Name: Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 1 bag (16 ounces) coleslaw mix; 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained; 1½ 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, divided (reserve 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)

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Introduction

Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a vibrant, flavorful salad that combines crunchy coleslaw mix with zesty chipotle dressing and the irresistible crunch of Chili Cheese Fritos. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick lunch or a potluck favorite that brings a southwest twist to your table.

A white bowl filled with a colorful mixed salad containing shredded white cabbage, thin orange carrot strips, yellow corn kernels, black beans, small green pepper pieces, and small red pepper bits all mixed in a creamy dressing. Some crunchy orange corn chips are scattered on top and around the bowl. A half lime and a white bowl of dressing sit beside the bowl, all placed on a white marbled surface. 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 cumin. Toss everything well until evenly mixed.
Step 2: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, and chipotle sauce until smooth to create the chipotle dressing.
Step 3: Pour the chipotle dressing over the salad mixture and gently stir to coat all ingredients.
Step 4: Add all but a handful of Chili Cheese Fritos to the salad and stir gently again to distribute the chips without crushing them.
Step 5: Just before serving, top the salad with the reserved handful of Chili Cheese Fritos for extra crunch and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a milder version, reduce the jalapeño or omit it altogether and use less chipotle sauce in the dressing.
Try adding diced avocado or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness and color.
If you prefer a vegan option, substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives.
Use fresh corn in season instead of canned for a sweeter crunch.

Storage

This salad is best enjoyed fresh to keep the Fritos crunchy. If you need to store it, keep the salad and dressing separate and combine just before serving. Refrigerate the salad without Fritos in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Add the Fritos only when ready to serve to maintain their crispiness.

How to Serve

A large white bowl filled with a colorful salad featuring multiple layers and textures, starting with a base of shredded pale cabbage mixed with small diced red and green bell peppers, and yellow corn kernels. Scattered throughout are black beans and broken pieces of bright orange crispy snack chips, creating a crunchy texture in contrast to the soft vegetables. The entire salad is lightly coated with a creamy dressing, giving a slightly glossy look. The salad is placed on a white marbled surface, with a halved lime and a small white bowl of some white sauce visible blurred in the background. 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 prep the salad mix and dressing separately and combine them just before serving. Add the Fritos last to keep them crunchy.

What if I don’t have chipotle sauce on hand?

You can substitute chipotle sauce with a teaspoon of smoked paprika and a little hot sauce to mimic a smoky, spicy flavor, though the dressing won’t be exactly the same.