Unbelievably Fresh KFC Coleslaw Recipe: Crisp & Creamy Joy

Transforming classic deli-style coleslaw with a kfc coleslaw recipe sparks instant culinary excitement.

Fresh cabbage and carrots create a crisp canvas for delightful flavors.

Creamy dressing brings magic to every crunchy bite.

Memories of southern comfort food dance through each spoonful.

Restaurant-quality results emerge from simple ingredients waiting in your kitchen.

Precise mixing techniques guarantee that signature tangy-sweet balance.

You can recreate this beloved side dish with confidence and ease.

One taste promises to revolutionize your summer gathering menu.

What You Need for KFC Coleslaw at Home

• Cabbage: Crunchy core ingredient that provides the classic slaw texture, look for fresh, crisp heads with tight, pale green leaves.
• Carrot: Adds sweet color and extra crunch, choose firm, bright orange carrots for best results.
• Onion: Provides sharp flavor and aromatic depth, sweet white or yellow onions work best.

• Sugar: Balances the tangy elements and adds sweetness, white granulated sugar recommended.
• Mayonnaise: Creates creamy base and rich texture, full-fat version provides best flavor.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps tenderize vegetables, use fresh for optimal taste.
• Milk: Helps adjust dressing consistency, whole milk preferred.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavor and adds subtle acidity, fresh squeezed is ideal.
• Vinegar: Enhances tanginess and provides additional depth, white vinegar works well.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, kosher or sea salt recommended.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity, freshly ground provides best taste.

Mixing KFC Coleslaw with Confidence

Step 1: Chop Crisp Vegetables

Finely shred green cabbage, grate fresh carrots, and mince sweet onions into a spacious mixing bowl. Aim for thin, delicate cuts that will soak up the delicious dressing perfectly.

Step 2: Whip Up Signature Dressing

• Granulated sugar
• Creamy mayonnaise
• Tangy buttermilk
• Whole milk
• Fresh lemon juice
• White vinegar
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk the ingredients until the mixture becomes silky smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Marry Vegetables and Dressing

Pour the creamy dressing over the chopped vegetables. Gently toss and fold the mixture, ensuring every single vegetable strand gets coated with the luscious sauce.

Step 4: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the coleslaw with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator. Allow the flavors to mingle and develop for at least 4 hours, though overnight will create an even more delectable result.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Before serving, give the coleslaw a thorough stir. Serve chilled as a perfect side dish that rivals the original KFC recipe.

Tips for a Better KFC Coleslaw Copycat

• Slice Cabbage Precisely: Use a sharp knife or food processor to create thin, uniform shreds for the perfect coleslaw texture.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Let the coleslaw marinate overnight to allow ingredients to blend and develop a richer, more complex taste.
• Customize Creaminess: Adjust mayonnaise quantity to control the dressing's thickness and richness according to personal preference.
• Make It Lighter: Substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy consistency.
• Prep Ahead Smartly: This coleslaw keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent make-ahead side dish for gatherings.

Why People Keep Coming Back to KFC Coleslaw

• This coleslaw recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste right in your kitchen with minimal effort.
• Prepare the salad ahead of time and let it chill, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while saving precious cooking time.
• Crafted with simple, affordable ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, making it an economical side dish for any gathering.
• Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, picnics, and weeknight dinners, this coleslaw complements a wide range of main courses with its creamy, tangy profile.

Storing KFC Coleslaw Without Losing Its Crunch

• Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping it fresh and crisp.
• Before storing, gently drain any accumulated liquid to prevent soggy cabbage and maintain the salad's texture.
• Skip freezing this coleslaw, as mayonnaise-based dressings separate and become watery when thawed, ruining the creamy consistency.
• When ready to enjoy, give the coleslaw a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and revive its original zesty flavor.

What Meals Pair Well with KFC Coleslaw

• KFC Coleslaw complements crispy, golden fried chicken perfectly, cutting through the richness with its tangy, creamy texture and fresh crunch.
• Ice-cold sweet tea or a light, refreshing lemonade balances the coleslaw's creamy profile and adds a quintessential Southern touch to the meal.
• The coleslaw's bright, acidic notes provide a cool contrast to tender, smoky pulled pork, creating a harmonious flavor combination that delights the palate.
• A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio offers a bright, acidic counterpoint to the coleslaw's creamy dressing, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Fun Takes on the Classic KFC Coleslaw

• Light Veggie Slaw: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier, lower-calorie version. Use plant-based milk alternatives to reduce dairy content.
• Keto-Friendly Coleslaw: Swap sugar with stevia or erythritol. Use full-fat mayonnaise and minimize carrot quantity to keep net carbs low.
• Vegan Coleslaw Remix: Substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo made from cashews or soy. Use maple syrup instead of sugar and add chopped herbs like parsley for extra flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Slaw: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and a splash of hot sauce to the original dressing. Sprinkle with cilantro before serving for a zesty kick.

Questions About KFC Coleslaw? We’ve Got You

• What type of cabbage works best for this recipe?

Green cabbage is ideal for KFC coleslaw. It provides the classic crisp texture and mild flavor that makes this recipe so popular.

• Can I use low-fat mayonnaise instead of regular?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat mayonnaise, but the taste and texture might be slightly different from the original recipe. Full-fat mayonnaise gives the best creamy consistency.

• How finely should I chop the vegetables?

Shred the cabbage and carrots very finely, almost like a julienne cut. The onions should be minced very small to distribute flavor evenly throughout the coleslaw.

• Is buttermilk necessary for the recipe?

Buttermilk adds tanginess and helps create the signature creamy dressing. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

KFC Coleslaw Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy KFC coleslaw recipe brings Southern comfort to your plate with its perfect blend of crisp cabbage and tangy dressing. Homemade goodness lets you savor restaurant-style flavors right in your kitchen, making side dish magic happen with minimal effort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• ½ head green cabbage, finely chopped (about 4 cups)
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) shredded or finely chopped carrot
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) finely minced onion

Dressing:

• ⅓ cup (80 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) buttermilk
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) whole milk
• 2 ½ tablespoons (37.5 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 ½ tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) white vinegar

Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
• 1/8 teaspoon (0.6 grams) ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Finely chop the cabbage, grate the carrots, and mince the onion into a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Create a creamy emulsion by whisking together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, milk, sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper until completely integrated and smooth.
3. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the shredded vegetable blend, using a folding motion to ensure every morsel is thoroughly coated.
4. Seal the coleslaw mixture in an airtight container and allow it to marinate in the refrigerator, letting the flavors meld and develop for a minimum of 4 hours, though overnight will yield the most robust taste profile.
5. Just before serving, give the coleslaw a vigorous stir to redistribute the dressing and reinvigorate the texture, then plate and enjoy chilled.

Notes

• Swap regular sugar with honey or agave for a healthier twist, reducing refined sugar intake while maintaining sweetness.
• Incorporate Greek yogurt alongside mayonnaise to lower calorie content and boost protein without compromising creamy texture.
• Finely slice vegetables using a mandoline or sharp knife for consistent, restaurant-style thin cuts that enhance overall coleslaw presentation.
• Let coleslaw rest longer than 4 hours to develop deeper flavor complexity, allowing ingredients to marinate and blend thoroughly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg