Frito Cowboy Cabbage Southwestern Salad (Print version)

Crunchy coleslaw mix with black beans, corn, and Chili Cheese Fritos tossed in smoky chipotle dressing for a bold Southwestern side.

# What You'll Need:

→ Salad Base

01 - 1 bag (16 oz) coleslaw mix
02 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
03 - 1½ cups canned corn kernels, drained
04 - 1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced
05 - 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
06 - 3 green onions, finely sliced
07 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
08 - 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
09 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1 bag (9.75 oz) Chili Cheese Fritos

→ Chipotle Dressing

11 - ½ cup sour cream
12 - ½ cup mayonnaise
13 - ¼ cup fresh lime juice
14 - 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce

# Directions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, black beans, corn, jalapeño, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, taco seasoning, and ground cumin. Toss until well mixed.
02 - In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chipotle sauce until smooth.
03 - Pour the chipotle dressing over the salad mixture and toss until evenly coated.
04 - Add all but a reserved handful of Chili Cheese Fritos to the salad and gently stir to combine.
05 - Just before serving, top with the reserved Fritos for extra crunch. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • That perfect sweet spot between indulgent and refreshing, like you're being smart about vegetables but also living your best life
  • The crunch combo creates this addictive texture that keeps everyone coming back for just one more bite
02 -
  • That texture window is real—within 30 minutes, some Fritos will soften and while still delicious, you lose that signature crunch contrast
  • The dressing makes more than you think—start with three quarters and add more if needed, because a soggy salad can't be saved
03 -
  • Pat your canned vegetables extra dry with paper towels to prevent a watery bottom layer
  • Chipotle sauce varies wildly in heat—taste before you dump, because you can always add more
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