THE RULES
(I call them rules because it makes something fun feel very serious and I like that)
– Chip definition (for this context) = anything crunchy and savory. Don't ask me if a nut can be a chip here, or I will ask you if a hot dog is a sandwich
– Your salad dressing/seasoning is the flavors that all chips are bringing to the bowl here: it’s the salt & vin twang, the sour cream & onion dusting, the spice from the Takis, and that magical combo when you grab a few at once
– Pull from classics you love, but try to find 1-2 unexpected surprises. It’s a conversation starter and a fun guessing game for those partaking in the salad. Think: Wasabi peas! Funyuns! Sesame sticks! Veggie straws! A unique chip flavor others maybe haven’t heard of! Mix high brow with low brow. I’m talking Terra chips with Doritos
– No! Plain! Unseasoned! Chips! It defeats the point, so save those for another time. When creating your salad, think about flavors first – then shapes, sizes, textures, and colors second. This is a salad, after all. We want something for everyone here. As noted above, a well executed chip salad has a good range of flavor combos to make fun bite combos
– No fragile chips! Here’s looking at you, Pringles and other weird shaped chips that break too easily
– After much thought, and an interview with local pretzel enthusiast Quinn O’Brien, pretzels are the only plain “chip” allowed here. While they don’t grab seasoning, they act as a pallet cleanser between bites. That said, if you’re going to go the seasoned pretzel route, know that I support you whole heartedly
– Popcorn is allowed but ONLY if it’s fresh! It will stale as it sits out, especially if this salad is being served outdoors, so keep that in mind
– Sweet additions: I was asked about M&M’s. This isn’t trail mix, people. But that could be fun. Maybe one (ONE!) fun sweet add. Like a Swedish fish! Just know that weight matters and they'll end up at the bottom of the bowl. As long as you’re cool with this, I’m cool with this
– Add your chip choices in layers. Add a little of the first bag, layer the next on top etc. etc. This will help get things integrated without having to do too much tossing/damaging of the goods
– More is more! You’re buying full bags of chips here. Use your biggest bowl! Leftover chip salad = still a great chip salad
– Lastly, humor me and serve your chip salad with salad tongs. It’s fun! It's funny! But it’s true purpose is to give things a good tossing when the top layer is picked over.
CHIP INSPO
The bulk of your salad should be seasoned potato chips. I'm talking sour cream & onion, BBQ, salt & vin, dill pickle, jalapeño, ranch etc. More ideas: Fritos, cheeseballs, Sun chips, Takis, wasabi peas, Doritos, Terra chips, Cheez-Its, flavored goldfish, flamin’ hot cheetos, red hot blues, Bugles, veggie straws, potato stix, sesame sticks. Do it up!