Name: Fritos Chili Cheese Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz corn (fresh or thawed if frozen); 16 oz red bell peppers, diced; 1/2 purple onion, diced; 1 lb cheddar cheese, grated on the larger side; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 9 oz chili flavored Fritos, broken into preferred sizes

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Introduction

This Fritos Chili Cheese Salad is a fun and flavorful dish that combines crunchy, cheesy, and fresh ingredients into one satisfying bowl. Perfect for casual gatherings or a quick snack, it’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

A white oval serving dish on a white marbled surface holds five long, narrow layers arranged side by side. From left to right, the first layer is finely chopped purple onions, followed by bright red chopped bell peppers. The middle layer contains crushed orange flavored corn chips. Next is a layer of yellow corn kernels, and the last layer is shredded light orange cheddar cheese. All layers are topped with thin lines of white mayonnaise drizzled evenly from one end of the dish to the other. A large spoon rests across the top of the dish, slightly digging into the chopped red peppers and crushed chips. 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 the ingredients by dicing 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, keeping them the size you prefer for texture.
Step 2: If you’re serving the salad later, keep all ingredients separate without mixing. Add the mayonnaise right before serving to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.
Step 3: When ready to serve, toss all the ingredients together thoroughly with the mayonnaise and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mix of sour cream and lime juice.
Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for some extra heat.
Mix in black beans or cooked ground beef to make the salad more filling.
Serve over fresh lettuce for added crunch and freshness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the Fritos get soggy quickly, it’s best to store the salad components separately and add the Fritos and mayonnaise just before serving. Reheating is not recommended for this salad.

How to Serve

A large white bowl filled with a colorful layered salad featuring chopped red bell pepper pieces, yellow corn kernels, diced purple onion, shredded cheese, and crispy corn chips mixed throughout. The salad has a creamy texture binding the ingredients, with small green parsley leaves sprinkled on top for garnish. A black spoon with a curled handle rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is placed on a dark wooden surface next to a halved red bell pepper and scattered fresh parsley leaves and corn chips. A white cloth is draped casually to the right, and the background is a white marbled texture. 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 the ingredients ahead, but it’s best to keep them separate and add mayonnaise and Fritos just before serving to maintain crispness.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar works well, you can try other firm cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a different flavor.