If you’ve ever had KFC’s coleslaw, you know it’s something special—cool, creamy, and packed with that perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. The crunch of finely chopped cabbage, the slight kick from the dressing, and that signature creamy texture make it downright addictive. The good news? You don’t have to hit the drive-thru to enjoy it! This Copycat KFC Coleslaw recipe is spot-on, giving you the same delicious flavor with simple ingredients right at home. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to store-bought slaw!

Why You’ll Love Copycat KFC Coleslaw

Authentic Flavor This recipe nails that signature KFC taste—sweet, tangy, and oh-so-creamy!

Budget-Friendly Skip the takeout and make a big batch at home for a fraction of the price.

Quick and Easy Just a few ingredients and a quick mix—this recipe couldn’t be simpler.

Make-Ahead Friendly The flavors get even better as it chills, making it perfect for meal prep.

Crowd-Pleasing A guaranteed hit at barbecues, picnics, or any gathering where comfort food is a must.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Copycat KFC Coleslaw

This coleslaw is all about simple ingredients that create magic together!

Cabbage The star of the show—finely chopped for that classic KFC texture.

Carrots Add a pop of color and a touch of natural sweetness.

Onion A little goes a long way to add depth and mild sharpness.

Mayonnaise The key to that ultra-creamy, dreamy dressing.

Buttermilk Brings a slight tang that sets this coleslaw apart.

White Vinegar Balances the sweetness with just the right amount of acidity.

Sugar Gives the coleslaw its signature hint of sweetness.

Lemon Juice Brightens up the flavors and keeps the cabbage crisp.

Salt & Pepper Simple seasonings that bring everything together.

Instructions

Chop the Vegetables

Finely chop the cabbage, carrots, and onion. You can do this with a knife or use a food processor for a more authentic KFC texture.

Mix the Dressing

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

Combine Everything

Add the chopped cabbage, carrots, and onion to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together until the vegetables are fully coated.

Chill and Let the Flavors Develop

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better!). This step is key to getting that classic KFC taste.

Serve and Enjoy

Give the coleslaw a good stir before serving, then dig in and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approximately 150

(Note: These are estimated values and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

How to Serve Copycat KFC Coleslaw

This coleslaw pairs perfectly with all your favorite comfort foods:

Classic fried chicken or grilled chicken
Burgers and sandwiches for an added crunch
BBQ ribs, pulled pork, or smoked brisket
As a refreshing side for picnics and potlucks

Additional Tips

Finely chop the veggies For the most authentic texture, make sure your cabbage and carrots are very finely chopped. A food processor makes this quick and easy!
Chill for best flavor The longer it sits, the better it tastes—overnight is ideal.
Adjust sweetness and tang Like it sweeter? Add a bit more sugar. Prefer it tangier? Increase the vinegar or lemon juice.
Make it lighter Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
Use pre-shredded coleslaw mix If you’re short on time, a store-bought coleslaw mix works great!

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better when made a day in advance.

2. How long does homemade coleslaw last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for about 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container.

3. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
You can, but it won’t have the same tangy flavor. A good substitute is mixing regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

4. Why does my coleslaw turn watery?
Cabbage releases water over time. To avoid this, mix in the dressing right before serving or drain excess liquid before stirring.

5. Can I use a different vinegar?
White vinegar gives the most authentic taste, but apple cider vinegar works too.

6. What if I don’t have a food processor?
A sharp knife or box grater works fine—just chop everything as finely as possible.

7. Is this coleslaw gluten-free?
Yes! Just double-check your mayo and vinegar to be sure.

8. Can I make this with red cabbage?
You can, but it will change the flavor slightly and add a different color.

9. How do I make it less sweet?
Simply reduce the sugar or increase the vinegar for more tang.

10. Can I freeze coleslaw?
No, coleslaw doesn’t freeze well because the mayo-based dressing separates when thawed.

Conclusion

This Copycat KFC Coleslaw is everything you love about the original—sweet, tangy, creamy, and irresistibly crunchy. Whether you’re making it for a summer BBQ, a family dinner, or just because you’re craving that classic taste, this recipe is a must-try. Give it a go, and trust me, once you make it at home, you’ll never need the fast-food version again!

Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe

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Author: ikram
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 10 servings (about 1 cup per serving) 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Recreate the classic KFC coleslaw at home with this easy and authentic recipe. This coleslaw features finely chopped cabbage and carrots tossed in a creamy, sweet, and tangy dressing, making it the perfect side dish for picnics, barbecues, or any meal.

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables:
- Remove the outer leaves and core from the cabbage. Using a sharp knife or food processor, finely chop the cabbage until the pieces are about the size of rice grains.
- Peel and finely chop the carrot to a similar size as the cabbage.
- Finely mince the yellow onion.
Make the Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, whole milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well combined.
Combine Vegetables and Dressing:
- Add the finely chopped cabbage, carrot, and minced onion to the bowl with the dressing. Toss thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
Chill the Coleslaw:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the coleslaw to achieve its characteristic taste and texture.
Serve:
- Before serving, give the coleslaw a good stir. Serve chilled as a side dish to your favorite meals.

Notes

For the most authentic texture, ensure the cabbage and carrot are chopped very finely, similar to the size of rice grains.
Allowing the coleslaw to chill overnight enhances the flavor, making it taste more like the original KFC version.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 313kcal
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg