Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a fun, crunchy Tex-Mex inspired side dish packed with shredded cabbage, cowboy caviar flavors, and crispy Fritos tossed in a tangy dressing. This no-cook recipe comes together in just 10 minutes and delivers the perfect mix of fresh, savory, and crunchy textures. Ideal for potlucks, BBQs, or quick family meals, this easy slaw-style dish is bold, colorful, and seriously addictive.
Key Takeaways
• No-cook, quick 10-minute recipe
• Crunchy, fresh, and flavorful texture
• Tex-Mex inspired party side dish
• Perfect for potlucks and gatherings
• Easy beginner-friendly preparation
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines the freshness of cabbage slaw with the bold flavors of cowboy caviar and the irresistible crunch of Fritos. It’s incredibly simple to make, customizable, and crowd-pleasing. The tangy dressing ties everything together while the chips add a satisfying salty crunch that makes this dish stand out from traditional coleslaw.
Ingredients
4 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded purple cabbage
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 cups Fritos corn chips
For the Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste
Equipment
Large mixing bowl
Small bowl for dressing
Whisk or spoon
Knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth. - Combine vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, add green cabbage, purple cabbage, black beans, corn, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. - Add dressing
Pour dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly until evenly coated. - Add crunch
Just before serving, fold in the Fritos corn chips to maintain their crisp texture. - Serve immediately
Serve fresh for maximum crunch and flavor.
Tips & Variations
Add diced avocado for creaminess.
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
Add jalapeños for extra heat.
Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside grilled meats, tacos, burgers, or BBQ dishes. It’s also perfect for game-day spreads, potlucks, or picnic meals.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cabbage mixture and dressing separately for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Add Fritos only before serving to keep them crunchy.
This dish is served cold and does not require reheating.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 290 per serving
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 4g
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare everything except the Fritos and combine just before serving.
Will the chips get soggy?
Yes, if added too early. Always mix them in right before serving.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free mayonnaise alternatives.
What is cowboy caviar?
It’s a Tex-Mex mix of beans, corn, tomatoes, and fresh vegetables.
Can I use coleslaw mix?
Absolutely, it’s a great time-saving shortcut.
Conclusion
Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a bold, crunchy, and crowd-friendly side dish that brings Tex-Mex flavor to any table. With fresh vegetables, tangy dressing, and irresistible chip crunch, this quick no-cook recipe is perfect when you need something easy, fun, and full of flavor.