Tangy & Fresh KFC Coleslaw Recipe Just Like The Original

Crisp and creamy kfc coleslaw has been a legendary side dish in my culinary adventures.

Cabbage and carrots create a magical blend of textures that dance across your palate.

Midwest diners and backyard barbecues have long celebrated this classic recipe.

Southern kitchens know the secret to perfect coleslaw lies in balancing tangy and sweet flavors.

Chopped vegetables mixed with a silky dressing bring pure comfort to any meal.

Homemade versions can easily rival the restaurant’s famous recipe, giving you total control over ingredients.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet incredibly delicious side that complements almost every main course.

Coleslaw That Tastes Just Like KFC’s Famous Recipe

• Recreate Restaurant Magic: Bring the iconic KFC coleslaw straight to your kitchen with this incredibly simple recipe that lets you enjoy restaurant-quality taste at home.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Whip up this creamy, tangy side dish with just a few basic ingredients and simple chopping techniques, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: This coleslaw works wonderfully as a BBQ side, picnic companion, or potluck contribution, guaranteed to impress friends and family with its authentic flavor profile.
• Budget-Friendly Deliciousness: Save money by making this copycat recipe instead of buying pre-made coleslaw, with ingredients that are affordable and likely already in your pantry.

KFC Coleslaw Copycat What You’ll Need

• Cabbage: Crisp and crunchy base for the coleslaw.
• Carrots: Sweet and colorful addition to the mix.
• Onion: Adds a mild sharp flavor to the dish.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy and rich base for the coleslaw sauce.
• Sugar: Provides subtle sweetness to balance the flavors.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and light dressing.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and depth to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice, Vinegar: Bright and tangy elements that enhance the overall taste.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the overall flavor profile.

Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe Made at Home

Step 1: Shred Crisp Vegetables

Grab a sharp knife and transform cabbage, carrots, and onion into tiny, uniform pieces. Aim for a delicate, rice-like texture that will create a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Sugar
• Milk
• Buttermilk
• Lemon juice
• White vinegar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients until the mixture becomes silky smooth and fully integrated.

Step 3: Marry Vegetables and Dressing

Pour the meticulously chopped vegetables into the creamy dressing. Gently fold and stir, ensuring every single vegetable piece gets a luxurious coating of the tangy sauce.

Step 4: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the coleslaw and tuck it into the refrigerator. Let it rest for a minimum of 2 hours, though overnight is ideal. This resting period allows the flavors to dance and mingle, creating a more complex and delicious side dish.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Give the coleslaw a final gentle stir before serving. Your homemade KFC-style coleslaw is ready to delight taste buds and complement any meal.

Coleslaw Tips for Spot-On KFC Copycat Style

• Slice Precisely: Chop cabbage and carrots into tiny, uniform pieces to mimic KFC's signature texture and ensure even dressing distribution.
• Blend Dressing Thoroughly: Whisk ingredients completely until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, preventing sugar from settling at the bottom.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow ingredients to marry and develop a richer, more complex taste profile.
• Adjust Sweetness Smartly: Taste and modify sugar levels to match your preference, understanding that the balance of sweet and tangy defines this classic side dish.
• Store Strategically: Keep coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring crisp vegetables and vibrant flavor throughout storage.

Storing KFC Copycat Coleslaw the Easy Way

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the coleslaw chilled to maintain its crisp texture and fresh flavor.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 1 month, but note that the texture may become slightly watery upon thawing.
• Remove from freezer and let defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Drain any excess liquid and give a quick stir before serving.
• If the coleslaw seems a bit soggy after storage, add a small amount of fresh chopped cabbage and give it a good mix to revive the crunch.

KFC Coleslaw Copycat Companion Picks

• Pair with Crispy Fried Chicken: The tangy and creamy coleslaw cuts through the richness of golden, crispy fried chicken, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
• Complement with Southern BBQ Pulled Pork: The cool, crunchy slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, smoky barbecue meat, making each bite more enjoyable.
• Match with Buttermilk Biscuits: The creamy coleslaw spreads beautifully on soft, flaky biscuits, adding a zesty kick to the classic Southern side dish.
• Serve with Chilled Summer Lemonade: The bright, citrusy drink amplifies the coleslaw's tanginess, creating a refreshing combination that's ideal for outdoor meals.

Candy Corn Cookies Festive Ideas

• Vegan Veggie Slaw: Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and add plant-based alternatives like chopped bell peppers or jicama for extra crunch.
• Low-Carb Keto Coleslaw: Swap sugar with stevia or erythritol, use full-fat Greek yogurt mixed with mayonnaise, and increase green cabbage for a lighter, low-carb version.
• Spicy Southwest Slaw: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and cilantro to the dressing. Incorporate black beans and corn for a zesty, protein-packed variation.
• Mediterranean Herb Coleslaw: Mix in fresh herbs like dill and mint, replace some mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, and sprinkle feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

FAQs

• Why is buttermilk important in this recipe?

Buttermilk adds tanginess and helps create a creamy, rich dressing that mimics the authentic KFC coleslaw flavor while tenderizing the vegetables.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, preparing the coleslaw a day in advance allows the flavors to blend and deepen, making it taste even better and more similar to the restaurant version.

• What if I don't have buttermilk?

You can easily substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk alternative.

• How finely should I chop the vegetables?

Chop the cabbage and carrots into very small pieces, almost rice-sized, to achieve the classic KFC coleslaw texture and ensure even dressing distribution.

KFC Coleslaw Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy Kentucky fried chicken coleslaw brings Southern comfort to your table with crisp cabbage and tangy dressing. Homemade goodness delivers a quick side dish that rivals restaurant quality and welcomes diners to savor each cool, refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 cups finely chopped cabbage
• 1/4 cup shredded carrot
• 2 tablespoons minced onion

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1. Transform crisp cabbage and carrots into delicate, confetti-like shreds using a sharp knife, creating a uniform, fine texture that mimics restaurant-style chopping techniques.
2. Craft a luscious dressing by vigorously whisking mayonnaise, sugar, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper until the mixture achieves a silky, homogeneous consistency.
3. Gently fold the meticulously chopped vegetables into the creamy dressing, ensuring each fragment is thoroughly embraced by the tangy sauce.
4. Seal the coleslaw in an airtight container and allow it to rest in the refrigerator, permitting the flavors to harmonize and intensify for a minimum of two hours, though overnight marination will yield optimal taste depth.
5. Before serving, provide a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and revive the vibrant vegetable medley, presenting a refreshing and authentic KFC-inspired side dish.

Notes

• Finely chopping vegetables ensures a consistent texture mimicking the classic KFC coleslaw, making each bite perfectly balanced.
• Chilling the coleslaw overnight allows the dressing to fully penetrate the vegetables, intensifying the tangy and sweet flavor profile.
• For a lighter version, swap full-fat mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or low-fat mayo to reduce calories without compromising taste.
• Customize by adding sliced green onions or a sprinkle of celery seeds for an extra layer of crunch and complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg