Description
Recreate the iconic KFC Coleslaw at home with this easy and authentic recipe! Featuring finely chopped cabbage, carrot, and onion tossed in a creamy, tangy-sweet dressing, this copycat version delivers that unmistakable flavor and texture everyone loves. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side to your favorite fried chicken, this crowd-pleasing coleslaw comes together quickly and tastes even better when made ahead.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Coleslaw Mix
- 8 cups finely chopped green cabbage (about 1 medium head)
- 1/4 cup shredded or finely chopped carrot
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped yellow onion
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Finely chop the cabbage, carrot, and onion. For best texture, pulse them in a food processor in batches until minced, but not pureed. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, milk, sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and fully combined.
- Mix the Coleslaw: Pour the prepared dressing over the chopped vegetables. Stir thoroughly to make sure the cabbage and carrot are well coated with dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This helps the flavors meld and gives that signature KFC texture. Stir before serving and give it a quick taste to adjust seasoning, if needed.
Notes
- For the classic KFC texture, chop the veggies very fine—a food processor works best.
- This coleslaw is best made ahead, allowing several hours (up to overnight) for the flavors to meld.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can use pre-shredded coleslaw mix in a pinch, but chop it finer for authentic results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 3/4 cup
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg