Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a creamy, crunchy, flavor-packed cabbage salad loaded with crispy bacon, sweet corn, shredded cheese, and crunchy Fritos tossed in a tangy ranch-style dressing. This Southern-style potluck favorite delivers bold textures and savory comfort in every bite. Perfect for BBQs, cookouts, picnics, or easy family meals, this irresistible cabbage crunch salad is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 6 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage (optional)
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups Fritos corn chips, lightly crushed
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon lime juice or apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare Vegetables
Shred the green and purple cabbage into thin strips and place in a large mixing bowl. Add corn and shredded cheese.
Step 2: Add Bacon
Cook bacon until crisp, drain, crumble, and add to the bowl with cabbage mixture.
Step 3: Make Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, lime juice, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Salad
Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
Step 5: Add Fritos
Fold in crushed Fritos just before serving to keep them crunchy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top and serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.
Variations
- Add diced grilled chicken for a heartier salad
- Use coleslaw mix instead of fresh cabbage
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack for spice
- Add diced jalapeños for heat
- Mix in black beans for Tex-Mex flavor
- Use crushed tortilla chips instead of Fritos
- Add green onions for freshness
- Try BBQ ranch dressing variation
Cooking Notes
- Add chips last to prevent sogginess
- Chill salad base before adding chips for best texture
- Thin cabbage slices give best bite
- Bacon should be fully crisp
- Adjust dressing thickness with milk if needed
- Purple cabbage adds color contrast
- Toss gently to keep crunch
- Best served same day
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with BBQ meats
- Great taco night side
- Perfect potluck salad
- Serve alongside burgers
- Pair with grilled chicken
- Add to picnic spread
- Top with extra bacon
- Serve chilled or room temp
Tips
- Use pre-shredded slaw mix to save time
- Make dressing ahead
- Store chips separately
- Add lime zest for brightness
- Double recipe for gatherings
- Use thick-cut bacon for flavor
- Taste before serving
- Keep chilled until serving
Prep Time / Chill Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Info (Approx.)
Calories: 320 per serving
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 22g
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, mix salad and dressing ahead, add chips before serving.
Can I use bagged coleslaw?
Yes, it works perfectly and saves time.
How long does it last?
Best eaten same day, but base keeps 2 days refrigerated.
Conclusion
Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a creamy, crunchy, bold-flavored cabbage salad packed with bacon, cheese, and irresistible corn chip crunch. Perfect for potlucks and BBQs, this easy Southern-style salad delivers texture, flavor, and crowd-pleasing comfort in every bite.