Name: KFC Coleslaw Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 cups finely chopped green cabbage; ¼ cup shredded carrot; 2 tbsp minced onion; ½ cup mayonnaise; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup whole milk; ¼ cup buttermilk; 2 ½ tbsp lemon juice; 1 ½ tbsp white vinegar; ¼ tsp salt; ⅛ tsp ground black pepper

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Get ready to bring a nostalgic favorite to your table with this KFC Coleslaw Recipe! This is the ultra-creamy, slightly tangy, just-sweet-enough coleslaw you remember from all those takeout meals—but now you can make it easily at home. Imagine finely chopped cabbage and carrot mingling in a silky dressing so perfectly balanced, your family will think you sneaked out to grab a bucket. Pair it with anything from classic fried chicken to your favorite grilled meats for that irreplaceable crunchy, cold bite. Seriously, if you’ve ever wondered if the legendary slaw can be homemade, this copycat version is your delicious answer!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to an authentic KFC Coleslaw Recipe lies in the simplicity and harmony of its ingredients. Each element is a key player—bringing crispness, color, sweetness, or creaminess for that unmistakable flavor and texture everyone craves.

Green cabbage (8 cups, finely chopped): The refreshing crunch and pale green hue are vital for that signature slaw look and texture.
Carrot (¼ cup, shredded): Adds a pop of color and gentle sweetness that balances the tangy dressing.
Onion (2 tbsp, minced): A little goes a long way—this gives the slaw its subtle depth and savory edge.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy backbone that binds all the flavors together.
Granulated sugar (⅓ cup): A touch of sweetness to make each bite sing against the tangy backdrop.
Whole milk (¼ cup): Helps lighten the dressing, making it pourable and smooth.
Buttermilk (¼ cup): Gives the dressing that vital tang you’ll recognize immediately.
Lemon juice (2 ½ tbsp): Brings brightness and a fresh, zesty snap.
White vinegar (1 ½ tbsp): This sharpens the flavor and mirrors the restaurant experience.
Salt (¼ tsp): Essential for waking up every flavor in the bowl.
Ground black pepper (⅛ tsp): Just enough to gently spice things up without overpowering the slaw.

How to Make KFC Coleslaw Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by grabbing your sharpest knife or a food processor for the cabbage—finely chopping makes all the difference for texture in this KFC Coleslaw Recipe. Toss the chopped green cabbage, shredded carrot, and minced onion into a large bowl. Give it a gentle mix to combine. The finer you chop, the closer you get to that blissfully familiar fast-food feel!

Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture turns velvety smooth and all the ingredients meld together into a beautifully creamy, slightly tangy dressing.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Pour the luscious dressing over your cabbage mixture. Don’t be shy! Toss everything together really well, making sure each little piece gets thoroughly coated. This ensures the sweetness, tang, and creaminess shines through in every single bite.

Step 4: Chill for Maximum Flavor

Now, the hardest part: patience! Cover your bowl and chill it for at least four hours—overnight is even better. The flavors need time to mingle, soften, and develop that classic KFC Coleslaw Recipe profile. Right before serving, give it another good stir to redistribute all the dressing.

How to Serve KFC Coleslaw Recipe

Garnishes

Let the natural colors of your KFC Coleslaw Recipe shine, but if you’re feeling extra, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra carrot shreds on top can make your slaw pop visually when serving guests.

Side Dishes

This slaw is the dream companion for fried chicken (of course!), crispy fish fillets, or even hearty BBQ sandwiches. It’s also a refreshing counterpoint to spicy grilled mains or hot-off-the-grill burgers on sunny days.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the bowl! Spoon your coleslaw into small mason jars for picnics, tuck into sliders for crunchy contrast, or use as a topping for tacos and pulled pork. The creamy-tangy flavor instantly enlivens any plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your KFC Coleslaw Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors become even richer as they sit, but after a couple of days, the crunch may fade, so enjoy sooner rather than later!

Freezing

Because the dressing contains both mayonnaise and dairy, freezing isn’t recommended—the texture turns watery and the dressing may separate once thawed. For the best experience, simply make and enjoy fresh.

Reheating

Coleslaw is meant to be served cold, so no reheating needed! If the slaw sits out too long, you can pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving to bring it back to its best, crisp chill.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix instead of chopping fresh cabbage?

You can absolutely save some time using a bagged coleslaw mix, though chopping your own cabbage gives a softer, more authentic KFC Coleslaw Recipe texture. If you do go with store-bought mix, try pulsing it in a food processor briefly for finer pieces.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, swap out the whole milk and buttermilk for unsweetened non-dairy milk (like oat or soy) and a bit of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for tang. The result will be lighter but still zippy and delicious.

How can I make my coleslaw less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet slaw, simply reduce the sugar to taste when mixing the dressing. You can always stir in a touch more after chilling, but starting small lets you tailor the flavor exactly to your preference.

How far in advance can I prepare KFC Coleslaw Recipe?

This recipe is actually better when made ahead! Prepare it up to 24 hours before serving, letting the flavors meld for the most authentic taste and texture. Just remember to give it a good stir before dishing up.

Can I add purple cabbage or other veggies?

For a splash of color, you can mix in a handful of finely chopped purple cabbage or a bit of bell pepper. Just keep the ratios similar so you maintain the classic KFC Coleslaw Recipe balance—too many add-ins can alter the beloved flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever been tempted by that signature coleslaw on your takeout tray, you owe it to yourself to whip up this KFC Coleslaw Recipe at home. It’s ridiculously easy, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly versatile—one of those sides you’ll find reasons to make all year long. I can’t wait for you to taste that first creamy, crunchy forkful and watch it disappear from every plate!

KFC Coleslaw Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the famous KFC coleslaw right at home with this easy and delicious recipe. Creamy and tangy, it’s the perfect side dish for any meal or gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Coleslaw:

8 cups finely chopped green cabbage
¼ cup shredded carrot
2 tbsp minced onion

Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup whole milk
¼ cup buttermilk
2 ½ tbsp lemon juice
1 ½ tbsp white vinegar
¼ tsp salt
⅛ tsp ground black pepper

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Instructions

Cut and Mix: In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrot, and onion.
Make Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and stir well to coat evenly.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to blend. Stir again before serving.