Fritos Chili Cheese Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Fritos Chili Cheese Salad is a deliciously crunchy and creamy dish perfect for parties or a quick meal. Combining fresh vegetables, sharp cheddar, and savory Fritos, it offers a satisfying mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
- 16 oz corn
- 16 oz red bell peppers
- 1/2 purple onion
- 1 lb cheddar cheese
- 9 oz chili Fritos
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the ingredients for the salad. Dice the red bell peppers and purple onion into small pieces. Grate the cheddar cheese using the larger side of the grater. Break up the chili Fritos into pieces that suit your preference.
- Step 2: If you plan to serve later, keep the ingredients separate without mixing. Add the mayonnaise just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Step 3: Toss all the ingredients together thoroughly and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For extra zest, add a splash of lime juice or a pinch of chili powder to the mayonnaise before mixing.
- Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version.
- Add chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for additional freshness.
- Use plain Fritos or another corn chip if chili-flavored chips are not available.
Storage
Store the salad ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Once mixed with mayonnaise and Fritos, it is best consumed immediately as the chips will lose their crunch. Leftovers with mayonnaise may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours but may become soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad vegan?
You can make a vegan version by using vegan mayonnaise and skipping the cheddar cheese or substituting it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
How can I keep the Fritos crunchy longer?
Add the Fritos right before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy. Keeping them separate from the other moist ingredients until the last moment helps maintain their crunch.
PrintFritos Chili Cheese Salad Recipe
A crunchy, flavorful Fritos Chili Cheese Salad combining sweet corn, crunchy chili-flavored Fritos, sharp cheddar, and fresh vegetables tossed in creamy mayonnaise. Perfect as a quick side dish or snack with bold textures and a smoky kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 16 oz corn (fresh or canned, drained)
- 16 oz red bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 purple onion, diced
- 1 lb cheddar cheese, grated
- 9 oz chili-flavored Fritos, broken into bite-size pieces
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Dice the red bell peppers and purple onion into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution in the salad.
- Grate Cheese and Break Fritos: Grate the cheddar cheese using the larger side of the grater for chunkier texture. Break up the chili-flavored Fritos into pieces that suit your preference for crunch.
- Storage Before Serving: If not serving immediately, arrange all the prepared ingredients separately without mixing to keep textures intact. Avoid adding mayonnaise until just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Combine and Toss: Add mayonnaise to the prepared ingredients, then gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Serve immediately to enjoy the best crunch and fresh flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh corn for a sweeter, fresher taste; canned corn works well if drained thoroughly.
- Adjust the amount of chili Fritos based on your desired level of spiciness and crunch.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a light dressing.
- Serve immediately after mixing to maintain crispness of the Fritos.
Keywords: Fritos salad, chili cheese salad, crunchy salad, no-cook salad, quick side dish
