Description
This Frito Cowboy Cabbage Salad is a vibrant, flavorful blend of crunchy coleslaw mix, black beans, corn, and fresh peppers, all tossed with a zesty chipotle dressing and topped with crispy Chili Cheese Fritos. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal or a standout side dish, this no-cook recipe packs a punch of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 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
Chipotle 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 (only the sauce, not the peppers)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, rinsed and drained black beans, drained corn kernels, diced jalapeño, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, taco seasoning, and ground cumin. Toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Make the Chipotle Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, and chipotle sauce until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates about 1 ¼ cups of flavorful chipotle dressing.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: When ready to serve, pour the chipotle dressing over the salad mixture. Add all but a handful of the Chili Cheese Fritos to the bowl and gently stir to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing and to incorporate the Fritos into the salad.
- Add Final Crunch and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved handful of Chili Cheese Fritos over the top of the salad for an added crunchy texture and extra flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp freshness and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- For extra heat, keep some seeds in the jalapeño or add more jalapeño to taste.
- You can substitute fresh corn if available, just lightly cook and cool before adding.
- If preferred, Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter dressing.
- Customize the taco seasoning to control sodium and spice levels, or use homemade blend.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crunchiness of the Fritos.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
