Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe – Quick & Tasty
Short introduction
Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a colorful and flavorful salad that combines crunchy vegetables, hearty black beans, and the delightful crunch of Chili Cheese Fritos. It’s a quick dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a casual family dinner. The vibrant mix of ingredients not only makes it pleasing to the eye but also packs a punch of flavor in every bite.
Why you’ll love it
This dish is simple, fresh, and loaded with benefits. It’s vegetarian-friendly, packed with protein from the black beans, and brings together a delicious medley of vegetables. The creaminess of the dressing complements the crunch of the Fritos, creating a satisfying texture contrast. Plus, it can be made in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (16 ounces) coleslaw mix
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 1/2 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
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 bag (9.75 ounces) Chili Cheese Fritos, reserving a handful for topping
- 1/2 cup (115 g) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (116 g) mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce from a can of chipotles in adobo
Substitutions & key variations
If you’re looking to mix things up, you can modify this salad in several ways:
- Beans: You can choose kidney beans or pinto beans instead of black beans.
- Vegetables: Add diced avocado or corn to enhance the flavors or swap the jalapeño for bell pepper if you prefer less heat.
- Dressing: Swap the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist, or use a dairy-free mayonnaise for a vegan option.
Step-by-step
Step 1:
In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, rinsed black beans, drained corn, diced jalapeño, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, taco seasoning, and ground cumin. Toss everything together until it is evenly mixed.
Step 2:
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chipotle sauce until smooth. This creamy dressing brings everything together!
Step 3:
Once your dressing is ready, pour it over the coleslaw mixture. Gently stir to ensure all ingredients are coated well. Add in all but a handful of the Chili Cheese Fritos at this time.
Step 4:
Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved handful of Chili Cheese Fritos on top for that extra crunch. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness and flavors.
Success tips
For the best results:
- Temperature: Serve the salad chilled for a refreshing dish.
- Texture: Ensure all veggies are chopped evenly for a consistent bite.
- Common mistakes: Avoid adding too much dressing, which can make the salad soggy. It’s better to start with less and add more to your taste.
How to serve
Frito Cowboy Cabbage can be enjoyed as a side dish along with grilled meats or as a light main dish by itself. It’s an excellent addition to summer barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. Just set it out in a bowl with extra Fritos on the side for those who want to add more crunch!
Storage & reheating
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you need to store it, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, you might want to add a few new Fritos for that fresh crunch, as they tend to lose their crispiness over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Frito Cowboy Cabbage ahead of time?
A: While you can prepare the veggies and dressing in advance, it’s best to mix them closer to serving time to keep the Fritos crunchy.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, all the ingredients can be gluten-free, but always check the labels, especially for sauces and the Fritos.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: The spiciness mostly comes from the jalapeño. If you’re sensitive to heat, adjust the amount or use a milder pepper.
Q: Can I add more protein?
A: Absolutely! Grilled chicken or ground turkey can be great additions for a heartier meal.
Q: What other toppings can I use?
A: You can add sliced avocado, shredded cheese, or diced tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This dish is rich in vitamins from the fresh vegetables and fiber from the beans, making it a nutritious choice. The creamy dressing contributes fats, so it balances well.
Conclusion
Frito Cowboy Cabbage is an easy and delicious recipe that brings a burst of color and flavor to your table. Whether it’s for a casual lunch or a festive get-together, you can’t go wrong with this delightful salad. Ready to try it? Gather your ingredients and enjoy a fantastic dish today!
Links to related recipes
Frito Cowboy Cabbage
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 bag (16 ounces) coleslaw mix Base of the salad
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained Adds protein
- 1.5 cups canned corn kernels, drained Sweetness and crunch
- 1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced For heat, adjust to taste
- 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and finely diced Adds sweetness and color
- 3 green onions, finely sliced For flavor and garnish
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped Herb for freshness
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning For seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin For depth of flavor
- 1 bag (9.75 ounces) Chili Cheese Fritos, reserving a handful for topping For crunch
Dressing Ingredients
- 0.5 cup sour cream Base for dressing
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise Adds creaminess
- 0.25 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes) For acidity and flavor
- 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce from a can of chipotles in adobo For smokiness and heat
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, rinsed black beans, drained corn, diced jalapeño, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, taco seasoning, and ground cumin. Toss everything together until it is evenly mixed.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chipotle sauce until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and gently stir to ensure all ingredients are coated well. Add in all but a handful of the Chili Cheese Fritos.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved handful of Chili Cheese Fritos on top.