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KFC Coleslaw Copycat

Section: Perfect Side Dishes to Complete Any Meal

This creamy KFC-style coleslaw delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and tang using finely chopped cabbage carrots and onion. A smooth dressing made from mayonnaise lemon juice vinegar sugar and buttermilk ties everything together for that signature flavor. For best results refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to blend and texture to soften. Whether served with fried chicken burgers or on its own this refreshing slaw makes a crisp crowd-pleasing side.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Fri, 25 Jul 2025 13:45:34 GMT
A bowl of coleslaw with carrots and cabbage. Bookmark
A bowl of coleslaw with carrots and cabbage. | ioanacooks.com

My favorite thing on KFC’s menu is the coleslaw or at least how they used to make it but we do not live close to any of their chain restaurants so I set out to recreate it myself. This KFC Coleslaw Recipe is spot on and the taste is simply perfect just like the original version served next to fried chicken and biscuits.

I have made this coleslaw for potlucks and family BBQs and everyone always asks for the recipe. It has completely replaced all my other slaw recipes.

Ingredients

  • Green cabbage: adds crunch and freshness make sure it is firm and bright
  • Carrot: brings natural sweetness and color choose firm vibrant orange carrots
  • Yellow onion: provides mild sharpness finely mince to avoid overpowering bites
  • Mayonnaise: creates the creamy base use a full-fat quality brand
  • Granulated sugar: balances the vinegar and lemon juice with just the right sweetness
  • Whole milk: smooths the dressing and adds richness
  • Buttermilk: adds tang and depth do not skip it
  • Lemon juice: brings brightness freshly squeezed is best
  • Apple cider vinegar: gives a classic slaw tang with fruity notes
  • Salt: enhances all flavors use fine salt for even mixing
  • Ground pepper: adds a light kick and balances the sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Finely Chop the Vegetables:
Chop the cabbage carrot and onion into tiny pieces almost the size of rice grains. A food processor can shred them but finish with a sharp knife to get that fine texture. This step ensures the creamy dressing coats every bite evenly.
Mix the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl whisk together mayonnaise sugar milk buttermilk lemon juice vinegar salt and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This creamy dressing is what gives the slaw its signature taste.
Combine and Coat:
Add the chopped vegetables into the dressing bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly making sure every bit is well coated. Scrape down the sides as needed to fully integrate all ingredients.
Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours ideally overnight. Stir once or twice during chilling if possible. Before serving stir again to recoat the cabbage in the dressing.
A pile of shredded cabbage. Bookmark
A pile of shredded cabbage. | ioanacooks.com

I love how the buttermilk transforms the whole bowl into something creamy and tangy. I remember serving it at a family picnic and my uncle swore it was takeout.

Storage Tips

Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The longer it sits the more liquid it will release. Just stir well before serving or pour off excess liquid if needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have buttermilk you can mix whole milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. Red cabbage is not traditional but can be used for added color though it changes the taste. Avoid any slaw mixes with herbs or red cabbage if staying true to the original.

A pile of shredded cabbage. Bookmark
A pile of shredded cabbage. | ioanacooks.com

Serving Suggestions

This coleslaw is ideal next to fried chicken pulled pork sandwiches grilled meats or even as a topping for burgers and tacos. It is cool crisp and balances rich or spicy dishes perfectly.

Cultural Context

KFC coleslaw has been a staple side dish for decades loved for its distinctive sweet and tangy flavor. It reflects the Southern tradition of pairing creamy cold salads with fried savory mains. This homemade version captures that nostalgic taste perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ How fine should I chop the cabbage?

Chop it very fine almost the size of rice to match the texture of classic coleslaw. A food processor helps speed this up.

→ Can I use pre-shredded cabbage mix?

Yes but choose one without red cabbage or herbs. For authenticity stick with green cabbage only.

→ Why does the dressing include sugar?

Sugar balances the acidity from lemon juice and vinegar giving that slightly sweet tangy flavor KFC coleslaw is known for.

→ How long should I chill the coleslaw?

Chill it overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to develop and gives the best creamy texture.

→ Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes you can prep the dressing and chopped vegetables up to five days in advance. Mix them before serving.

→ How long does it last in the fridge?

Store leftovers in an airtight container and use within three days. Stir before serving to recombine the dressing.

KFC Coleslaw Copycat

Creamy tangy coleslaw with finely chopped cabbage and carrot just like the original

Time Needed to Prep
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
~
Overall Time
20 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Side Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Easy to Make

Type of Cuisine: American

Number of Portions: 8 How Many It Serves (8 servings)

Dietary Preferences: Made for Vegetarians, No Gluten

Ingredients You'll Need

→ For the Coleslaw

Ingredient 01 8 cups finely chopped green cabbage
Ingredient 02 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
Ingredient 03 2 1/2 tablespoons very finely minced yellow onion

→ For the Dressing

Ingredient 04 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Ingredient 05 1/3 cup granulated sugar
Ingredient 06 1/4 cup whole milk
Ingredient 07 1/4 cup buttermilk
Ingredient 08 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
Ingredient 09 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Ingredient 10 1/2 teaspoon salt
Ingredient 11 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Chop the cabbage, carrot, and onion very finely until they resemble the size of rice. Use a sharp knife or a food processor with a shredding attachment followed by knife chopping.

Step 02

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 03

Add the chopped vegetables to the bowl with dressing and stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well coated.

Step 04

Cover and refrigerate the coleslaw overnight. Stir occasionally if possible. Stir again before serving.

Extra Tips

  1. True KFC-style coleslaw uses only green cabbage, carrots, and onions. Avoid mixes containing red cabbage or herbs.
  2. Sugar is essential to balance acidity and achieve the authentic sweet-tangy taste.
  3. The coleslaw improves in flavor and texture after chilling overnight.
  4. For convenience, prep dressing and vegetables up to 5 days in advance and store separately.

Tools You'll Need

  • Sharp knife or food processor
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains eggs from mayonnaise
  • Contains dairy from milk and buttermilk

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 127
  • Total Fat: 9 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 11 grams
  • Protein Amount: 1 grams