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Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe

Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 64 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Side-dishes
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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