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; 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

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Introduction

Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a vibrant and flavorful salad that combines crunchy coleslaw, hearty black beans, and zesty chipotle dressing. Topped with Chili Cheese Fritos, this dish offers a perfect blend of textures and bold Southwestern flavors, making it a great side or light meal.

A white bowl is filled with a mixed salad that has several layers and colors. The base layer consists of shredded cabbage and carrot pieces in white, orange, and purple hues, mixed with yellow corn kernels and black beans scattered throughout. Small chunks of red tomato add bursts of brightness, and thin green jalapeño slices provide contrast. There is a creamy white dressing coating everything, with scattered crushed orange corn chips on top and within the salad adding texture and an extra crunchy layer. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some chips and a halved lime nearby. 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 gently to mix everything evenly.
Step 2: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chipotle sauce until the dressing is smooth.
Step 3: Pour most of the dressing over the salad mixture, reserving a little if desired, and toss to coat all ingredients well.
Step 4: Add all but a handful of the Chili Cheese Fritos to the salad and stir gently to combine.
Step 5: Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved handful of Fritos on top for extra crunch and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a milder version, remove the jalapeño seeds completely or substitute with a mild green pepper.
Try adding diced avocado for extra creaminess and flavor.
If you prefer a vegan option, swap sour cream and mayonnaise for plant-based alternatives and check the Fritos ingredients.
Make the salad ahead but add the Fritos just before serving to keep them crisp.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The Fritos will soften over time, so it’s best to add fresh Fritos when serving leftovers. To reheat, this salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature; avoid microwaving to preserve texture.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a colorful salad made of layered ingredients including creamy dressing-coated shredded white cabbage, bright yellow corn kernels, small black beans, finely chopped red and green bell peppers, and crushed orange chip-style tortilla chips scattered on top and mixed throughout. The textures vary from creamy and soft to crunchy, with colors of white, orange, yellow, black, red, and green blended together. In the background, there is a halved lime resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Frito Cowboy Cabbage in advance?

Yes, you can mix the salad and dressing separately a few hours ahead. Combine them and add the Fritos just before serving to maintain their crunch.

What can I substitute for Chili Cheese Fritos?

If you can’t find Chili Cheese Fritos, plain Fritos or another crunchy corn chip work well. You could also try tortilla chips or crushed spicy corn chips as alternatives.