Frito Corn Black Bean Salad

This Frito Corn Salad was my favorite discovery for summer barbecues – crisp, colorful, tangy, and ready in five minutes. Whenever I bring this to a party, the bowl is always scraped clean, and everyone asks for the recipe.

I started making this on a whim for a last minute family cookout and now it is the most requested side at our neighborhood bash. There is never any left to take home.

Ingredients

• Sweet corn: canned and drained for classic summer flavor and a little crunch use a high quality brand for best sweetness
• Black beans: canned and drained add hearty texture and protein choose beans with glossy skins for freshness
• Rotel: drained brings zesty tomato and pepper kick try the spicy variety if you like extra heat
• Bell pepper: diced red green or yellow for vibrant color and crisp bite pick peppers that are firm and glossy
• Shredded cheddar cheese: sharp cheese melts just slightly to bind everything together freshly grated is best but pre-shredded works
• Fritos: classic corn chips for salty crunch original flavor delivers the perfect texture
• Sour cream: creamy base for the dressing use full fat for richest flavor
• Extra virgin olive oil: adds silkiness to the dressing pick a bright fresh oil
• Salt: seasons the dressing and brings all flavors together use sea salt for added depth
• Black pepper: adds light heat to the creamy mix grind fresh for maximum aroma
• Garlic powder and onion powder: for savory depth without chopping use fresh if you want extra punch
• Ground cumin: smoky earthiness that rounds out all the flavors check your spice is fragrant and not stale

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the dressing:

Whisk together sour cream extra virgin olive oil salt black pepper garlic powder onion powder and ground cumin in a small bowl until smooth and blended

Build the salad:

In a large bowl combine drained sweet corn black beans Rotel diced bell pepper and shredded cheddar cheese mix gently to keep peppers crisp

Dress it up:

Pour the creamy dressing over your corn mixture and stir with a spoon or spatula until everything is well coated do not add the Fritos yet

Add the crunch:

Just before serving fold in the Fritos gently with your hands or a spatula so you do not crush them this keeps their signature crunch alive in every bite

Save This

I always look forward to adding sharp cheddar to this salad because it perfectly highlights the sweet corn and zesty tomatoes plus my little sister says this is the only salad she eats without complaining

Storage tips

Keep the salad base and the dressing stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days Add the Fritos only when you are ready to serve to keep them crunchy Preparing ahead like this lets you pull together a party worthy salad in seconds

Ingredient substitutions

Try using canned green chilies instead of Rotel for a milder flavor Swap cheddar for pepper jack if you want a little heat or use Monterrey Jack for creamy richness For a lighter dressing use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream

Serving suggestions

Serve chilled in a large shallow bowl topped with extra Fritos and a sprinkle of cheese for presentation This is delicious alongside grilled burgers pulled pork or veggie skewers It is also fantastic as a filling inside tacos or scooped up with tortilla chips

Cultural and historical context

Frito Corn Salad is a classic American potluck dish known for its playful use of corn chips as both ingredient and garnish Its roots are in casual summer gatherings and family picnics especially across the Midwest and South Marrying Southern love for corn with Tex Mex spice makes this salad a modern classic

Common Queries

→ Can I substitute the black beans?

Yes, pinto or kidney beans work well if you prefer a different flavor or texture in your salad.

→ How do I keep the Fritos crunchy?

Add the Fritos just before serving and fold them in gently to keep them from getting soggy.

→ What’s the best way to make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare the corn, beans, and dressing in advance, but wait to add Fritos until right before serving for best texture.

→ Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh or frozen corn, cooked and cooled, will add even more flavor and crunch to the dish.

→ Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, making this a colorful and hearty meatless option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep the salad and dressing refrigerated separately from Fritos. Combine just before serving for the best results.