Easy Frito Corn Salad With Cheese

Frito corn salad is a great recipe to have in your pocket for those last-minute side dish moments any time of year, but we particularly like it in warm weather. It’s been a Midwest staple side dish at family cookouts and summer gatherings for years. Quick to make, full of flavor, and loved by everyone, this simple yet delicious potluck salad combines sweet corn, bell peppers, and cheddar cheese with a creamy dressing, making it a delightful addition to any summer spread. Whether you’re serving it with burgers, hot dogs, or BBQ chicken, this side dish is sure to impress! For more great (if slightly less traditional) salad recipes that are a little different than the norm, be sure to check out my Dorito Taco Salad, Curried Chicken Salad, and this Peach Panzanella Salad!

Why We Love This Recipe

The vibrant colors and fresh flavors make this easy salad a perfect summer side dish! It’s a great way to use canned corn and beans, making it a pantry-friendly option for those last-minute sides. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

For the Salad

Sweet Corn – Provides the base of the salad with its sweet and juicy kernels. I use canned sweetcorn for ease but you can use fresh corn if you have it or frozen corn that has been thawed and drained. Black Beans – Adds protein and a hearty texture. Kidney beans or pinto beans can be used instead if you prefer. Rotel Chopped Tomatoes – Adds a bit of heat, flavor, and substance to the salad. Regular diced tomatoes can be used for a milder option. Bell Pepper – Adds color and a slight crunch. I used a green bell pepper but you can use your favorite color. Cheese – Shredded cheddar cheese provides a creamy and tangy element. Colby Jack or Monterey Jack can also be used. Fritos – I use regular Fritos to add the essential crunch to this salad. Chili Cheese Fritos or plain tortilla chips can be substituted.

Dressing

Sour Cream – For the base of the creamy dressing. Greek yogurt or mayo can be substituted. Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps blend the dressing. Seasoning – Use a mixture of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cumin for a punch of flavor.

How to Make Fritos Corn Salad

Tips for Success

Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra lime juice can brighten the flavors if needed! To maintain the crunchy texture of the Fritos, add them just before serving. If making ahead, store the Fritos separately. Before serving leftovers, give the salad a good stir and add a bit more dressing if needed to refresh the flavors.

Substitutions and Variations

Colby Jack or Monterey Jack cheese would also work well with the flavors of this salad. Add some chili seasoning, spicy taco seasoning, hot sauce, or chopped jalapenos for an extra little kick! Use Greek yogurt or mayonnaise instead of sour cream if you prefer it, or use my Homemade Ranch Dressing for a different flavor.

More Delicious Salad Recipes

Texas Cowboy Caviar Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Classic Bacon Broccoli Salad Grilled Corn Salad BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad

For mains, try Cornell Chicken, Sriracha Mayo Marinated Lamb Chops, BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwiches, Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs or these Coney Island Hot Dogs. We’re also big fans of having a variety of sides to choose from. Try a side of French Fries or my Baked Sweet Potato Fries, with these Bacon Baked Beans, Crispy Onion Rings, and my Homemade Creamy Coleslaw! Some of my favorite summer desserts are my Red, White, and Blue Popsicles, Peach Ice Cream, Raspberry Lemonade Cupcakes, or this Summer Fruit Salad. For drinks, you need to try my Watermelon Lemonade, Homemade Hawaiian Punch, and my Copycat Orange Julius. Checkout my Father’s Day Barbecue Meal Plan for even more delicious BBQ menu ideas!