Save Pin
This crunchy Frito Corn mix has been my go-to summer gathering dish for ages. It hits just right with its fresh components and addictive crunch, making folks come back for seconds at cookouts and sports viewing parties.
I threw this together for a block party when time was tight, and now everyone asks me to bring it. The sweet corn mixed with crunchy Fritos brings back memories of summer fairs and outdoor festivals.
What You'll Need
- Kernel corn: Gives that natural sweetness and little pops in every mouthful
- Cheddar cheese: Brings a rich smoothness and depth; grab sharp cheddar for extra punch
- Mayonnaise: Works as the creamy glue that holds everything together
- Green pepper: Adds that garden-fresh snap and light veggie taste
- Red onion: Gives pretty color contrast and mild tang; pick ones that feel solid with no soft areas
- Fritos corn chips: Deliver that must-have crunch and salty kick
- Fritos Scoops for serving: Let people scoop it up like a dip if they want
How To Make It
- Mix Everything Together:
- Toss corn, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, green pepper, and red onion in a big bowl until well mixed. Make sure the mayo coats everything fully for a nice, even mix.
- Let It Rest:
- Pop it in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This helps all the flavors get friendly with each other. The longer it sits, the tastier it gets.
- Toss In Fritos At The End:
- Smash up the Fritos however you like them. Some folks want bigger pieces, others prefer them smashed small. Fold them into your chilled mix bit by bit until you get the crunch level you want.
- Get It On The Table:
- Put it in a nice bowl and set out extra Fritos Scoops for anyone who wants to use it as a dip. A big spoon works great for people who'd rather eat it as a side.
Save Pin
Getting the Fritos just right makes all the difference. My bunch likes them added just before eating so they stay super crunchy, but I always keep some crushed chips on the side for anyone wanting extra crunch in their helping.
Custom Touches
Feel free to play around with this easy dish. Throw in some chopped jalapeños for kick, black beans for extra filling power, or diced tomatoes for freshness. My kid loves to mix in chopped avocado, which brings a smooth richness that works so well against those crunchy chips.
Save Pin
Keeping It Fresh
The main mixture stays good in the fridge for up to three days if you keep it in a sealed container. Never mix in the Fritos until you're ready to eat, as they get soft fast once they touch the mayo mix. For best results, only dish out what you'll eat right away and add fresh Fritos each time.
Time Of Year Changes
When corn is at its peak, swap out the canned stuff for four cups of kernels cut fresh from the cob. I like to drop them in boiling water for two minutes then dunk in ice water for just the right bite. In cold months, thawed frozen corn works great if you drain it well.
Common Questions
- → Can I make the salad in advance?
For sure! You can get everything ready ahead of time. Just mix all your ingredients and keep them cold, but wait to add those Fritos until you're about to serve it so they stay nice and crunchy.
- → What peppers work best with this dish?
Red and green peppers give you the best mix of color and taste. You might also try orange or yellow ones if you want something a bit sweeter in your mix.
- → Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
Absolutely! Try some Greek yogurt or a dollop of sour cream instead of mayo if you want to change the flavor or cut down on the calories.
- → How do I control the spice level?
If you want more heat, go with Chili Cheese Fritos. For a milder taste, stick with regular Fritos or just use less of the spicy stuff in your mix.
- → How should I serve Frito corn salad?
Keep it cold and serve it alongside your barbecue or grilled meats. It's also great as a dip—just put out some Fritos Scoops and let everyone grab what they want for a snack.