Frito Cowboy Coleslaw Salad is a vibrant and crunchy salad that combines a mix of fresh vegetables, beans, and corn with a creamy, flavorful dressing spiked with chipotle adobo and taco seasoning. Topped with chili cheese corn chips like Fritos, it offers a delightful texture contrast that makes it a perfect side dish or light meal for gatherings.
You’ll love this salad because it delivers a harmonious blend of smoky, spicy, creamy, and crunchy elements in every bite. It’s easy to prepare, chill ahead of time, and customize with additional toppings or extra heat to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from canned chipotles (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
Coleslaw Mix:
- 2 (16 oz) bags tri-color coleslaw mix
- 2 (11 oz) cans crisp yellow corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 (16 oz) bag chili cheese corn chips (such as Fritos)
Instructions
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Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, adobo sauce, taco seasoning, and ranch seasoning until smooth to make the dressing.
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In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, corn, black beans, jalapeños, red bell pepper, and green onions. Pour dressing over and toss to coat evenly.
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Refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Just before serving, either toss most of the Fritos into the salad or serve Fritos on the side and sprinkle on top for crunch.
Tips for Success
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Use fresh lime juice for bright flavor.
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Adjust adobo sauce and seasonings to your heat preference.
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Add Fritos last to keep them crisp.
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Mix thoroughly for even coating of dressing.
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Prepare ahead and chill to blend flavors.
Delicious Variations
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Add cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky twist.
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Substitute ranch seasoning with a dash of cumin or chili powder.
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Add diced avocado for creaminess.
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Use fresh cilantro instead of green onions or along with them.
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Try different flavored corn chips for varied taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate but add Fritos just before serving to keep them crunchy.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Can I omit jalapeños?
Yes, but they add a pleasant heat and crunch.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Most ingredients are, but check Fritos or chipotle sauce for gluten.
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
Yes, lightly cook and drain fresh corn before using.
Frito Cowboy Coleslaw Salad
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A bold, crunchy twist on classic coleslaw with tri-color vegetables, black beans, corn, and jalapeños tossed in creamy, smoky chipotle-lime dressing. Topped with chili cheese corn chips for extra crunch, perfect for potlucks and barbecues.
Ingredients
Dressing
⅓ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup sour cream
Juice of 2 limes
2 tbsp adobo sauce (from canned chipotles, adjust to taste)
1 tbsp taco seasoning
1 tbsp ranch seasoning
Coleslaw Mix
2 (16 oz) bags tri-color coleslaw mix
2 (11 oz) cans crisp yellow corn, drained
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 jalapeños, seeded and diced
1 small red bell pepper, chopped
3 green onions, chopped
1 (16 oz) bag chili cheese corn chips (Fritos or similar)
Instructions
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Prepare dressing: In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, adobo sauce, taco seasoning, and ranch seasoning until smooth and creamy.
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Assemble salad: In a large mixing bowl, toss together coleslaw mix, corn, black beans, jalapeños, red bell pepper, and green onions. Pour dressing over the mixture and stir until evenly coated.
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Chill: Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld.
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Add Fritos: Just before serving, toss in most of the corn chips or sprinkle them on top for a crunchy finish. Serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
Use fresh lime juice for bright, tangy flavor.
Adjust adobo sauce for mild to spicy heat.
Add Fritos only at serving time to keep crunchy texture.
Mix well for even dressing distribution.
Store in fridge up to 2 days; chips lose crunch afterward.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Southwestern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 recipe
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 490
- Fat: 19
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 20
Keywords: frito cowboy coleslaw, chipotle coleslaw salad, southwestern slaw with beans and corn, creamy spicy coleslaw, bbq side dish salad
