Crunchy Paula Deen Frito Corn Salad Recipe

Tasty Paula Deen Frito Corn Salad Recipe Twists

Paula Deen’s frito corn salad bursts with unexpected flavor combinations that dance across your palate.

Southern charm meets culinary creativity in this vibrant dish that transforms humble ingredients into a sensational crowd-pleaser.

Crispy corn chips create a delightful crunch while creamy dressing weaves magic through sweet corn kernels.

Every forkful tells a story of comfort and innovation, blending traditional and contemporary tastes.

The salad’s playful texture and bold personality make it a standout at summer gatherings.

Colorful and irresistible, this recipe promises to elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Get ready to become the most talked-about cook at your next potluck!

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 8

What’s Inside Paula Deen’s Frito Corn Salad

For Base Components:
  • Corn: Choose sweet, crisp kernels that burst with summer flavor, preferably fresh or high-quality canned.
  • Mayonnaise: Select a creamy, rich brand that adds smooth texture and tangy undertones.
For Fresh Crunch:
  • Green Pepper, Red Onion: Pick firm, vibrant vegetables with sharp edges and no soft spots.
For Topping and Texture:
  • Fritos Corn Chips, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Select extra-crunchy chips and sharp cheese that delivers bold, zesty flavor.

Tools You’ll Need for Frito Corn Salad

  • Mixing Bowl: Large, spacious container for combining all ingredients smoothly.
  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables with precision.
  • Sharp Knife: Essential for finely dicing green pepper and red onion.
  • Measuring Cups: Helpful for ensuring accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and blending salad mixture.
  • Plastic Wrap: Covers bowl during chilling process to seal in flavors.
  • Serving Dish: Attractive plate for presenting the final corn chip salad.
  • Small Bowl: Optional for crushing Fritos corn chips before adding to salad.

How to Mix Paula Deen’s Frito Corn Salad

How to Mix Paula Deen’s Frito Corn Salad

Whip Up A Zesty Corn Chip Delight

  • Create Flavor Magic

Toss together sweet corn kernels, sharp cheddar cheese, tangy mayonnaise, crisp green peppers, and zesty red onions in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything until the mixture looks vibrant and creamy with ingredients dancing together perfectly.

  • Chill and Infuse

Cover the bowl and let the salad rest in the refrigerator for about an hour. This magical waiting time allows all the flavors to mingle and create a taste explosion that will make your taste buds sing.

  • Add Crunch Factor

Right before serving, grab those delicious Fritos and gently crush them into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle the chips into the corn mixture, folding them in carefully to maintain their satisfying crackle and texture.

  • Serve With Excitement

Transfer the salad to a beautiful serving dish. Grab extra Fritos on the side for scooping and dipping. This crowd-pleasing dish works perfectly as a side or a party snack that will have everyone coming back for more.

Tips and Customizations for Corn Salad

Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper for a zesty kick that transforms the classic recipe into a fiery crowd-pleaser.

Toss in diced grilled chicken or crispy bacon bits to turn this side dish into a satisfying main course.

Experiment with additional fresh vegetables like diced cucumber or cherry tomatoes to increase nutritional value and create exciting flavor combinations.

Prepare the base salad up to 24 hours in advance, keeping the Fritos separate until just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.

Serving Suggestions for Frito Corn Salad

  • Crunch and Scoop at Parties: Create a festive appetizer by serving this corn salad with extra Fritos Scoops at game day gatherings or summer barbecues.
  • Picnic Perfect Sidekick: Pack this salad in a sealed container for outdoor meals, making it an ideal companion for sandwiches and grilled items.
  • Customize Your Crunch: Experiment with different corn chip varieties like spicy Fritos or traditional corn chips to add unique texture and flavor variations.
  • Quick Meal Booster: Use this salad as a topping for grilled chicken or as a zesty side dish to elevate simple weeknight dinners with minimal effort.

Keeping Frito Corn Salad Fresh

  • Meal Planning & Storage Advice
  • Prep Ahead Strategy: Mix corn salad base without Fritos up to 2 days before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent soggy chips.
  • Chip Crunch Preservation: Add crushed Fritos just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness. Chips will soften quickly when mixed with moist ingredients, so timing is crucial for texture.
  • Smart Portioning: This salad serves 6-8 people as a side dish. Easily scale recipe up or down by adjusting ingredient quantities proportionally for gatherings or smaller meals.
  • Refrigeration Guidelines: Store leftover salad in sealed container for up to 2 days. Note that chips will lose crunchiness, so best consumed within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crunchy Paula Deen Frito Corn Salad Recipe

Crunchy Paula Deen Frito Corn Salad Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Frito corn salad blends creamy, crunchy textures from American Southern cuisine. Cool mayonnaise and zesty cheese complement sweet corn kernels, offering you a perfect summer side dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (15 oz / 425 g) cans whole kernel corn, drained
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 (10 ½ oz / 298 g) bag Fritos corn chips, coarsely crushed (regular or chili cheese)
  • 1 cup green pepper, chopped
  • ½ cup red onion, diced finely
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • Fritos Scoops for serving

Instructions

  1. Mixing Medley: Combine fresh corn kernels, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, diced green bell pepper, and sliced red onion in a large mixing bowl, stirring until ingredients are thoroughly blended and evenly coated.
  2. Chill and Infuse: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld and intensify, creating a harmonious taste profile.
  3. Final Crunch: Just before serving, gently fold in crushed Fritos corn chips, ensuring an optimal balance of crispy texture throughout the salad. Garnish with additional Fritos Scoops on the side for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow ingredients to meld and develop a richer, more harmonious taste profile.
  • Crunch Control: Add Fritos just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and prevent soggy chips, ensuring a delightful crunch in every bite.
  • Cheese and Corn Harmony: Use fresh corn kernels and sharp cheddar for maximum flavor intensity and a vibrant, summery feel.
  • Customize Your Crunch: Adjust Fritos quantity to personal preference, creating a salad that perfectly balances creamy and crispy elements.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 870 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star