Creamy, Tangy, and Perfectly Sweet—Just Like the Original
Want to recreate that iconic KFC coleslaw at home? You’re in luck! This copycat recipe delivers the exact creamy crunch and tangy-sweet flavor you love—with fresh ingredients and simple steps anyone can follow.
A Friendly Calling to Action
Whether you’re planning a barbecue, serving fried chicken, or just looking for the ultimate side dish to round out your meal, this homemade version of the famous KFC coleslaw is a must-try. It’s fresh, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive in and bring that classic fast-food flavor to your kitchen!
Introduction
KFC’s coleslaw is one of the most beloved sides in the world of fast food. It’s famous for its creamy consistency, perfectly balanced sweetness, and that hint of tang that keeps you coming back for more. And now, you can make it at home with just a few simple ingredients.
This coleslaw pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, fried chicken, and more. It’s refreshing, light, and incredibly easy to whip up ahead of time—making it the perfect make-ahead side for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
The best part? This recipe requires no cooking and just a little bit of chopping and mixing. Let it chill in the fridge for a couple of hours, and you’re ready to serve up that classic KFC taste!
Tools Needed, Servings, and Cooking Time
Kitchen Tools Required:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Sharp knife or food processor
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Storage container with lid
Servings: Makes approximately 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2+ hours (overnight for best flavor)
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
Ingredients
To replicate the signature taste of KFC coleslaw, here’s what you’ll need:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 2 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 ½ tablespoons white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 cups finely chopped cabbage (about 1 medium head)
- ¼ cup shredded carrot (1 medium carrot)
- 2 tablespoons minced onion
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by finely chopping the cabbage and shredding the carrot. The goal is to get the cabbage pieces very small—just a little larger than grains of rice. This texture is key to replicating KFC’s signature slaw.
You can use a sharp knife and cutting board for this, or speed up the process with a food processor. Be careful not to overprocess, or you’ll end up with a soggy mush.
Once the cabbage and carrot are prepped, mince the onion finely. Set the vegetables aside while you prepare the dressing.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, white vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Whisk or beat the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This creamy dressing is what gives the coleslaw its rich flavor and classic consistency.
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
Add the chopped cabbage, shredded carrot, and minced onion to the bowl with the dressing.
Stir everything together until the vegetables are fully coated in the dressing. Make sure every bit of cabbage and carrot is well mixed, so the flavor distributes evenly.
Step 4: Refrigerate for Best Flavor
Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 2 hours before serving.
If possible, let it sit overnight. The flavors deepen and blend together beautifully as the slaw chills, creating that authentic, well-balanced taste you’re aiming for.
Tips for Recipe Success
To ensure your coleslaw turns out just like the real thing, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Finely Chop the Cabbage: The texture is crucial to getting the authentic KFC slaw feel. Use a sharp knife or food processor, but avoid large chunks.
- Use Full-Fat Mayo: Don’t skimp on the mayonnaise—it’s the foundation of the dressing. Full-fat mayo gives the best creamy consistency.
- Chill Before Serving: The longer the coleslaw chills, the better it tastes. Overnight chilling is ideal.
- Balance the Flavors: Taste the dressing before mixing with the cabbage. If it’s too tangy, add a little more sugar. Too sweet? Add a touch more lemon juice or vinegar.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cabbage, carrots, and lemon juice result in the crispest texture and brightest flavor.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
- Serve cold alongside fried chicken, barbecue, or burgers.
- Use as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches or sliders.
- Add to tacos or wraps for a creamy crunch.
- Spoon onto a plate of baked beans and potato salad for a classic Southern meal.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. Stir before each use to redistribute the dressing.
- Freezer: Coleslaw doesn’t freeze well due to the mayo-based dressing—it can separate and become watery. Always make it fresh or keep it refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix from the store?
Yes! If you’re in a hurry, store-bought coleslaw mix is a great time-saver. Just be sure it’s finely shredded, and consider pulsing it a few times in a food processor for a more authentic texture.
Q2: What’s the difference between buttermilk and milk in this recipe?
Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and creaminess that enhances the dressing. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to ¼ cup milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Q3: Can I use light or low-fat mayo?
You can, but the result may be slightly less creamy and flavorful. Full-fat mayo gives the best texture and taste.
Q4: Why does my coleslaw get watery after sitting?
Cabbage naturally releases water over time, especially after it’s chopped. Chilling helps absorb that moisture into the dressing, but give it a good stir before serving to recombine any separated liquids.
Q5: Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
Absolutely. This recipe is even better the next day! Make it a day in advance, cover tightly, and let it chill in the fridge overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Conclusion
There’s a reason KFC’s coleslaw has remained a staple for decades—it’s the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and sweet. This homemade version delivers all the same flavor with fresh ingredients and none of the preservatives.
Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just craving a taste of comfort food, this copycat coleslaw is the perfect companion to any meal. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and tastes even better the next day.
So grab your cabbage, whisk up that dressing, and bring home the taste of your favorite fast-food side—right from your own kitchen. Give this recipe a try and see why it’s loved by millions!
