, this corn salad delivers on flavor and texture.
Frito Corn Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Frito Corn Salad is the ultimate creamy and crunchy side dish, made with corn, cheese, peppers, and salty Fritos. A perfect addition to your next summer potluck or BBQ!
Ingredients
3 cups corn (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 green onions, chopped
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 cups crushed Fritos (plus extra for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine corn, bell pepper, green onions, and shredded cheese.
2. In a small bowl, mix together sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the corn mixture and gently stir until evenly coated.
4. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
5. Right before serving, fold in the crushed Fritos.
6. Top with additional Fritos for extra crunch and serve immediately.
Notes
Add jalapeños or hot sauce for heat.
Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Don’t mix Fritos until right before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Frito Corn Salad, creamy side dish, corn salad
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Building Blocks of the Best Frito Corn Salad
- Simple Pantry Ingredients
You’ll need whole kernel corn (fresh, canned, or frozen), red bell pepper, green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and a bag of original Fritos. These staples combine to create something that tastes far greater than the sum of its parts.
- Smart Swaps to Try
No sour cream? Greek yogurt works great. Add jalapeños for heat, or swap cheddar with pepper jack for an extra kick. Fresh corn cut off the cob gives unbeatable sweetness, but canned corn is super convenient. You can even lighten up the mayo with avocado or use a plant-based alternative.
How to Make It & Serve It
From Bowl to Table
- Step-by-Step Instructions
In a large bowl, combine drained corn, diced peppers, green onions, and cheese. Mix together mayo and sour cream for the dressing and fold it into the corn mixture. Right before serving, add crushed Fritos—this keeps them from getting soggy. Chill if you can, but it’s delicious either way.
- Serving Ideas & Occasions
Serve it as a side dish at BBQs, taco nights, or casual potlucks. It’s also great as a dip with extra Fritos on the side or spooned over grilled chicken. For individual servings, try layering in mason jars for picnic-friendly portions.
FAQs About Frito Corn Salad
Q1: Can I make Frito Corn Salad ahead of time?
Yes, but hold off on adding the Fritos until just before serving so they stay crunchy.
Q2: How long does it last in the fridge?
Without the Fritos, the base can last 2–3 days in an airtight container.
Q3: Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegan mayo and sour cream, and double-check your Fritos for ingredients.
Q4: What protein pairs well with this?
Grilled chicken, pulled pork, or even taco beef are all amazing partners.
Q5: Can I make it spicier?
Yes! Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or swap in spicy Fritos if available.