Flamin Hot Cheeto Salad (Print Version)

A bold, crunchy salad with spicy Flamin Hot Cheetos, cucumber, cilantro, and zesty lime-hot sauce dressing.

# What You Need:

→ Salad Base

01 - 2 cups Flamin Hot Cheetos, coarsely crushed
02 - 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
03 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

→ Dressing

04 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
05 - 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Tapatío, Valentina, or Sriracha)
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

# How-To Steps:

01 - Place the diced cucumber and chopped cilantro in a large mixing bowl.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Pour the dressing over the cucumber and cilantro, tossing gently to combine.
04 - Just before serving, add the crushed Flamin Hot Cheetos and toss lightly until evenly coated.
05 - Serve immediately for maximum crunch.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes ten minutes and uses ingredients you can grab without a grocery list.
  • The crunch is unreal, and the lime keeps it from feeling like pure junk food.
  • You can serve it at a party and people will ask for the recipe, guaranteed.
  • It scratches that salty, spicy, tangy itch all at once.
02 -
  • Do not add the Cheetos early or they will turn into mush, and the whole thing falls apart.
  • Fresh lime juice is non-negotiable. Bottled lime turns this into something sad and chemical tasting.
  • If you think you crushed the Cheetos too much, you probably did. Keep the pieces big and chunky.
03 -
  • Crush the Cheetos inside the bag with your hands to control the size and avoid a mess.
  • Taste the dressing before adding it and adjust the lime or hot sauce to match your mood.
  • Use a large bowl so you have room to toss without flinging Cheeto dust everywhere.
  • Serve this to someone who thinks they have refined taste and watch them go quiet.
Go Back