Name: Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 7 reviews

The Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe is a vibrant celebration of bold flavors and satisfying crunch all tossed into one refreshing, colorful dish. Imagine the crispness of fresh cabbage and peppers mingling with smoky, spicy chipotle dressing, black beans’ hearty texture, and the unbeatable crunch of Chili Cheese Fritos. This recipe is both a playful twist on traditional coleslaw and a hearty salad that can shine as a side or even a light main. If you love a little Southwestern flair with a hint of spice, this dish is guaranteed to win you over and become a fast favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A small clear glass jar filled with a creamy, light beige sauce speckled with tiny herbs and spices, with a silver spoon inserted inside. The jar rests on a white marbled surface with some green cilantro leaves scattered nearby and blurred lemon wedges and a bowl in the background. A black and white striped cloth is partially visible on the right side. The sauce looks smooth and thick, filling the jar up to the top photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps it simple but vibrant, relying on staple ingredients that come together to create a wonderful mix of textures and bold tastes. Each component plays a key role in balancing spice, creaminess, and crunch that make the Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe so irresistible.

Coleslaw mix: The crunchy base with a perfect balance of shredded cabbage and carrots for freshness.
Black beans: Add hearty protein and a smooth texture to complement the crisp vegetables.
Canned corn kernels: Sweet bursts of flavor and a pop of sunshine color throughout the salad.
Jalapeño pepper: Brings a gentle kick of heat to brighten up every bite.
Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and vibrant color for visual appeal.
Green onions: Layer in subtle sharpness and freshness.
Fresh cilantro: Injects a zesty, herbaceous note that ties the flavors together.
Taco seasoning: Infuses the salad with those classic Tex-Mex spices for warmth.
Ground cumin: Adds earthy depth and enhances the smoky chipotle vibe.
Chili Cheese Fritos: Provide that iconic crunch and cheesy, spicy punch — don’t forget to reserve some for topping!
Sour cream and mayonnaise: Make the creamy, cooling base for the chipotle dressing.
Fresh lime juice: Offers a bright, citrusy zing to balance richness.
Chipotle sauce: Brings smoky heat and complexity straight from canned chipotles in adobo.

How to Make Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Salad Ingredients

Start by adding the coleslaw mix, black beans, corn, jalapeño, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, taco seasoning, and ground cumin to a large bowl. Toss everything gently to make sure all those fresh, bold flavors get evenly distributed. It’s already looking and smelling amazing at this stage!

Step 2: Prepare the Chipotle Dressing

While the salad rests, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, and chipotle sauce in a separate bowl. Whisking ensures the dressing is silky smooth with just the right balance of creamy tang and smoky heat. This dressing will be the star that brings all the ingredients to life.

Step 3: Combine Salad and Dressing

When you’re ready to serve, pour the luscious chipotle dressing over the salad mixture. Then add in all but a handful of the Chili Cheese Fritos. Gently stir everything together so each bite has that irresistible crunch and spice integrated throughout. This is where the magic of the Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe really shines.

Step 4: Add the Final Crunch

Before serving, sprinkle the reserved Chili Cheese Fritos on top for an eye-catching garnish and extra texture that makes each mouthful exciting. Now it’s time to dig in and enjoy this flavorful, crunchy delight!

How to Serve Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe

A white bowl filled with a colorful layered salad. The bottom layer has thin slices of orange chips mixed with small diced red and green vegetables, plus some yellow corn kernels. Above that, there are black beans scattered throughout, and shredded cabbage in both white and purple colors adds texture. The whole dish looks lightly coated with a creamy dressing, giving it a slightly shiny and smooth look. In the background, a sliced lime wedge and chips on a white marbled surface add to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten your serving dish with extra fresh cilantro leaves and thinly sliced green onions on top for a pop of vibrant green. A wedge of lime on the side works wonders to add an instant fresh zing when squeezed over the salad.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like marinated chicken or flank steak, perfectly balancing smoky and seasoning-heavy main courses. You can also serve it alongside quesadillas or tacos for a full Southwestern-inspired meal that feels festive and fun.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful party idea, serve the Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe layered in individual clear cups. Each cup shows off the colorful layers and crunchy toppings, making it easy for guests to enjoy. Alternatively, use it to top grilled corn on the cob or even stuff it into tacos or baked potatoes for added flavor and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh to keep the Fritos crunchy, but the flavors will continue to meld nicely in the fridge.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad since the fresh vegetables and chipotle dressing will lose their texture and brightness once thawed. Plus, the Fritos will become soggy and lose their iconic crunch.

Reheating

This is a cold salad best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is unnecessary. If you’d like to warm any accompanying dishes, keep the salad separate and serve it fresh every time.

FAQs

Can I make the Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply swap out the sour cream and mayonnaise for vegan alternatives like vegan mayonnaise and coconut or cashew-based sour cream. This keeps the creamy texture and bold flavor without dairy.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The heat level is moderate thanks to the jalapeño and chipotle sauce. You can always adjust the amount of jalapeño or chipotle sauce to suit your taste—less for mild, more if you crave extra kick!

Can I substitute the Chili Cheese Fritos?

If you can’t find Chili Cheese Fritos, other crunchy chips like regular Fritos or Doritos work well too. Just keep the cheese and spice balance in mind for the best flavor.

How long does it take to prepare?

This entire Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it a fantastic quick dish to whip up when you want something fresh but full of flavor.

Can this salad be made ahead for a party?

You can prepare the salad base and dressing in advance, but add the Fritos and mix everything together right before serving to keep the crunchy texture intact.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something crunchy, flavorful, and full of Southwestern flair, the Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe is your new go-to. It’s quick to make, packed with fresh ingredients, and delivered with a smoky chipotle punch that makes every bite exciting. Don’t wait to mix up this crowd-pleaser at your next meal—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need