Frito Cowboy Coleslaw Recipe

Ingredients

This recipe makes 8 servings. Ingredient quantities are scaled automatically, but cooking steps remain consistent. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

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

• 2 (16 oz) bags tri-color coleslaw mix
• 2 (11 oz) cans yellow corn, drained
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
• 2 jalapenos, seeded and diced
• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 (16 oz) bag chili cheese corn chips (e.g., Fritos)

Directions

1. Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, adobo sauce, taco seasoning, and ranch seasoning until smooth and creamy.
2. Assemble the coleslaw: In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, drained corn, black beans, diced jalapenos, chopped red bell pepper, green onions, and crispy bacon.
3. Combine: Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is coated evenly.
4. Chill: Cover the coleslaw and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Add crunch: Just before serving, gently fold in the chili cheese corn chips, or serve them on the side to maintain their crispiness.

Tips

To cook the bacon evenly and without mess, bake the strips on a parchment-lined sheet pan at 400F (200C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 426
• Total Fat: 25g (33% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 5g (25% DV)
• Cholesterol: 23mg (8% DV)
• Sodium: 967mg (42% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 44g (16% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 9g (34% DV)
• Total Sugars: 17g
• Protein: 9g (19% DV)
• Vitamin C: 55mg (61% DV)
• Calcium: 106mg (8% DV)
• Iron: 2mg (13% DV)
• Potassium: 654mg (14% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your caloric needs. Nutrient information may vary based on ingredient brands and preparation methods.

The Story Behind Frito Cowboy Coleslaw

Frito Cowboy Coleslaw is a uniquely American dish that blends the heartiness of traditional Southern coleslaw with bold Tex-Mex flavors. Its origin is often traced back to Texas in the late 20th century, where local cooks began experimenting with corn chips as a crunchy addition to salads and side dishes. The combination of beans, bacon, corn, and a creamy, zesty dressing quickly became a favorite at backyard barbecues, potlucks, and rodeos. The name Cowboy evokes the rugged, flavorful, and no-nonsense character of Texan cuisine, reflecting both its robust ingredients and casual serving style.

Regional Characteristics

While coleslaw exists in many forms across the United States, the Frito Cowboy Coleslaw is distinctly Southwestern. Unlike the classic creamy coleslaw found in the Midwest, this version incorporates ingredients typical of Tex-Mex cuisine, including black beans, jalapeos, taco seasoning, and Fritos corn chips. The lime and adobo-based dressing adds a citrusy, smoky punch that sets it apart from traditional mayonnaise-only slaws. In Texas, this dish is celebrated for its versatility and is often tailored to local tastes by adjusting spice levels or adding regional staples like smoked sausage or grilled corn.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

Frito Cowboy Coleslaw differs from standard coleslaw or other Tex-Mex salads in its combination of textures and flavors. The crushed Fritos provide a crunchy contrast to the soft vegetables and beans, while the smoky adobo and lime dressing balances richness with brightness. Unlike typical barbecue slaws that are sweet and tangy, this variation leans into savory, spicy, and slightly creamy notes, making it more of a hearty side dish than a simple salad. It also avoids the monotony of one-dimensional flavors by layering multiple ingredients that complement each other.

Typical Serving Occasions

This coleslaw is most commonly served at casual gatherings, such as family barbecues, tailgate parties, and summer picnics. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats, tacos, or chili. In Texas, it is sometimes found in diners and barbecue joints as a side option, often alongside ribs, brisket, or chicken. The dish is also popular for potlucks because it can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated, and finished with Fritos just before serving, maintaining the perfect crunch.

Interesting Facts

• The addition of Fritos to coleslaw is said to have originated as a way to add both flavor and texture without frying extra ingredients.
• Despite its bold name, Frito Cowboy Coleslaw is vegetarian-friendly if the bacon is omitted, though the traditional recipe includes it for authentic Texan taste.
• The dish is celebrated for combining elements of classic Southern cuisine with Southwestern spice, making it a culinary bridge between regions.
• It has inspired modern variations, including taco-inspired bowls and loaded nacho salads, showcasing its adaptability in contemporary cooking.
• The lime and adobo dressing used in this recipe is versatile and can be repurposed for other salads, grilled vegetables, or even as a dip for chips.

FAQ about Frito Cowboy Coleslaw Recipe

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