Even though it sounds counter-intuitive as far as salads go, this Frito Salad incorporates your favorite corn chips into a not so healthy meal. Created by Carole Carlson and featured on Oh Sweet Basil, the dish is the perfect accompaniment to a picnic or barbecue. You can even make it the night before and just add the Fritos before serving so they don't become soggy.
To make enough Frito salad for eight people, you will need two small bags of Fritos, one of which should be the flavor-packed Chili Cheese variety. You will also require Catalina dressing, sliced olives, chili beans and sauce, grated cheese, taco seasoning, chopped tomato, corn and chopped bell pepper. Garnish with cilantro and you are good to go.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Healthy Junk Food
- There is an opportunity for the food industry to create more healthy versions of junk food snacks such as Fritos that can be incorporated into popular dishes like salads.
- Picnic/barbecue Foods
- There is an opportunity for the food industry to create more shareable and convenient picnic/barbecue foods like Frito salad that incorporate classic flavors and ingredients.
- Make-ahead Meals
- There is an opportunity for the meal kit industry to explore make-ahead meals like Frito salad that provide convenience and flexibility for busy consumers.
Where This Applies
- Snack Food
- The snack food industry can explore healthier versions of classic snacks like Fritos that can be used in various dishes and recipes beyond just snacking.
- Convenience Foods
- The convenience food industry can explore more shareable and portable options for picnics and barbecues with classic flavors and ingredients like Frito salad.
- Meal Kits
- The meal kit industry can incorporate make-ahead meals like Frito salad into their offerings to provide convenience and flexibility for busy consumers.
