Southwestern Frito Bean Salad
This vibrant Southwestern Frito Bean Salad is a delightful and crunchy twist on the classic bean salad. Combining crisp lettuce, protein-packed ranch-style beans, juicy tomatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese, this salad is balanced with the satisfying crunch of Fritos (or Doritos, if preferred). Toss it all together with a zesty Catalina dressing for a burst of flavor. Perfect as a side dish for Mexican cuisine or barbecues, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser and will add a refreshing crunch to any meal!
4
Servings
375
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lettuce
1 head (torn into small pieces)
Ranch Style Beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
Green Onion
to taste (chopped)
Tomatoes
2 (diced)
Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (grated)
Fritos Corn Chips
2 cups (added just before serving)
Catalina Dressing
1 (16 ounce) bottle (drizzled just before serving)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the torn lettuce, rinsed and drained ranch-style beans, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, and grated cheddar cheese.
2
Stir the ingredients together gently to combine, ensuring that the beans and cheese are evenly distributed.
3
Just before serving, add the Fritos corn chips and drizzle the Catalina dressing over the top.
4
Gently toss the salad to coat everything evenly with dressing, being careful not to crush the chips.
5
Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious crunch!
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
42.5g
Carbs
10g
Protein
7.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwestern Frito Bean Salad?
It is a vibrant and crunchy salad that combines lettuce, ranch-style beans, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese with Fritos corn chips and Catalina dressing.
What kind of chips are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for Fritos corn chips, though Doritos can be used as a delicious alternative.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Is Southwestern Frito Bean Salad vegetarian?
Yes, the ingredients listed in this recipe are suitable for a vegetarian diet.
How do I keep the Fritos from getting soggy?
To maintain the crunch, add the Fritos corn chips and the Catalina dressing just before serving the salad.
What type of beans should I use?
Use one 15-ounce can of ranch-style beans, making sure they are rinsed and drained first.
What dressing is recommended for this salad?
A 16-ounce bottle of zesty Catalina dressing is used to coat the salad.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the lettuce, beans, onions, and cheese in advance, but do not add the chips or dressing until you are ready to eat.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 375 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 18.75 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
How much protein is in this salad?
This salad provides 10 grams of protein per serving.
Is this salad high in fiber?
Yes, it contains 7.5 grams of fiber per serving, largely from the beans and vegetables.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese.
How should the lettuce be prepared?
One head of lettuce should be torn into small, bite-sized pieces for the base of the salad.
Can I use a different type of onion?
The recipe uses chopped green onions to taste, but you can substitute red onion for a bolder flavor.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Two diced tomatoes are required; Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes are excellent choices.
What occasions is this salad best for?
It is perfect as a side dish for Mexican cuisine, summer barbecues, or potlucks.
How should I toss the salad?
Toss the salad gently after adding the dressing and chips to ensure even coating without crushing the Fritos.
Can I add meat to make it a full meal?
Yes, you can easily add grilled chicken or seasoned ground beef to turn this side dish into a main course.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 42.5 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
Is there any cooking involved?
No, this is a no-cook recipe that involves simple assembly and mixing.
What can I use if I don't have Catalina dressing?
French dressing or a sweet and zesty vinaigrette can be used as a substitute.
Is this salad spicy?
The salad is generally mild, with zest coming from the Catalina dressing and ranch-style beans.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the inclusion of corn chips and a sweet dressing makes it very popular with children.
What makes this 'Southwestern' style?
The combination of ranch beans, cheddar cheese, and corn chips provides its signature Southwestern profile.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, pre-shredded cheddar cheese works well and saves preparation time.
Do I really need to rinse the beans?
Rinsing and draining the ranch-style beans is recommended to control the texture and liquid in the salad.
How many ingredients are needed?
There are 7 primary ingredients: lettuce, beans, green onions, tomatoes, cheese, Fritos, and dressing.
Can I store leftovers?
It is best eaten immediately because the chips will soften. If you have leftovers, the chips will lose their crunch.
What is the total preparation time?
Since there is no cooking, it only takes a few minutes to chop the vegetables and toss the ingredients together.