KFC’s coleslaw is an iconic side dish known for its creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing that perfectly complements crispy fried chicken, BBQ, or sandwiches. This homemade version captures the same delicious flavors with simple ingredients, ensuring you can enjoy it anytime.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Taste – This recipe replicates the exact flavor of KFC’s famous coleslaw, with the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
- Simple Ingredients – You likely already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Coleslaw tastes even better after resting for a few hours, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Versatile Side Dish – Pairs well with grilled meats, fried chicken, or as a topping for sandwiches and tacos.
Ingredients
For the Coleslaw:
- 4 cups finely shredded green cabbage
- ¼ cup shredded carrot
- 2 tablespoons minced onion
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables
- Finely shred the cabbage and carrot. Mince the onion.
- For a finer texture, pulse the cabbage, carrot, and onion in a food processor a few times until small, but not pureed.
- Make the Dressing
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, milk, vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Continue whisking until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is smooth.
- Combine Everything
- Add the shredded cabbage, carrot, and onion to the bowl with the dressing.
- Stir well until all the vegetables are fully coated in the creamy dressing.
- Chill for Best Flavor
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
- Stir before serving to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.
Variations
- Apple Twist – Add finely chopped apple for a slight sweetness.
- Spicy Kick – Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- Lighter Version – Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier alternative.
- Vinegar-Based – Reduce the mayonnaise and add more vinegar for a tangier version.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours (recommended)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture will become watery.
- Rehydrating: If the coleslaw dries out, add a tablespoon of buttermilk or mayonnaise and stir well before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close is this to KFC’s coleslaw?
This recipe closely mimics KFC’s coleslaw in taste and texture, with the same creamy, tangy-sweet balance.
Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?
Yes, using a pre-shredded mix saves time. Just ensure it’s finely chopped for a more authentic texture.
Why does my coleslaw taste too tangy?
If it’s too tangy, reduce the vinegar or lemon juice slightly and add a bit more sugar to balance the flavors.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute buttermilk and milk with non-dairy options like almond milk mixed with a splash of lemon juice.
How can I make coleslaw crispier?
To keep the cabbage crisp, avoid over-mixing and let it sit for only a few hours instead of overnight.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Yes, but apple cider vinegar adds a slightly different sweetness compared to the traditional recipe.
What can I serve this with?
It pairs well with fried chicken, BBQ, pulled pork, burgers, and even fish tacos.
How do I prevent my coleslaw from getting watery?
Salt the cabbage before mixing and let it sit for 15 minutes, then drain excess liquid before adding the dressing.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, adjust the sugar to taste, but keep in mind that some sweetness is key to replicating KFC’s flavor.
How far in advance can I make this?
You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance for the best taste and texture.
Conclusion
This KFC-style coleslaw is an easy, crowd-pleasing side dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, enjoying fried chicken, or looking for a refreshing salad, this coleslaw is a must-try. Enjoy its creamy, tangy goodness with your favorite meals!
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KFC-Style Coleslaw Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
Make the best KFC-style coleslaw at home with this easy, creamy, and tangy recipe. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and crunch, it’s the ideal side for fried chicken, BBQ, or sandwiches. Ready in just 10 minutes, plus chilling time!
Ingredients
For the Coleslaw:
- 4 cups finely shredded green cabbage
- ¼ cup shredded carrot
- 2 tablespoons minced onion
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vegetables
- Finely shred the cabbage and carrot. Mince the onion.
- For a finer texture, pulse cabbage, carrot, and onion in a food processor until finely chopped.
-
Make the Dressing
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, milk, vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk until sugar dissolves and dressing is smooth.
-
Combine Everything
- Add shredded cabbage, carrot, and onion to the bowl with the dressing.
- Stir until vegetables are fully coated in the dressing.
-
Chill for Best Flavor
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Stir before serving to evenly distribute the dressing.
Notes
- Apple Twist: Add finely chopped apple for extra sweetness.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- Lighter Version: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Vinegar-Based: Reduce mayo and add more vinegar for a tangier version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- chill time: 4 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: no cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: KFC coleslaw recipe, creamy coleslaw, homemade coleslaw, easy coleslaw, tangy coleslaw
