Frito Cowboy Cabbage Salad Recipe
Introduction
Frito Cowboy Cabbage Salad is a vibrant, crunchy dish bursting with southwestern flavors. This easy-to-make salad combines fresh vegetables, a creamy chipotle dressing, and the irresistible crunch of Chili Cheese Fritos for a perfect side or light meal.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (16 ounces) coleslaw mix
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 1/2 cups 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
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 bag (9.75 ounces) Chili Cheese Fritos, divided
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce from canned chipotles in adobo
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the coleslaw mix, black beans, corn, jalapeño pepper, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, taco seasoning, and ground cumin in a large bowl. Gently toss until the mixture is thoroughly combined.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chipotle sauce until the dressing is smooth and uniform.
- Step 3: Pour the chipotle dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss gently to coat all vegetables evenly.
- Step 4: Fold in all but a handful of the Chili Cheese Fritos, ensuring they are distributed throughout. Just prior to serving, sprinkle the reserved Fritos on top to maintain their crisp texture.
- Step 5: Serve immediately for optimum freshness and crunch.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder salad, reduce or omit the jalapeño and chipotle sauce.
- Substitute plain Fritos or another corn chip if Chili Cheese Fritos are not available.
- Add diced avocado or cherry tomatoes for extra creaminess and color.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter dressing.
Storage
This salad is best enjoyed fresh to keep the Fritos crunchy. If storing leftovers, keep the salad and Fritos separate in airtight containers. Refrigerate the salad for up to 2 days and add fresh Fritos just before serving. Reheating is not recommended.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing in advance, but add the Fritos just before serving to keep them crispy.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal-based ingredients other than dairy.
PrintFrito Cowboy Cabbage Salad Recipe
Frito Cowboy Cabbage Salad is a vibrant and crunchy salad featuring a mix of coleslaw vegetables, black beans, corn, and colorful peppers. Tossed in a creamy chipotle lime dressing and topped with crispy Chili Cheese Fritos, this salad offers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors. Ideal as a refreshing side dish or light meal, it’s quick to prepare and no cooking is required.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 bag (16 ounces) coleslaw mix
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 1/2 cups 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
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 bag (9.75 ounces) Chili Cheese Fritos, divided
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce from canned chipotles in adobo
Instructions
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: Place the coleslaw mix, black beans, corn, jalapeño pepper, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, taco seasoning, and ground cumin in a large bowl. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, and chipotle sauce until the dressing is smooth and uniform in texture.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the chipotle dressing over the mixed salad ingredients. Toss gently to ensure all vegetables are thoroughly coated with the dressing.
- Add Fritos: Fold in all but a handful of the Chili Cheese Fritos, distributing them evenly throughout the salad to add crunch and flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved Fritos on top to maintain their crispness. Serve immediately for the best freshness and texture.
Notes
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or cooked shrimp.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the jalapeño pepper.
- This salad is best served immediately to keep the Fritos crunchy.
- You can substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
- Chipotle sauce can be adjusted to taste depending on your spice preference.
Keywords: Frito salad, Cowboy cabbage salad, Chipotle dressing, Coleslaw mix, Black bean salad, Crunchy salad, Vegetarian salad, Quick salad recipe
