Frito Corn Salad Recipe

This Frito corn salad recipe is creamy, crunchy, and easy to prepare in just five minutes. It’s the perfect make-ahead side for barbecues, potlucks, & guests.

One of my favorite kinds of recipes are favorite family recipes – the ones passed down from moms, sisters, and sisters-in-law. We just got back from an epic road trip visiting our families, and my sister served up a salad I had never once tasted in my whole life. She couldn’t believe I’d never had “Lorrie’s corn salad”! Apparently everyone in the family but me already knew and loved Lorrie’s famous corn salad (Lorrie being my wonderful sister-in-law).

I found it absolutely scrumptious, and the second I got home I made a batch so I could share it with you. This salad is a perfect side dish – wonderful alongside barbecued chicken, hamburgers, or pulled pork sandwiches, and it makes the easiest side dish for potlucks or picnics. My best tip is to make it the day before and let it refrigerate overnight so all those flavors really get to know each other. It truly is a five minute salad with big, delicious payoff. And remember to add the frito chips right before serving for a nice “crunch”!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It takes just five minutes to throw together
• It’s made ahead, so it’s one less thing to think about on the day of your gathering
• It pairs with practically anything, from barbecued chicken to pulled pork sandwiches
• It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at potlucks and picnics
• It comes together with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand (except maybe the frito chips!)

Ingredients Needed for Corn Salad

If you’re headed to the grocery store or checking your kitchen for what you need to make this recipe, here’s what you’ll need. (Check the printable recipe card below for exact measurements and instructions.)

• Canned corn, drained
• Red pepper, diced
• Red onion, diced
• Shredded cheese
• Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
• Frito chips (plain or chili cheese flavor) – or any other kind of corn chip you prefer.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Frito Corn Salad

1. Drain the canned corn well.
2. Dice the red pepper and red onion so the pieces are about the same size as the corn kernels, or a little smaller.
3. Mix the corn, red pepper, red onion, shredded cheese, and mayonnaise (or Miracle Whip) together in a large bowl.
4. Cover and refrigerate. For best flavor, make it the day before and let it sit overnight.
5. Right before serving, stir in a small bag of Frito chips. Or, if you prefer, set the bag out on the side so everyone can crush their own chips into their bowl when they’re ready to eat.

A quick note: If you can’t find Fritos, toasted corn chips make a lovely substitute. That’s exactly what I used, since my local Canadian grocery store didn’t carry them.

Other Salad Recipes You might Like:

• This classic potato salad with egg is just like Grandma used to make!
• This macaroni salad has the greatest homemade dressing!
• Beet salad with feta cheese is a special side salad.

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