Flamin Hot Cheeto Crunch (Print)

Crunchy mix of spicy Cheetos, cucumber, cilantro, and zesty lime-hot sauce dressing delivers bold flavors.

# Ingredients:

→ Salad Base

01 - 2 cups crushed Flamin Hot Cheetos
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 (e.g., Tapatío, Valentina, or Sriracha)
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

# Directions:

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

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It takes 10 minutes and requires zero cooking, making it perfect for when you want something bold without the effort.
  • The texture contrast between the spicy crunch and cool, refreshing cucumber is genuinely addictive.
  • It walks the line between snack and salad, so it works as a side dish, party appetizer, or solo indulgence.
02 -
  • Timing is everything—if you add the Cheetos even 10 minutes early, they'll soften and the dish loses its soul.
  • The dressing quantity is deceptively important; too much and the salad becomes soggy, too little and it tastes flat next to the spice of the Cheetos.
03 -
  • Chill your bowl and ingredients before assembling for a cooler, more refreshing bite that contrasts better with the spice.
  • If you're sensitive to heat, mix a tiny bit of honey or agave into the dressing to cool things down without diluting flavor.
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