Dessert

Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe

ByGabriel Langdon November 3, 2025November 3, 2025

Introduction

Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a vibrant, crunchy salad that combines fresh vegetables with bold southwestern flavors. Topped with Chili Cheese Fritos and a creamy chipotle dressing, this dish is perfect for gatherings or a flavorful side.

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with a colorful layered salad. The salad includes bright orange chips scattered throughout, mixed with shredded white cabbage, black beans, yellow corn kernels, small diced red tomatoes, and tiny green pepper pieces. The texture is a mix of crunchy chips and soft vegetables, all coated lightly in a creamy dressing with specks of herbs. In the background, part of a cut lime and a small bowl of reddish dip are slightly visible, all set 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 coleslaw mix, black beans, corn, jalapeño, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, taco seasoning, and cumin. Toss well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Step 2: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 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 gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Stir in all but a handful of Chili Cheese Fritos, mixing gently to combine without crushing the chips.
Step 5: Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved Chili Cheese Fritos on top for added crunch and texture.
Step 6: Serve immediately to enjoy the full freshness and crispness of the salad.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
Substitute the chipotle sauce with hot sauce or smoked paprika for a different smoky flavor.
Try adding diced avocado for creaminess and extra nutrients.
If you prefer a vegan version, use dairy-free sour cream and mayonnaise alternatives.

Storage

Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The Fritos will lose their crunch if mixed in early, so wait to add them just before serving again. Reheat is not recommended as this salad is best enjoyed cold and fresh.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a white bowl filled with a colorful layered salad. The base layer includes shredded pale cabbage and small pieces of diced red and green bell pepper. Scattered on top are black beans, bright yellow corn kernels, and little bits of purple cabbage mixed in. Crispy orange tortilla chips break through the mix, adding crunch with their curved and textured surfaces. The salad is lightly coated with a creamy dressing that binds the ingredients together. In the background, a halved lime rests on a white marbled surface, adding a fresh 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 the salad and dressing separately up to a day in advance. Keep the Fritos aside until serving to maintain their crunch.

What can I use if I don’t have chipotle sauce?

If chipotle sauce is unavailable, you can substitute with a smoky hot sauce, adobo sauce from canned chipotles, or smoked paprika mixed into the dressing for a similar flavor profile.