Name: Frito Cowboy Cabbage Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
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)

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Introduction

Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a vibrant, crunchy salad bursting with bold flavors and textures. Combining fresh vegetables, black beans, and a creamy chipotle dressing, this dish is perfect for a quick lunch or a flavorful side. The addition of Chili Cheese Fritos adds a delightful cheesy crunch that makes it truly irresistible.

A close-up of a bowl filled with a colorful layered salad, featuring a mix of light orange corn chips spread unevenly on top and within the dish, dark black beans, yellow corn kernels, and shredded white cabbage with thin strips of purple cabbage mixed throughout. Small pieces of red and green bell peppers add bright color and texture across the salad. The creamy dressing coats the ingredients giving a slightly glossy look. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface, with a halved lime visible in the background. 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
Chipotle Dressing:
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 everything together until evenly mixed.
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: When ready to serve, pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and stir gently to coat all ingredients.
Step 4: Add all but a handful of the Chili Cheese Fritos to the salad and mix gently.
Step 5: Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining handful of Chili Cheese Fritos on top for extra crunch.
Step 6: Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest textures and flavors.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, include some finely chopped chipotle peppers along with the sauce in the dressing.
Substitute the Chili Cheese Fritos with plain corn chips or tortilla strips if preferred.
Add diced avocado for creaminess and extra richness.
Make it vegetarian-friendly by ensuring your taco seasoning is meat-free.
Prepare the salad without the chips and add them right before serving to keep them crunchy.

Storage

Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If combined, the chips will become soggy quickly. Reheat is not recommended as this salad is best served cold and fresh.

How to Serve

A clear glass bowl filled with a colorful mix of chopped vegetables including white and purple cabbage, bright yellow corn, green scallions, black beans, and small orange carrot pieces, all evenly mixed together creating a textured, vibrant base layer. Above this, a thick light beige creamy dressing is being poured from a clear measuring cup, slowly spreading over the vegetables and creating a smooth layer in the center. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface that adds a subtle elegant touch to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients and the dressing separately and combine them just before serving to maintain the chips’ crunch.

What can I use if I can’t find chipotle sauce?

If chipotle sauce is unavailable, substitute with a small amount of smoked paprika and a dash of hot sauce to mimic the smoky heat.