Description
This Fritos Chili Cheese Salad is a crunchy, cheesy, and zesty salad that’s always a hit at gatherings. It combines fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, black beans, corn, and shredded cheese, all tossed in a flavorful dressing and topped with crispy chili cheese Fritos for the ultimate crunch!
Ingredients
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup ranch dressing (or use Catalina for a sweeter twist)
1 tbsp taco seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
2 cups chili cheese Fritos, slightly crushed
1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, cheddar cheese, and red onion.
- Mix Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing and taco seasoning (if using).
- Toss & Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Add Crunch: Just before serving, sprinkle chili cheese Fritos on top and gently mix.
- Garnish & Enjoy: Top with black olives and chopped cilantro for extra flavor. Serve immediately!
Notes
Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken or ground beef for a heartier version.
Make ahead tip: Prep all ingredients ahead of time but add the Fritos right before serving to keep them crispy.
Swap the dressing: Use French dressing or a spicy chipotle ranch for a flavor twist.
Storage: Best enjoyed fresh! If storing leftovers, keep Fritos separate to avoid sogginess.