Flamin Hot Cheeto Salad (Printable)

Spicy Flamin Hot Cheetos mixed with crisp cucumber, cilantro, and zesty lime dressing for bold crunch and flavor.

# 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

# Directions:

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 until fully combined.
03 - Pour the dressing over the cucumber and cilantro, tossing gently to coat evenly.
04 - Just before serving, add the crushed Flamin Hot Cheetos and toss lightly until evenly coated.
05 - Serve immediately for maximum crunch and texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes less than ten minutes and uses ingredients you probably already have lying around.
  • The contrast between cool, crisp cucumber and fiery Cheetos creates an oddly addictive texture you can't stop eating.
  • It's a conversation starter that always gets a reaction, whether you serve it at a party or just make it for yourself on a boring Tuesday.
02 -
  • Add the Cheetos at the very last second, waiting even five minutes too long will turn them into soggy red mush.
  • If you're making this ahead, keep the Cheetos separate and toss them in right before serving to preserve that satisfying crunch.
03 -
  • Crush the Cheetos inside the bag before opening it to avoid a red dust explosion all over your kitchen.
  • Use a lime squeezer to get every last drop of juice without seeds falling into your dressing.
  • Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad so you can adjust the heat and salt to your exact preference.
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