Introduction

Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a vibrant, flavorful salad that combines the crunch of coleslaw mix with zesty black beans, corn, and a smoky chipotle dressing. Topped with Chili Cheese Fritos, this dish offers a satisfying mix of textures and bold southwestern flavors perfect for any casual gathering or weeknight meal.

A white bowl filled with a colorful mixed salad sitting on a white marbled table; the salad contains multiple layers of shredded light green cabbage, thin orange carrot strips, black beans, yellow corn kernels, small red pepper pieces, and sliced jalapeños, all coated in a creamy dressing. On top and throughout are broken orange crunchy chips adding texture, while a light sprinkling of chopped herbs is visible. Around the bowl are extra crunchy chip pieces and a green lime half, with a small wooden bowl of white sauce beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 bag (16 ounces) coleslaw mix
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 ½ cups (247.5 g) canned corn kernels, drained
1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced
1 small red bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
3 green onions, finely sliced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
½ teaspoon ground cumin
1 bag (9.75 ounces) Chili Cheese Fritos, reserving a handful for topping
½ cup (115 g) sour cream
½ cup (116 g) mayonnaise
¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
2 tablespoons chipotle sauce from a can of chipotles in adobo (just the sauce, not the peppers)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, black beans, corn, jalapeño, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, taco seasoning, and ground cumin. Toss well to mix evenly.
Step 2: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chipotle sauce until smooth to create the chipotle dressing.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients.
Step 4: Add all but a handful of the Chili Cheese Fritos to the salad and stir carefully to distribute them without breaking them up too much.
Step 5: Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved handful of Chili Cheese Fritos on top for extra crunch.
Step 6: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors at their best.

Tips & Variations

For a milder version, omit the jalapeño or use a sweeter pepper like poblano.
Swap the black beans for pinto or kidney beans for a different texture and taste.
Add diced avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
If you prefer a vegan option, use vegan mayo and sour cream substitutes and omit the Fritos or choose a vegan snack alternative.
Prepare the salad mixture ahead but add the Fritos right before serving to keep them crunchy.

Storage

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent sogginess, keep the Fritos separate and add them just before serving. Reheat is not recommended as this salad is best enjoyed cold and fresh.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a bowl filled with a colorful snack mix showing three main layers: at the bottom, thin shredded white cabbage and small pieces of red and green peppers; in the middle, a mix of yellow corn kernels and black beans scattered throughout; on top, orange crunchy chip pieces dusted with seasoning, all mixed and coated with a creamy light beige dressing. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface, with a halved lime and a small bowl of creamy dressing blurred in the background. The textures are a mix of creamy, crunchy, and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Frito Cowboy Cabbage ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad mixture and dressing in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Add the Fritos and toss everything together just before serving to maintain their crunch.

What can I substitute if I don’t have chipotle sauce?

If you don’t have chipotle sauce, you can use a small amount of smoked paprika mixed with a bit of hot sauce or adobo sauce to bring a similar smoky, spicy flavor to the dressing.