Description
This vibrant Frito Cowboy Cabbage salad combines crisp coleslaw mix with black beans, corn, jalapeño, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a creamy chipotle-lime dressing and topped with crunchy Chili Cheese Fritos for a perfect balance of textures and smoky-spicy flavor. A quick and flavorful no-cook side or light meal that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Mix
- 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
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)
Toppings
- 1 bag (9.75 ounces) Chili Cheese Fritos (reserve a handful for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Mix: In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, rinsed and drained black beans, canned corn kernels, finely diced jalapeño pepper, finely diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and chopped fresh cilantro. Add the taco seasoning and ground cumin; gently toss everything until evenly mixed.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, and chipotle sauce until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed to balance the smoky heat and tangy flavors.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable and bean mixture. Add all but a handful of the Chili Cheese Fritos and gently stir to combine without crushing the chips, ensuring every ingredient is coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the reserved handful of Chili Cheese Fritos on top as a crunchy garnish to add texture and extra cheesy flavor just before serving.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and crunch. This salad makes a great side dish or a light, satisfying meal on its own.
Notes
- Chop vegetables finely for a uniform texture that blends well in the salad.
- Adjust the quantity of jalapeño depending on how spicy you prefer the dish.
- Prepare the dressing ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the Fritos.
Keywords: Frito Cowboy Cabbage, Coleslaw salad, Black bean salad, Chipotle dressing, Chili Cheese Fritos salad, No-cook salad, American salad, Spicy creamy salad