Dessert

Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe

ByLily Monroe February 22, 2026February 22, 2026

Introduction

Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a vibrant and flavorful salad combining crunchy coleslaw mix, black beans, and a creamy chipotle dressing. Topped with fiery Chili Cheese Fritos, this dish offers a perfect blend of textures and smoky heat, making it a crowd-pleaser for any casual meal or party.

A close-up view of a white round bowl filled with a colorful salad made of many layers. The salad contains shredded pale green cabbage, orange carrot strips, black beans, yellow corn kernels, small red and green pepper pieces, and crunchy orange snack strips mixed evenly throughout. The texture looks creamy, with a light dressing coating the ingredients, and some finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top. A few orange snack strips sit on the surface of the salad, adding extra crunch and color contrast. The bowl is placed on a wooden table with a few snack pieces scattered around and a halved lime in the background, all set on a white marbled texture. 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 everything together until evenly mixed.
Step 2: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, and chipotle sauce until the dressing is smooth.
Step 3: Pour the chipotle dressing over the salad mixture and gently stir to combine.
Step 4: Add all but a handful of the Chili Cheese Fritos to the salad, stirring gently to coat the ingredients with the chips.
Step 5: Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved handful of Chili Cheese Fritos on top for an extra crunch.
Step 6: Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture of the Fritos and the fresh flavors.

Tips & Variations

For less heat, reduce or omit the jalapeño and chipotle sauce, or substitute with mild salsa.
Add diced avocado for a creamy boost and extra richness.
Use homemade taco seasoning to control the salt and spice levels.
Serve the dressing on the side to keep the Fritos crunchy for longer if preparing ahead.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the Fritos separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess. When reheating, it’s best to enjoy this salad cold or at room temperature; do not microwave as the fresh vegetables and Fritos lose their texture.

How to Serve

A large white bowl holds a colorful layered salad with visible layers of orange crispy corn chips, creamy light dressing, shredded white cabbage, bright yellow corn kernels, black beans, small diced red tomatoes, chopped green herbs, and small bits of purple cabbage all mixed together creating a textured and vibrant dish. On the side of the bowl, there is a half green lime placed on a white marbled surface, adding a fresh look to the image. The mix shows a good balance of crunchy and creamy textures clearly visible throughout the salad. 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?

You can prepare the salad and dressing separately and combine them just before serving. Adding the Fritos right before serving helps maintain their crunch.

Is this salad vegetarian or vegan?

This recipe is vegetarian, but not vegan due to the sour cream and mayonnaise. You can make it vegan by using plant-based sour cream and mayonnaise alternatives.