Frito Cowboy Cabbage Southwestern (Printable version)

Crunchy cabbage salad with black beans, corn, and Fritos in smoky chipotle dressing

# What you need:

→ Salad Components

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→ Chipotle Dressing

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# How to Make It:

01 - Combine coleslaw mix, black beans, corn, diced jalapeño, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, taco seasoning, and ground cumin in a large mixing bowl. Toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
02 - Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chipotle sauce in a separate medium bowl until completely smooth and well incorporated.
03 - Pour chipotle dressing over vegetable mixture. Toss gently until all components are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
04 - Add the majority of Chili Cheese Fritos to the salad, reserving a small handful for garnish. Gently fold to distribute the crunchy corn chips throughout without crushing them.
05 - Top with reserved Fritos immediately before serving to maintain optimal crunch. Serve right away for best texture.

# Expert Advice:

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  • The Fritos stay remarkably crunchy even after being tossed in the dressing, creating this incredible texture contrast that keeps you going back for just one more bite
  • It comes together in literally twenty minutes flat but tastes like something you spent way more time planning
  • This is one of those rare potluck dishes that actually disappears completely, with people asking for the recipe before they even finish their first serving
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  • I learned the hard way that this salad really needs to be served within an hour or two of assembling, otherwise the Fritos start to lose their signature crunch
  • The dressing might look a little thin at first, but after it sits with the cabbage for a few minutes it thickens up beautifully
  • Chipotle sauce varies wildly in heat between brands, so start with one tablespoon and taste before adding the full amount
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  • If you are making this for a crowd where some people cannot handle heat, serve the chipotle sauce on the side so everyone can customize their spice level
  • The absolute best way to get even more Fritos crunch throughout is to crush about half a cup and fold them in right before serving, then leave the rest whole
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