Dinner

Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe

ByRafael Mansero January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

Introduction

Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a vibrant, crunchy salad bursting with Southwestern flavors. Combining fresh vegetables, zesty chipotle dressing, and the irresistible crunch of Chili Cheese Fritos, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or a flavorful side dish.

A large white bowl filled with a colorful layered salad that includes orange crispy chip pieces on top and throughout, black beans, yellow corn kernels, shredded white cabbage with some purple cabbage mixed in, small diced red tomatoes, and finely chopped green herbs. The salad has a creamy, light dressing that coats the ingredients, giving a slightly shiny texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a lime cut in half and a small wooden container of white sauce nearby, along with a dark brown cloth partly visible. 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 until everything is 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: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Add all but a handful of the Chili Cheese Fritos to the salad and gently stir to combine, distributing the crunch throughout.
Step 5: Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved Chili Cheese Fritos on top for extra texture and crunch.
Step 6: Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, zesty flavors.

Tips & Variations

For a milder salad, reduce or omit the jalapeño and chipotle sauce.
Swap the black beans for pinto or kidney beans for a different texture.
Add diced avocado for a creamy twist.
If you prefer less dressing, reserve some and add more as desired when serving to keep the Fritos crunchy.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To preserve the crunchy texture of the Fritos, keep them separate and add just before serving. The salad can be gently reheated at room temperature, but it is best enjoyed fresh and chilled.

How to Serve

A clear bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with a colorful mix of chopped vegetables including white and purple cabbage, black beans, bright yellow corn, green onions, and small orange carrot pieces. A creamy, light beige dressing is being poured into the center of the vegetable mix from a clear measuring cup held by a woman's hand, creating a small pool on top of the vegetables. The textures of the vegetables are slightly crunchy, and the dressing looks smooth and thick. 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 and dressing ahead, but for best texture, keep the Fritos separate and add them right before serving to avoid sogginess.

Is this salad vegetarian or vegan?

This salad is vegetarian but not vegan due to the sour cream and mayonnaise. To make it vegan, substitute with plant-based alternatives for these ingredients.