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Fritos Chili Cheese Salad Recipe

Fritos Chili Cheese Salad Recipe

A hearty and flavorful layered salad featuring chili, cheese, crunchy Fritos, and a creamy dressing. A perfect crowd-pleaser for potlucks or a casual weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Base & Toppings
  • 1 Head Romaine Lettuce Washed, dried, and chopped
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese Sharp or mild
  • 2 cups Fritos Original Corn Chips Slightly crushed
  • 1 cup Diced Red Onion
  • 1 cup Diced Tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) Kidney Beans Rinsed and drained
Chili
  • 1 lb Ground Beef 90/10 lean recommended
  • 1 can (15 oz) Canned Chili Use your favorite brand, or 1.5 cups homemade chili
Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup
  • 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Prepare the chili: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the canned chili and simmer for 5 minutes until heated through. Set aside and keep warm if serving immediately, or allow to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
  3. Assemble the base layer: In a large, clear or decorative serving bowl (or a 9x13 inch dish), spread an even layer of the chopped romaine lettuce.
  4. Layer the ingredients: Spread the warm (or room temperature) chili evenly over the lettuce. Next, sprinkle evenly with the diced tomatoes, diced red onion, and rinsed kidney beans.
  5. Apply the dressing: Gently spread or drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the vegetable and bean layers. Do not mix into the chili layer.
  6. Chill and garnish: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Just before serving, top generously with the shredded cheddar cheese and the Fritos corn chips. Serve immediately to ensure the Fritos remain crunchy.

Notes

This salad is best assembled just before serving, especially the Fritos, to maintain their crunch. For a slightly healthier version, substitute half the mayonnaise in the dressing with plain Greek yogurt. If making ahead of time, add the cheese and Fritos no more than 30 minutes before serving.