Frito Cowboy Cabbage Salad is a delightful, crunchy, creamy dish that brings together fresh ingredients for an irresistible Tex-Mex flavor. Loaded with beans, corn, cheese, and, of course, Fritos, this salad is perfect for any gathering or as a simple side dish. With its vibrant colors and textures, it offers a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy dressing beautifully. Let’s dive into how to create this flavor-packed salad!
Why You’ll Love This Frito Cowboy Cabbage Salad
This Cowboy Cabbage Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Here are six reasons to love it:
- Quick preparation time of just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
- Loaded with nutrients from fresh vegetables like cabbage and tomatoes.
- The combination of flavors from the Fritos and creamy dressing creates a unique taste experience.
- Perfect for potlucks or BBQs, as it serves as a crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile enough to be served as a main dish or side salad.
- Customizable with various Frito salad variations to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients for Frito Cowboy Cabbage Salad
Gather these items:
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup black beans (rinsed)
- 0.5 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 0.5 cup green onions (sliced)
- 1 jalapeño (sliced, optional)
- 1 cup Fritos (crushed)
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper (to taste)
How to Make Frito Cowboy Cabbage Salad Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Whisk mayonnaise, lime juice, taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Step 2: Combine cabbage, tomatoes, corn, black beans, cheddar, green onions, and jalapeños in a bowl.
- Step 3: Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.
- Step 4: Add crushed Fritos just before serving to keep them crunchy.
- Step 5: Top with extra Fritos for garnish.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Frito Cowboy Cabbage Salad
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust the Frito Cowboy Salad ingredients according to your taste; add more cheese or beans as desired.
- Mix the salad right before serving to maintain the crunch of the Fritos.
Best Ways to Serve Frito Cowboy Cabbage Salad
This Crunchy Cabbage Salad can be served in various delightful ways:
- As a side dish with grilled meats.
- In a taco or as a filling for burritos.
- With additional toppings like avocado or cilantro for added zest.
How to Store and Reheat Frito Cowboy Cabbage Salad
To store, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Remember to add Fritos just before serving to ensure they retain their crunch. This makes it perfect for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Frito Cowboy Cabbage Salad
What is Frito Cowboy Cabbage Salad?
It’s a flavorful salad combining shredded cabbage, beans, corn, and Fritos, topped with a creamy dressing. This Frito and Cabbage Salad combination is a Tex-Mex favorite!
Can I make Frito Cowboy Cabbage Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance, but add the Fritos just before serving to keep them crunchy.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Frito Cowboy Cabbage Salad?
To avoid sogginess, mix the salad shortly before serving and store the Fritos separately until it’s time to eat.
Variations of Frito Cowboy Cabbage Salad You Can Try
For a twist on the classic recipe, consider these variations:
- Substitute the black beans with kidney beans for a different texture.
- Add diced bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier version.

For more delicious recipes, check out our Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake or Creamy Cauliflower Soup.
For more information on the health benefits of cabbage, you can visit Healthline.
Print
Delicious Frito Cowboy Cabbage Salad in 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A crunchy, creamy, flavor-packed cabbage salad loaded with beans, corn, cheese, and Fritos for the ultimate cowboy-style side dish.
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup black beans (rinsed)
- 0.5 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 0.5 cup green onions (sliced)
- 1 jalapeño (sliced, optional)
- 1 cup Fritos (crushed)
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Whisk mayonnaise, lime juice, taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Combine cabbage, tomatoes, corn, black beans, cheddar, green onions, and jalapeños in a bowl.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.
- Add crushed Fritos just before serving to keep them crunchy.
- Top with extra Fritos for garnish.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Frito Cowboy Cabbage Salad