Cowboy Coleslaw Recipe
Much like its cousin, Cowboy Caviar, this southwestern-style slaw combines crisp corn, bright peppers, and hearty black beans for a colorful, crave-worthy summer side. Its creamy, spicy, and tangy, and its ready for the potluck in just 15 minutes. This easy-to-make summer side salad is perfect for those in a rush.
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package shredded coleslaw mix
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn, thawed and drained, divided (from 1 [10-ounce] bag)
- 1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup seeded and finely chopped jalapeo chile
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 3 tablespoons canned adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning mix
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions
- Lime wedges, for serving
Directions
Step 1: Begin by gathering all the ingredients. Its important to have everything ready before you start assembling the salad.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, cilantro, and jalapeo. Toss them together until well mixed.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, adobo sauce, taco seasoning mix, salt, and cumin. Continue whisking until the dressing is smooth and evenly combined.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss everything together until thoroughly coated.
Step 5: Garnish the salad with thinly sliced scallions and serve with fresh lime wedges on the side.
Step 6: Serve immediately, or if you prefer, cover the salad and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before serving. Its a perfect make-ahead dish for any occasion!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 418
- Total Fat: 28g (35% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 6g (29% DV)
- Cholesterol: 25mg (8% DV)
- Sodium: 1021mg (44% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 38g (14% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 8g (30% DV)
- Total Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 8g (16% DV)
- Vitamin C: 64mg (71% DV)
- Calcium: 78mg (6% DV)
- Iron: 2mg (13% DV)
- Potassium: 581mg (12% DV)
Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your specific calorie needs. If you have dietary restrictions, its advisable to consult a doctor or nutritionist before preparing this recipe.

The Story Behind Cowboy Coleslaw
Cowboy Coleslaw traces its roots to the American Southwest, inspired by the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. Unlike traditional coleslaws, which are typically mild and creamy, this recipe incorporates bold, smoky, and slightly spicy elements reminiscent of cowboy cooking and the rustic fare of cattle ranches. Its development is closely tied to the popular Cowboy Caviar, a zesty bean and corn salad, which influenced the creation of a heartier, creamier slaw version suitable for picnics, barbecues, and summer gatherings.
Regional Characteristics
This coleslaw is most popular in the Southwestern United States, where the combination of corn, black beans, jalapeos, and cilantro reflects the regional love for fresh, bold flavors. The adobo sauce and taco seasoning bring a smoky, spicy depth typical of Tex-Mex cuisine. In contrast to Southern coleslaws, which often rely solely on cabbage, this version emphasizes a colorful medley of vegetables and beans, highlighting the regions affinity for both freshness and heat.
How It Differs From Similar Dishes
While traditional coleslaw focuses on cabbage, mayonnaise, and sometimes vinegar, Cowboy Coleslaw stands out due to its combination of ingredients and flavor profile. The addition of black beans, corn, and jalapeos introduces both texture and subtle spiciness, creating a more substantial side dish. Unlike Cowboy Caviar, which is served as a dip, this slaw is creamy and can accompany grilled meats, tacos, or even be eaten on its own. The balance of tangy lime, smoky adobo, and mild heat sets it apart from simpler, cream-based slaws.
Typical Serving Occasions
Cowboy Coleslaw is commonly served at casual gatherings, especially during summer cookouts, potlucks, or as a side for barbecue dishes. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, pulled pork, beef tacos, or even as a topping for burgers and sandwiches. Its vibrant colors and mix of textures make it visually appealing for family-style meals and festive events, and its quick preparation makes it ideal for last-minute additions to any menu.
Fun Facts and Tips
- The recipe is often adjusted to accommodate spice preferences; for instance, some replace adobo sauce with smoked paprika or chili powder.
- Despite being called "Cowboy," the dish is vegetarian-friendly and can be made vegan by swapping mayonnaise and sour cream for plant-based alternatives.
- The combination of beans and corn provides added protein and fiber, making it more filling than traditional coleslaw.
- Cowboy Coleslaws vibrant colors are a visual nod to the Southwestern landscape, with golden corn, bright red peppers, and fresh green cilantro.
- Many families customize this recipe by adding ingredients like avocado, roasted peppers, or even tortilla chips for extra crunch, making it a versatile and personalized side dish.
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FAQ about Cowboy Coleslaw Recipe
Comments
Jacob Lopez
12/18/2022 05:28:50 PM
I absolutely adore this recipe. I used Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Kelly Thompson
02/05/2023 07:22:50 PM
The dish turned out excessively salty. Despite diligently following the recipe to the letter on my first attempt, I regret not trusting my instincts and reducing the amount of salt by half. The overall flavor was overwhelmingly salty.
Gary Harris
07/05/2024 01:13:09 PM
Rewritten review: Some family members typically aren't fans of coleslaw, but this recipe was a huge hit with everyone! It yields a large portion and stores well in the fridge for days. Once it was finished, my husband immediately requested it again. I adjusted the amount of adobo sauce to control the spiciness—it adds an amazing smoky flavor to the dressing. If you're not into spicy food, I recommend adding it gradually to suit your taste. I personally used around 2 tablespoons and it was just right! I also cooked some shrimp with chili oil and Harissa spice to top off the salad, and it was absolutely delicious. Enjoy making this recipe; you won't regret it! I certainly don't!
Stephen Evans
02/03/2025 04:10:11 AM
It was a great recipe, but since neither of us can handle heat, we skipped the adobo sauce. Unfortunately, due to my dyslexia, I accidentally added 2 tablespoons of salt instead of 2 teaspoons...that was not a good idea! We had to wash off all the sauce and start over. However, the dish turned out really well in the end! 😄👍🏻👌🏻🤗
Eric Wilson
08/14/2022 02:02:26 PM
I confess, I took a shortcut and used Walmart coleslaw (1lb14oz) for this recipe. I followed all the other ingredients as instructed, and the result was amazing! It was a delightful departure from the usual coleslaw dishes. I omitted salt entirely and it turned out perfect.
Cynthia Thomas
11/29/2022 08:30:06 AM
I refrained from adding extra salt, and the dish turned out absolutely delicious!
Karen Lee
11/18/2022 11:37:16 PM
I prepared this dish without adobo sauce, using only taco seasoning, mayo, sour cream, a dash of cumin, and a sprinkle of tajin. I served it with scoop-shaped corn chips, and it turned out delicious! I also included chopped green chilies and added a side of Mexican street corn. Overall, a tasty combo!
David Martinez
07/04/2024 03:02:26 AM
I absolutely love anything with cilantro, and this recipe did not let me down! The flavors were fantastic, and I decided to double the cumin, which is another one of my favorite spices. It turned out delicious!
Jonathan Martin
11/17/2024 12:15:36 AM
I had an unusual problem with the smell of adobo sauce, so I decided to swap it out for chili powder and smoked paprika. The result was absolutely delicious! I enjoyed it with shredded beef tacos one day, and then with tortilla chips the next. I'm already planning to add rotisserie chicken for an easy work lunch.
Robert Lewis
11/26/2023 07:21:51 PM
I was pleasantly surprised by the burst of flavor in this recipe, it was very refreshing! I couldn't find adobo sauce at my local store, so I substituted adobo peppers and made sure to drain them well. The addition of red onion really elevated the dish. I will definitely be making this again! Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Victoria Rodriguez
12/09/2024 09:08:31 AM
Great product! I initially thought it looked good, but it exceeded my expectations - it's truly amazing!! There are plenty of ways to customize it, and I took full advantage of that. I stuck to the recipe for the most part, but I substituted Greek yogurt for sour cream, added lentils for extra protein (with a coffee rub for added depth), served the jalapenos on the side, and opted for lentil chips instead of Fritos for a healthier crunch. To top it off, I sprinkled some Kinder's Woodfired Garlic for that extra touch of perfection (seriously, it's like fairy dust - we use it on nearly everything!). This dish is perfect for both hot and cool days, and it's a great option for a quick meal. Apologies for not taking a picture this time - we were just too excited to dig in!
Diane Davis
08/07/2024 12:22:24 PM
I really enjoyed the diverse range of flavors... and for me, the jalapeño stole the spotlight! Amazing variety of flavors!
Raymond Garcia
04/25/2024 01:36:21 PM
Straightforward and speedy to prepare. A delightful blend of flavors.
Jonathan Smith
09/13/2024 12:44:18 AM
Excellent recipe for a fast and easy dinner option
Maria Thomas
02/19/2025 01:24:38 AM
This recipe is incredibly easy to make but packs a punch of flavor and a satisfying crunch. It's a big hit with my family!
Kelly Hall
06/15/2024 11:29:06 PM
Initial impression was good, but I was blown away by how amazing it turned out! There are plenty of ways to customize it, and that's exactly what I did. I followed the recipe mostly but swapped Greek yogurt for sour cream, added lentils for protein (with a coffee rub for depth), served the jalapenos on the side, and opted for lentil chips instead of Fritos for a healthier crunch. To top it off, I sprinkled some Kinder's Woodfired Garlic for extra perfection (it's like magic seasoning - we use it on almost everything!). Perfect for both hot and cool weather days, and a great choice for a quick meal. Apologies for not taking a picture - we were too eager to dig in!
Richard Garcia
09/14/2022 12:26:42 PM
I followed the recipe exactly as written. Next time, I plan to chop my coleslaw ingredients smaller as the pieces were too large. I will also skip the jalapeño and only use half the amount of chipotle for a milder flavor. Overall, the dish was delicious, and the Fritos added a nice crunch.
Janet Nelson
11/17/2022 04:48:16 AM
Followed the recipe exactly... and it turned out to be absolutely delicious! I only added dressing to half of it so that we could enjoy the remaining coleslaw throughout the week without worrying about it becoming soggy.
Alexander Young
10/15/2024 04:07:06 AM
I prepared this dish for my family reunion, and it was a huge success! Absolutely delicious!
Jacob Wilson
02/21/2025 09:11:50 AM
It was amazing.