This Cowboy Cabbage is a fantastically crunchy, creamy, and zesty coleslaw that has quickly become a viral sensation, and for good reason! It’s a hearty, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a weekend barbecue, or as a vibrant side dish. This simple bowl is loaded with satisfying protein, fresh veggie crunch, and just the right amount of cheddar cheese.
My sister, Jennifer, always finds the most joyful, viral recipes. This reminds me of a summer potluck where her surprise dish vanished in minutes! This Cowboy Cabbage has that same crowd-pleasing magic and creative spirit that always brings a smile to my face, just thinking of her.
A Few Reasons You’ll Adore This Dish
- Ready in a Flash: This recipe comes together in minutes, especially if you use a pre-shredded coleslaw mix.
- The Talk of the Potluck: Packed with southwestern-inspired flavors, it’s a guaranteed hit at parties and gatherings.
- Make It Your Own: Easily adaptable for different tastes. You can add more veggies, swap the protein, or adjust the spice level.
- Perfect for Busy Days: The base salad holds up well in the fridge, making it a great option for make-ahead lunches. Just keep the chips separate!
What You’ll Need for This Bowl of Sunshine
- 4 cups shredded cabbage (coleslaw mix works great)
- 1 cup cooked or shredded chicken (optional for extra protein)
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup diced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup diced green onion or red onion
- 1 cup crushed corn chips (plus extra for topping)
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
My Go-To Kitchen Helpers for This Salad
A Trusty Mixing Bowl
A good, large mixing bowl is your best friend for this recipe. It gives you plenty of room to toss everything together without making a mess.
A Simple Whisk
I like to use a small whisk for the dressing. It helps to make it perfectly smooth and creamy every time.
Bringing Your Cowboy Cabbage to Life
First, Build the Heart of the Salad
In your large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, chicken (if you’re using it), corn, black beans, cheddar cheese, bell pepper, and onion. I always give the beans an extra good rinse to wash away that starchy liquid from the can.
Next, Whisk Up That Creamy Dream of a Dressing
In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until it’s wonderfully smooth.
Now, Toss It All Together with a Little Love
Pour that beautiful dressing over your cabbage mixture. Toss it gently until every single piece is coated in that creamy, zesty sauce. The flavors get even better as they sit for a little while!
And Now for That All-Important Crunch
Just before you’re ready to serve, add the crushed corn chips. This is the secret, waiting until the last minute keeps them perfectly crunchy.
Finish with a Flourish
Top your beautiful Cowboy Cabbage bowl with a few extra chips and a fresh squeeze of lime to brighten everything up. It’s ready to enjoy!
A Gentle Note on Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used. The values are calculated for the entire recipe and may change with any substitutions. For precise nutritional details, I recommend using an online calculator with your exact ingredients.
A Few Ideas for a Lighter Touch
- A Lighter Dressing: For a healthier, low-carb dressing, swap the mayonnaise for an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt. It adds a lovely tang and extra protein.
- More Garden Goodness: Feel free to load up this bowl with more healthy vegetables! Diced jalapeños for a kick, avocado for creamy texture, or chopped cilantro for freshness are all wonderful ideas.
- A Keto-Friendly Crunch: If you are following a keto diet, you can omit the corn and beans and replace the corn chips with crushed pork rinds for that satisfying crunch without the carbs.
My Favorite Ways to Share This Salad
- As the Star of the Show: This recipe is hearty enough to be a standalone dinner. Serve a generous portion in a bowl, perhaps with some grilled steak or shrimp on the side.
- Tucked into Cozy Wraps: Spoon the Cowboy Cabbage into large lettuce cups or low-carb tortillas for delicious and easy-to-make wraps. It’s perfect for a light lunch.
- As a Warm, Baked Dish: For a cozy twist, try a baked version. Transfer the mixed salad (before adding the chips) to a casserole dish, top with extra cheddar cheese, and bake until warm and bubbly for a comforting dinner.
A Few Common Stumbles to Sidestep
- The Soggy Chip Situation: The number one rule is to add the corn chips right before serving. If you mix them in too soon, they will lose their wonderful crunch.
- A Watery Salad Base: Make sure to thoroughly drain your canned corn and rinse and drain the black beans. Excess liquid can make the final dish a bit watery.
- A Little Too Much Dressing: Start by adding about three-quarters of the dressing and toss. You can always add more if needed, but you can’t take it away. You want the ingredients coated, not swimming in sauce.
How to Keep It Fresh for Later
To keep your Cowboy Cabbage fresh, store the undressed salad mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dressing can be stored separately in its own container. When you’re ready to eat, simply toss them together and add your fresh chips.
From My Kitchen to Yours
There’s something so special about a recipe that brings everyone together, full of color, crunch, and flavor. I hope this Cowboy Cabbage brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a chance to make a happy memory with the people you love.
You Asked, I’m Answering
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Mix the cabbage and veggies and store them in one container, and whisk the dressing and store it in another. Keep them refrigerated and combine them when you’re ready to serve, adding the chips at the very last minute.
How can I make a vegetarian version?
This recipe is easily made vegetarian by simply omitting the optional shredded chicken. It’s already packed with protein and fiber from the black beans.
How can I make it more or less spicy?
Absolutely. For a milder version, you can reduce or omit the chili powder. If you enjoy more heat, add a finely diced jalapeño (with the seeds removed for less spice) or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing.
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Cowboy Cabbage – Super VIRAL Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cowboy Cabbage is a fantastically crunchy, creamy, and zesty coleslaw loaded with protein, fresh veggie crunch, and cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick dinner, barbecue, or vibrant side dish!
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded cabbage (coleslaw mix works great)
- 1 cup cooked or shredded chicken (optional)
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup diced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup diced green or red onion
- 1 cup crushed corn chips (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, chicken, corn, black beans, cheddar cheese, bell pepper, and onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Just before serving, add crushed corn chips for the perfect crunch.
- Top with extra chips and a squeeze of lime before serving.
Notes
Add corn chips just before serving to keep the crunch. Store undressed salad and dressing separately for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: cowboy cabbage, coleslaw, salad, summer side, creamy slaw