Frito Salad
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s ridiculously simple yet unbelievably delicious, you’ve just found it. This Frito Salad is the perfect mix of fresh greens, sweet dried cranberries, salty bacon, creamy mozzarella, and that irresistible corn-chip crunch. And don’t even get me started on the homemade poppy seed dressing — tangy, sweet, and so good you’ll want to pour it on everything.
RECIPES
11/25/20252 min read
The Viral Frito Salad Everyone Is Talking About
If you’re looking for the ultimate potluck, party, or family-night salad, this Frito Salad is about to become your new signature dish. It’s crunchy, sweet, savory, and tossed in a creamy homemade poppy seed dressing that tastes like something straight out of a restaurant.
What makes this salad so special is the combination of flavors and textures: crisp lettuce, sweet cranberries, salty bacon bits, melty mozzarella, and of course—those perfectly crunchy Fritos added at the very last second. It’s simple, unexpected, and totally addictive.
This easy recipe has been passed around families, church gatherings, and backyard cookouts for years because it’s just that good.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for potlucks: It feeds a crowd and always disappears fast.
Quick to prepare: Just mix the dry ingredients and blend the dressing.
Total flavor bomb: Sweet, salty, tangy, and crunchy in every bite.
Customizable: Easy to adapt for low-sugar, gluten-free, or high-protein eating.
Minimal prep: No cooking required!
Ingredients for Frito Salad
16 oz spring mix lettuce
6 oz bag dried cranberries
3 oz bag bacon bits
6 oz finely shredded mozzarella
1 bag Fritos or corn chips
Homemade Dressing
(Blend everything together until smooth)
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 small onion
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/2 cup mayo
1/2 cup sugar or Truvia (for a low-sugar version)
1/2 cup olive oil or avocado oil
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp poppy seeds
I always reach for my trusty Ninja Food Processor — it blends the dressing into a perfectly smooth, creamy mix every single time.
Instructions
Add the spring mix, cranberries, bacon bits, and shredded mozzarella to a large salad bowl.
In a blender or food processor, combine all dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Right before serving, crush the corn chips and add them to the salad.
Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently to coat.
Serve immediately for maximum crunch!
Variations
Low-Carb Version
Swap Fritos for keto-friendly cheese crisps and use Truvia in the dressing.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free corn chips.
Fruit-Forward Version
Add grapes, strawberries, or pineapple for a sweet twist.
How to Store Leftovers
This salad is best eaten fresh because of the chips, but if you have leftovers:
Store salad, dressing, and chips separately.
Add chips only when ready to eat.
Dressing lasts 5–7 days in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Frito Salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prep all ingredients and the dressing separately. Add chips and dressing right before serving.
What kind of lettuce works best?
Spring mix is ideal, but you can also use romaine or iceberg for extra crunch.
Can I use a different chip instead of Fritos?
Absolutely—Doritos, corn chips, tortilla strips, or even BBQ chips taste great.
Is this salad kid-friendly?
Definitely! The sweetness and crunch make it a hit with kids.
Final Thoughts
Frito Salad is one of those recipes that becomes a family staple the moment you try it. It’s quick, budget-friendly, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for every occasion—from weeknight dinners to holidays and potlucks.
