Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh corn cut from the cob works beautifully in this recipe, especially during summer months. For best results, blanch the corn for 2 minutes in boiling water, then shock in ice water before cutting off the kernels. This process enhances the natural sweetness while maintaining a pleasant crunch.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for half or all of the mayonnaise to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess. Light mayonnaise also works well. Consider reducing the amount of cheese or using a reduced-fat variety if you're watching calories.

What can I use instead of Fritos if I can't find them?

While Fritos provide the classic flavor, other corn chips will work in a pinch. Tortilla chips (particularly the thicker restaurant-style ones) can be substituted, though they'll provide a different texture and flavor profile. For a completely different but still delicious twist, try using crushed Doritos or even kettle-cooked potato chips.

Can this be made in advance for a party?

Definitely! This salad is perfect for advance preparation. Make the base salad up to 24 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Store the Fritos separately and mix them in just before serving to maintain their crunch. This strategy makes it an ideal make-ahead dish for entertaining.

Frito Corn Salad Recipe

Description

This Frito Corn Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, packed with bold flavors, a cheesy crunch, and a refreshing tang of lime. A quick and easy side dish perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or any casual gathering, it combines sweet corn, sharp cheddar, bell peppers, and the irresistible crunch of Fritos for a flavor-packed delight. Serve it chilled to ensure every bite is refreshing and delicious.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Salad

30 ounces frozen yellow corn, thawed and drained (three 10-ounce bags)
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cup diced green bell pepper
3/4 cup diced red onion

Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

5 cups Fritos corn chips, roughly crushed and divided (4 1/2 cups mixed into salad, 1/2 cup for garnish)

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Instructions

Prep the Vegetables
To a large mixing bowl, add the thawed yellow corn, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, diced green bell pepper, and diced red onion. Mix until evenly distributed. Set the bowl aside.
Make the Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, taco seasoning, fresh lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
Combine Salad with Dressing
Add the prepared dressing to the large mixing bowl with the vegetables. Stir thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or until the salad is fully chilled.
Stir in Fritos
Once the salad has chilled, gently mix in 4 ½ cups of the roughly crushed Fritos corn chips. Be careful not to crush the Fritos too much. Reserve ½ cup of corn chips for garnish.
Garnish and Serve
Top the salad with the remaining ½ cup of corn chips just before serving for a decorative and crunchy finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Notes

Thaw Corn Quickly: To speed up the process, place frozen corn in a colander and rinse it under cold water until thawed. Make sure to shake off any excess water for a crisp salad.
Avoid Soggy Chips: Stir Fritos into the salad right before serving to keep them crunchy. Alternatively, keep some chips separate for additional crunch while eating.
Dice Evenly: Chop the bell pepper and red onion into small, uniform pieces for consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
Enhance Lime Flavor: Use fresh lime juice, not bottled, for a tangy and vibrant flavor. Rolling the lime under your palm before cutting will help you extract more juice.
Let the Flavors Develop: Allow the salad to chill for at least an hour so the flavors can meld together. Add extra salt or spice after chilling if needed for personal preference.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 360
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 430mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg