Cowboy Coleslaw Recipe (Frito Cowboy Cabbage)

This Cowboy Coleslaw is a bold, flavor-packed twist on classic cabbage salad that is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and taco nights. If you have seen the viral TikTok version, this cowboy coleslaw recipe is my take on that famous frito cowboy coleslaw recipe, loaded with crunchy cabbage, black beans, corn, bacon, and a creamy, zesty dressing. 

​Cowboy Coleslaw

Back in January, I was doomscrolling researching new recipes 😂 when I came across a reel for a Cowboy Coleslaw. I quickly jotted down the ingredients and decided it would be a great way to serve cabbage for New Year’s Day in keeping with tradition.

I didn’t have all the ingredients in the video, so I changed up the flavors to use what we had on hand, and I took photos with my phone so I could share the recipe if we liked it.

Spoiler alert – we loved it!

Whether you call it Cowboy Slaw, Frito Salad, or Frito Cowboy Cabbage, one thing is certain: this easy cabbage salad disappears fast.

Why You’ll Love This Fritos Cowboy Cabbage

• Big, bold flavor from taco seasoning, lime juice, and chipotle
• Perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fresh
• Corn Chip Salad is super easy to make in a large bowl
• Great make-ahead option, just add chips before serving
• Cowboy Cabbage is a fun twist on traditional coleslaw recipes

Tools Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Can opener
• Colander or strainer (for draining corn and black beans)
• Large skillet (for cooking bacon)

Ingredients

​I’ve included the ingredients I used for this recipe. You can certainly add other flavors or textures or remove things you don’t like!

For the cowboy coleslaw

• Shredded cabbage
• Corn, drained
• Black beans, drained and rinsed
• Red bell pepper, diced
• Jalapeño, diced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Bacon, cooked and chopped

For the coleslaw dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Lime juice
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• Ranch dressing mix
• Taco seasoning

To finish

• Corn chips – plain or chili cheese for extra flavor!
• Extra fresh cilantro

Find the complete recipe, including ingredient measurements, in the recipe card below.​

How to Make Cowboy Coleslaw

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, corn, black beans, diced red pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, and chopped bacon. Toss together until well mixed

2. For the dressing, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chipotle in adobo, ranch dressing mix, and taco seasoning until smooth in a small owl

3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well coated.
4. Just before serving, fold in the corn chips for that classic Frito-Cowboy Cabbage crunch.
5. Serve immediately.

Tips and Variations

• Add sliced green onions for extra flavor
• Adjust the jalapeño for more or less heat
• Swap black beans for pinto beans if preferred
• Wait to add corn chips until just before serving for the best texture
• This cowboy cabbage recipe can be made ahead with chips stored separately.

Serving Suggestions

This cowboy coleslaw (aka frito cowboy cabbage or corn chip salad) is perfect anytime you need an easy, crowd-pleasing side dish with big flavor. We served it with glazed ham and green beans around New Year’s Day.

• Backyard BBQs and cookouts
• Potlucks and church gatherings
• Family reunions
• Summer parties
• Tailgating events
• Game day spreads and football parties
• Taco nights or Tex-Mex dinners
• Picnic lunches
• Camping trips
• Graduation parties
• Fourth of July
• Memorial Day
• Labor Day
• Cinco de Mayo
• Super Bowl parties
• Father’s Day
• Birthday parties
• Any casual get-together with friends and family

Storage Instructions

Store leftover cowboy coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

For best results, store the cabbage mixture and dressing separately and add the corn chips just before serving to keep them crunchy. If already mixed, the chips will get mushy, but the flavor will still be delicious.

More Delicious Recipes

• Frito Chili Pie (Only 3 Ingredients)
• 5 Ingredient BLT Salad (Breadless!)
• Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad (only 4 steps!)
• Crack Corn Dip with Fritos
• Spicy Cottage Cheese Dip