Introduction

Fritos Chili Cheese Salad is a quick and flavorful dish that combines the crunch of Fritos with the fresh taste of vegetables and creamy cheese. Perfect as a snack or side, this salad is easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

A white bowl filled with a colorful salad made of multiple layers, starting with a base of small yellow corn kernels mixed with finely chopped red bell peppers and red onions. There are crunchy orange chips scattered throughout the salad, adding texture. The salad is lightly coated with a creamy dressing, giving it a slightly shiny look. Fresh green parsley leaves are placed on top as garnish, with some leaves spread throughout. A black spoon is positioned inside the bowl on the right side, resting in the salad. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 ingredients by dicing the red bell peppers and purple onion into small pieces. Grate the cheddar cheese using the larger side of a grater. Break up the chili Fritos into bite-sized pieces, adjusting the size to your preference.
Step 2: If you plan to serve the salad later, arrange the prepared ingredients separately without mixing, and add the mayonnaise just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.
Step 3: When ready to serve, toss all the ingredients together with the mayonnaise until evenly combined and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a tangier flavor, substitute mayonnaise with a mixture of sour cream and a splash of lime juice.
Try adding chopped jalapeños for some extra heat.
Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder taste or mild cheddar for a creamier texture.

Storage

Store the salad ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Once mixed with mayonnaise, consume immediately or within a few hours to maintain the Fritos’ crunch. Leftover salad with mayonnaise may become soggy when stored.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a colorful salad made of three main layers: small yellow corn kernels evenly mixed throughout, finely chopped red bell pepper pieces adding bright red hues, and thin shreds of pale orange carrot layered throughout. There are small bits of light purple onion scattered across the top, along with crunchy-looking golden brown corn chip pieces mixed in. Fresh green parsley leaves are sprinkled as garnish on top. A metal spoon with a dark handle rests inside the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth draped to the right side, and some red bell pepper halves and parsley sprigs nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and store the salad ingredients separately. Add mayonnaise and toss everything together just before serving to keep it fresh and crunchy.

Can I use regular Fritos instead of chili-flavored?

Absolutely! Regular Fritos will work well and add a slightly different but equally delicious flavor to the salad.

Fritos Chili Cheese Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 95 reviews

A crunchy and flavorful Fritos Chili Cheese Salad combining sweet corn, crisp bell peppers, sharp cheddar cheese, and tangy mayonnaise with the bold crunch of chili-flavored Fritos, perfect for a quick side dish or party snack.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

16 oz corn (fresh or canned, drained if canned)
16 oz red bell peppers, diced
1/2 purple onion, diced

Dairy

1 lb cheddar cheese, grated on the larger side of the grater

Snacks

9 oz chili-flavored Fritos, broken into bite-sized pieces

Condiments

1/2 cup mayonnaise

Instructions

Prepare Vegetables: Dice the red bell peppers and purple onion into small pieces to balance crunchy texture with easy bite-size pieces.
Grate Cheese: Grate the cheddar cheese using the larger side of the grater for a hearty texture that complements the crisp vegetables.
Break Fritos: Break the chili-flavored Fritos into pieces according to your preferred size to maintain their crunch in the salad.
Optional Pre-Assembly: If serving later, lay out the prepared ingredients separately without tossing. Add mayonnaise only right before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
Toss and Serve: Just before serving, combine all ingredients with the mayonnaise, toss lightly to coat, and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use fresh corn for best sweetness; canned corn works well if drained.
Add mayonnaise only just before serving to keep the Fritos crunchy.
Feel free to adjust the amount of Fritos for a milder or stronger chili flavor.
Store leftover salad without mayonnaise in the fridge and add it fresh when serving.

Keywords: Fritos chili cheese salad, crunchy salad, party salad, no-cook salad, summer side dish