Crunchy Fiesta Corn Salad
This vibrant Crunchy Fiesta Corn Salad stole the show at a Christmas brunch hosted by my quilt guild! Bursting with flavors from sweet yellow corn, crisp bell peppers, and tangy cheese, this salad provides the perfect crunch from chili cheese Frito corn chips. It's a colorful addition to any gathering, bringing together the delightful sweetness of corn and the zesty kick of peppers, marvelously blended in a creamy mayonnaise dressing. Serve it fresh to keep the chips delightfully crunchy, and watch your guests go back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yellow kernel corn
2 cans (drained)
Red bell pepper
1/2 (sliced and chopped)
Green bell pepper
1/2 (sliced and chopped)
Purple onion
1/2 (chopped)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
Shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (none)
Chili cheese flavor Frito corn chips
5 ounces (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained yellow kernel corn, chopped red bell pepper, chopped green bell pepper, chopped purple onion, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors meld together.
3
Just before serving, gently fold in the chili cheese Frito corn chips to maintain their crunch.
4
Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful, crunchy salad that is sure to impress your guests!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crunchy Fiesta Corn Salad?
Crunchy Fiesta Corn Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish made with sweet corn, bell peppers, purple onion, cheddar cheese, and chili cheese Frito corn chips in a creamy dressing.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include yellow kernel corn, red and green bell peppers, purple onion, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, and chili cheese flavor Frito corn chips.
How many cans of corn are required?
The recipe calls for 2 cans of yellow kernel corn, which should be drained before mixing.
What kind of bell peppers should I use?
You should use 1/2 of a red bell pepper and 1/2 of a green bell pepper, both sliced and chopped.
What type of onion is used in Crunchy Fiesta Corn Salad?
The recipe uses 1/2 of a purple onion, finely chopped.
How much mayonnaise is needed for the dressing?
You will need 1 cup of mayonnaise to create the creamy dressing for the salad.
What kind of cheese is best for this salad?
The recipe recommends using 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Which chips give the salad its crunch?
The signature crunch comes from 5 ounces of chili cheese flavor Frito corn chips.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
The salad should be covered and refrigerated for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
When is the best time to add the Frito chips?
Gently fold in the chili cheese Frito corn chips just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Is the Crunchy Fiesta Corn Salad vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients and tags provided, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
Is this a good dish for a holiday party?
Yes, it is described as a colorful addition to any gathering and was a hit at a Christmas brunch.
How easy is this recipe to prepare?
This is an easy recipe that involves simple chopping, mixing, and chilling with no cooking required.
Do I need to cook the corn first?
No, you use canned yellow kernel corn that has been drained; no further cooking is necessary.
How should the peppers be prepared?
The red and green bell peppers should be sliced and then chopped into small pieces.
Can I use a different flavor of Fritos?
While the recipe specifies chili cheese flavor, you could use original Fritos, though the flavor profile will change.
How do I prevent the chips from getting soggy?
To keep the chips crunchy, only fold them into the salad immediately before you are ready to serve it.
What makes the dressing for this salad?
The dressing is a simple and creamy blend of mayonnaise and the natural juices from the peppers and onions.
Does this recipe require an oven or stove?
No, this is a no-cook recipe that only requires a mixing bowl and a refrigerator.
Can I substitute canned corn with frozen corn?
Yes, you can use frozen corn as long as it is fully thawed and very well-drained to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
What is the first step in making the salad?
The first step is to combine the drained corn, peppers, onion, mayonnaise, and cheese in a large mixing bowl.
Is the salad spicy?
The salad has a 'zesty kick' from the chili cheese Fritos and peppers, but it is generally considered mild.
Can I add extra protein to this salad?
While the recipe doesn't call for it, you could add black beans or grilled chicken to make it more filling.
What size mixing bowl is needed?
A large mixing bowl is recommended to ensure you have enough room to incorporate all 7 ingredients evenly.
Can I use white onion instead of purple?
Yes, though purple onion is preferred for its color and mild flavor, white or green onions can be substituted.
Is this recipe suitable for a large group?
Yes, with 2 cans of corn and 5 ounces of chips, it is designed as a party food or appetizer for gatherings.
Why is it called 'Fiesta' corn salad?
It is called 'Fiesta' because of its vibrant colors from the red and green peppers and its zesty, bold flavors.
Should the cheese be freshly shredded?
The recipe calls for shredded cheddar cheese; using freshly shredded cheese often provides a better texture.
Can I store leftovers with the chips already in?
It is not recommended, as the chips will lose their crunch and become soggy if stored in the refrigerator overnight.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients: yellow corn, red pepper, green pepper, purple onion, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and Frito chips.