Crunchy Frito Cowboy Cabbage

Get ready to transform your side dish game with this incredibly flavorful and satisfying Frito Cowboy Cabbage! This bold and crunchy salad combines vibrant Tex-Mex flavors with an irresistible crispy texture. It is wonderfully easy to prepare, making it a perfect side for everything from weeknight dinners to festive potlucks. Discover why this delicious Frito Cowboy Cabbage has become a viral sensation and a new kitchen favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe

• Flavor-packed Tex-Mex Twist: Enjoy a vibrant blend of zesty lime, smoky chipotle, and classic taco seasoning.
• Irresistible Crunchy Texture: The addition of crunchy Fritos makes every bite an exciting experience.
• Quick and Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together in minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Serve it as a standout side dish or a light lunch.
• Simple, Fresh Ingredients: You likely have most of these wholesome components in your pantry already.
• Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish: Everyone loves this fun and unique Frito Cowboy Cabbage salad.

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to create this fantastic Frito Cowboy Cabbage dish:

• 1 bag (16 ounces) coleslaw mix
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed, 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

For the 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

Notes & Substitutions

• Coleslaw mix: Use a fresh, crunchy mix for the best texture. You can also shred your own green and purple cabbage with carrots.
• Black beans: Always drain and rinse canned black beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve flavor. Beyond their taste, research from the USDA highlights the potential health benefits of black beans.
• Corn: Canned corn works perfectly, but feel free to use fresh or frozen (thawed) kernels for a brighter taste.
• Jalapeño: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the heat. For less spice, remove all seeds and membranes.
• Red bell pepper: Any color bell pepper works here. Orange or yellow varieties add a nice sweetness.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the salad. If you are not a fan, you can omit it or use fresh parsley.
• Taco seasoning: A store-bought blend is convenient, but you can also make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.
• Chipotle sauce: Make sure to use only the sauce from the can of chipotles in adobo, not the actual peppers, for a smooth dressing. Understanding the components and versatility of chipotles in adobo can enhance many Tex-Mex inspired dishes.
• Mayonnaise: For a lighter dressing, swap half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or light sour cream.

Equipment

Gather these simple kitchen tools to prepare your delicious salad:

• Large mixing bowl for combining the salad ingredients.
• Medium whisking bowl for preparing the creamy dressing.
• Sharp knife for precise dicing of vegetables.
• Cutting board for safe and easy chopping.
• Measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate ingredient amounts.

Instructions

Creating this flavorful Frito Cowboy Cabbage is wonderfully straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect outcome:

1. Prepare the Salad Base: To a large mixing bowl, add the 16-ounce bag of coleslaw mix. Next, add the rinsed and drained black beans, the drained corn kernels, the finely diced jalapeño, and the finely diced red bell pepper.
2. Add Aromatics and Seasoning: Sprinkle in the finely sliced green onions and the fresh, chopped cilantro. Add the tablespoon of taco seasoning and the half teaspoon of ground cumin.
3. Combine Salad Ingredients: Gently toss all these vibrant ingredients together in the large bowl until they are evenly combined. Make sure the seasoning is well distributed throughout the vegetables and beans.
4. Whisk the Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, and chipotle sauce. Use a whisk to thoroughly mix these dressing ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This will yield about 1 ¼ cups of rich chipotle dressing.
5. Dress the Salad: When you are ready to serve the Frito Cowboy Cabbage, pour the prepared chipotle dressing evenly over the coleslaw mixture in the large bowl.
6. Add Most of the Fritos: Open the bag of Chili Cheese Fritos. Add all but a small handful of the Fritos into the salad bowl. You’ll reserve the remaining handful for a fresh garnish.
7. Gently Toss to Coat: Carefully stir and toss all the ingredients together, ensuring the dressing coats everything thoroughly and the Fritos are incorporated without breaking too much.
8. Final Topping and Serve: Just before bringing it to the table, top the salad with the remaining handful of Chili Cheese Fritos. This ensures maximum crunch in every serving. Serve your delightful Frito Cowboy Cabbage immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Frito Cowboy Cabbage

• Chill Ingredients: For a truly refreshing salad, chill your coleslaw mix, black beans, and corn beforehand.
• Adjust Spice: Customize the heat level by adding more or less jalapeño, or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
• Uniform Chops: Dice all your vegetables to a similar size for a balanced texture in every bite of your Frito Cowboy Cabbage.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust lime juice or seasoning as needed.
• Fritos Last: Add the Fritos just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy. This ensures that signature crunch.
• Fresh Lime Power: Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest, most authentic flavor in your dressing.
• Don’t Overdress: Add the dressing gradually and toss. You want the salad coated, not swimming.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

This versatile Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a fantastic addition to many meals.

Serving Suggestions

• Grilled Meats: Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a hearty summer meal.
• Potluck Favorite: Bring it to your next gathering or picnic; it always disappears fast.
• Taco Night: Serve it alongside your favorite tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
• BBQ Side: It’s a perfect refreshing contrast to savory barbecue dishes.

Storage

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover Frito Cowboy Cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Fritos Separate: For the best texture, store any remaining Fritos separately and add them just before serving.
• Freshness: The salad, without Fritos mixed in, stays fresh for up to 3 days.
• Dressing Ahead: You can prepare the dressing a day ahead and store it in the fridge, then mix it in before serving.

Variations

• Add Protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked ground beef for a main dish salad.
• Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle in some crumbled cotija cheese or shredded cheddar for extra flavor.
• Chip Swap: Try replacing Fritos with crushed tortilla chips or corn chips for a different crunch.
• Creamy Avocado: Add diced avocado just before serving for a rich, creamy element.
• Extra Veggies: Include different colored bell peppers or finely diced red onion for more crunch and color.

Nutrition Information

This Frito Cowboy Cabbage salad is packed with fresh vegetables. Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutrition per serving.

This estimate primarily accounts for the fresh ingredients and creamy dressing. It provides a good source of fiber and vitamins from the cabbage, corn, and beans. Remember that the calorie count can be adjusted by modifying the dressing ingredients or adding various toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Why is it called Frito Cowboy Cabbage?
  This salad gets its name from its hearty, Tex-Mex inspired ingredients, reminiscent of “cowboy” or rustic ranch-style dishes. The crunchy Fritos are the signature finishing touch.
• What can I use instead of chipotle sauce?
  If you don’t have chipotle sauce, you can substitute smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or a dash of your favorite mild hot sauce. A little chili powder can also work.
• Can I use regular cabbage instead of coleslaw mix?
  Absolutely! Just shred about 6-7 cups of green cabbage and add about ½ cup of shredded carrots if you like. This will make your homemade Frito Cowboy Cabbage even fresher.
• Can you make Frito Cowboy Cabbage ahead of time?
  You can prepare all the salad ingredients and the dressing separately a day in advance. Mix them together just before serving, and add the Fritos at the very last minute.
• Is Frito Cowboy Cabbage spicy?
  The spice level is generally mild to medium, thanks to the jalapeño and chipotle sauce. You can easily adjust the heat by removing more seeds from the jalapeño or adding less chipotle sauce.
• How to store Frito Cowboy Cabbage Salad?
  Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Always remember to keep the Fritos separate until serving to maintain their crispness.

Conclusion

This Crunchy Frito Cowboy Cabbage truly offers a delightful combination of fresh, vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. It’s a quick and easy recipe that brings excitement to any meal with its Tex-Mex flair. We hope you feel confident and inspired to try this wonderfully versatile side dish in your own kitchen! Share your creations and tell us how you enjoyed this unique Frito Cowboy Cabbage salad.

Crunchy Frito Cowboy Cabbage

A crunchy, flavorful salad featuring coleslaw mix, black beans, corn, fresh vegetables, and a creamy chipotle dressing, all tossed with Chili Cheese Fritos.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

• Large Bowl
• Medium bowl
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 1 bag coleslaw mix 16 ounces
• 1 can black beans 15 ounces, rinsed, drained
• 1 ½ cups canned corn kernels 247.5 g, 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 Chili Cheese Fritos 9.75 ounces, reserving a handful for topping

Dressing Ingredients

• ½ cup sour cream 115 g
• ½ cup mayonnaise 116 g
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice about 2 limes
• 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce from a can of chipotles in adobo, just the sauce

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, black beans, corn, diced jalapeño, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, taco seasoning, and cumin, then toss to combine.
• Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chipotle sauce in a separate medium bowl until smooth to create the dressing.

Assembly and Serving

• Pour the prepared dressing over the coleslaw mixture when you are ready to serve.
• Add most of the Chili Cheese Fritos to the mixture, reserving a handful, then gently stir to coat all ingredients.
• Garnish with the reserved Chili Cheese Fritos just before serving for an extra crunchy topping.
• Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its fresh taste and crunch.

Notes

This salad is best served immediately to maintain the crunch of the Fritos. For best results, keep the Fritos separate until just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 9gFat: 35gSodium: 900mgFiber: 7gSugar: 6g

Keyword Frito Cowboy Cabbage

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