Can I make Frito Cowboy Cabbage ahead of time?

Absolutely! Just mix everything except the dressing and Fritos. Add those right before serving for that perfect crunch.

What can I use instead of black beans?

Pinto or kidney beans work great, or you can even skip them if you want a lighter salad.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The chips will soften, but the flavors get even better!

Is there a way to make this lighter?

Sure! Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and go light on the mayo. You’ll still get that creamy texture without the extra calories.

Frito Cowboy Cabbage: 5 Irresistible Crunchy Bites

Description

This Frito Cowboy Cabbage salad is bold, creamy, and irresistibly crunchy! Packed with colorful cabbage, black beans, corn, and a smoky chipotle dressing, it’s the ultimate side dish or potluck favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights, summer cookouts, or any time you’re craving something fresh with a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

1 (14 oz) bag coleslaw mix (green & purple cabbage with carrots)
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
1 jalapeño, diced (adjust for heat)
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 green onions, sliced
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
2 tablespoons chipotle sauce (from canned chipotles in adobo)
2 cups Chili Cheese Fritos, divided

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Instructions

Combine the veggies: In a large mixing bowl, add the coleslaw mix, black beans, corn, jalapeño, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, taco seasoning, and cumin. Toss until evenly mixed.
Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chipotle sauce until smooth and creamy.
Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Add the crunch: Fold in most of the Chili Cheese Fritos, reserving a handful for topping.
Serve immediately: Top with the remaining Fritos just before serving for that extra crispy finish.

Notes

Make-ahead tip: Mix everything except the dressing and Fritos up to 4 hours ahead. Add them right before serving to keep the crunch alive!
Heat level: Adjust the chipotle sauce and jalapeño to suit your spice preference.
Substitutions: Pinto or kidney beans can replace black beans, and any bell pepper color works.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad, Side Dish
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
Calories: 285 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 420 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 10 mg