Ingredients

Scale

(Serves 6–8)

Salad base:

2 cups fresh or fire-roasted corn kernels (you love smoky depth!)
1 (15 oz) can no-salt-added black beans, rinsed & drained
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 bell pepper, diced
1 avocado, diced
½ cup red onion, finely diced (soak in cold water 10 min to mellow bite)
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Lime-cilantro dressing:

3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 2 limes—you love citrus!)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt & black pepper to taste

Crunchy topping:

1½ cups original Fritos (or low-carb cheese crisps for keto—you love low-carb!)
Optional: Crumbled cotija cheese or pickled jalapeños

Instructions

1. Prep veggies:

Soak red onion in cold water 10 minutes; drain well. Dice avocado just before assembling.

2. Make dressing:

Whisk olive oil, lime juice, cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

3. Toss salad:

In a large bowl, combine corn, black beans, tomatoes, bell pepper, drained red onion, avocado, and cilantro. Pour dressing over; toss gently.

4. Add crunch:

Just before serving, sprinkle crushed Fritos on top (keeps them crisp!). Add optional cotija or jalapeños if desired.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
✅ Add Fritos LAST—prevents sogginess (they soften quickly in dressing!).
✅ Use fire-roasted corn—adds authentic smoky sweetness.
✅ Low-sodium mastery (you love this!):
→ Use no-salt-added beans + skip added salt in dressing
→ Boost umami with extra lime zest and cumin
✅ Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ Naturally low-glycemic—no added sugars!
→ Add 1 tbsp chia seeds to dressing for fiber + glycemic control
✅ Low-carb/keto option (you love this!):
→ Swap Fritos for pork rinds or cheese crisps
→ Reduce corn to 1 cup; double black beans
→ Net carbs drop from 22g → 10g/serving
✅ High-protein boost (you love this!):
→ Add ½ cup grilled chicken or shrimp (+12g protein/serving)
→ Mix in 2 tbsp hemp seeds (+5g protein)
✅ Make ahead:
→ Chop veggies (except avocado) 4 hours ahead
→ Assemble within 30 minutes of serving
→ Pack Fritos separately for potlucks

Storage & Serving Ideas

→ Fridge life: Best served fresh (avocado softens slightly over time).
→ Serving ideas:
→ Alongside grilled steak or chicken
→ As a standalone light lunch with tortilla chips
→ Scooped into lettuce cups for low-carb meal

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving):