Flamin Hot Cheeto Salad (Printable)

Bold salad with spicy Cheetos, crisp cucumber, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime dressing for a crunchy snack.

# Components:

→ 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

# Method:

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 to maintain maximum crunch.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in ten minutes flat, making it perfect for when you want something bold without the fuss.
  • The heat and cool flavors crash together in a way that keeps you reaching back for more.
  • Everyone who tries it asks for the recipe because it feels like a secret snack only you know about.
02 -
  • If you add the Cheetos too early, they'll absorb the dressing and turn into sad, soggy chips—I learned this the hard way the first time I made it.
  • The lime juice is not optional; it's what transforms this from "junk food in a bowl" into something that feels intentional and balanced.
03 -
  • Keep everything separate until the last moment—prepare the vegetables and dressing ahead, but don't combine until you're ready to eat.
  • If someone says they don't like Cheetos, make this for them anyway; something about the combination converts even the skeptics.
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