Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad offers a delicious contrast of textures — the crispness of Fritos, the richness of chili, and the freshness of veggies — all layered together for a tasty, filling dish. It’s easy to assemble, great for casual get-togethers, and perfect for customizable toppings.

Ingredients

4 cups Fritos corn chips
2 cups cooked chili (homemade or canned)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup chopped lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Optional: jalapeño slices, avocado, cilantro

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare Chili:
Warm chili in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through.
Layer Salad:
In a large serving dish or individual bowls, start with a layer of Fritos.
Spoon a layer of warm chili over the chips.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Add Fresh Ingredients:
Layer chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, and red onions over the chili and cheese.
Add Toppings:
Dollop sour cream evenly over the salad.
Garnish with green onions and optional jalapeños, avocado, or cilantro.
Serve:
Serve immediately to keep Fritos crunchy.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes (for warming chili)
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Protein: Use ground beef, turkey, or vegetarian chili.
Cheese: Substitute cheddar with pepper jack or a cheese blend.
Crunch: Swap Fritos for tortilla chips or Doritos.
Dressing: Add salsa or a drizzle of ranch or chipotle dressing.
Spicy: Add fresh jalapeños or hot sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Best eaten fresh to maintain crispness.
Leftovers: Store chili and fresh ingredients separately. Reheat chili before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead?

Assemble just before serving to keep chips crunchy.

Can I use canned chili?

Yes, store-bought chili works well for convenience.

How do I keep the Fritos from getting soggy?

Serve immediately after assembling or keep chips separate until ready.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, use vegetarian chili and skip meat toppings.

What sides go well?

Serve with cornbread, guacamole, or a green salad.

Can I add beans?

Yes, black beans or kidney beans add extra protein.

How spicy is this dish?

Mild by default; add jalapeños or hot sauce for more heat.

Can I use other chips?

Tortilla chips or corn chips are good alternatives.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, if chili and chips are gluten-free.

Can I add avocado?

Yes, sliced or diced avocado adds creaminess.

Conclusion

Fritos Chili Cheese Salad is a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for casual meals or parties. With crunchy chips, hearty chili, and fresh veggies, it delivers a satisfying combination of textures and tastes that everyone will enjoy.