KFC Coleslaw

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Recreate the legendary, sweet, and tangy taste of Kentucky Fried Chicken's famous side dish with this perfect copycat KFC Coleslaw recipe.

KFC Coleslaw

KFC Coleslaw

  • Cuisine: American
  • Category: Salad, Side Dish
  • Prep Time:
  • Cook Time:
  • Servings: 8
  • Calories: 150 calories

Finding the perfect side dish for crispy fried chicken can be a challenge. Look no further. This legendary copycat recipe captures the exact sweet, tangy, and incredibly creamy taste that made the original fast-food version a global sensation. It brings pure nostalgia to your family dinner table.

The secret lies in how you finely chop the fresh vegetables. Texture is everything here. By mincing the cabbage and carrots into tiny, rice-sized pieces, you allow the luscious dressing to coat every single nook and cranny. Each spoonful delivers a satisfying, delicate crunch.

A sweet buttermilk dressing binds these simple ingredients together harmoniously. It tastes absolutely heavenly. A splash of fresh lemon juice combined with white vinegar cuts through the rich mayonnaise, creating that signature bright, zesty flavor profile. It strikes a truly flawless balance of flavors.

You must let the mixture rest in the refrigerator before serving. Patience pays off. During this crucial chilling time, the cabbage releases its natural juices, blending with the dairy to create that iconic, soupy dressing. The flavors deepen and intensify beautifully overnight.

This versatile salad pairs beautifully with summer barbecues and potlucks. Everyone loves it. Serve it alongside smoky grilled ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, or golden-brown chicken tenders to balance out the rich, savory heat of the meats. It is the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish.

Recipe

This quick and easy copycat recipe recreates the signature taste of KFC's famous coleslaw right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 8 cups cabbage, finely chopped (about 1 medium head)
  • 1/4 cup carrot, finely chopped (1 medium carrot)
  • 2 tablespoons onion, minced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Method Instructions

  1. Chop the cabbage and carrots very finely until they are about the size of rice grains.
  2. Mince the onion extremely fine to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the salad.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth and creamy.
  4. Add the finely chopped cabbage, carrots, and minced onion to the bowl with the dressing.
  5. Toss the ingredients thoroughly until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is highly recommended) to allow the flavors to meld and the classic texture to develop.
  7. Give the coleslaw a quick stir before serving cold.

Recipe Video

Make Your Own: KFC Coleslaw

Make Your Own: KFC Coleslaw – step‑by‑step recipe tutorial

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 342 reviews.

Recipe Tags: KFC Coleslaw, Copycat Recipe, Coleslaw Recipe, Side Dish, Summer Salad

Servings

Enjoy this classic copycat salad in several delicious ways:

  • Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish next to hot, crispy fried chicken.
  • Pile it high on top of pulled pork sandwiches for a sweet and crunchy contrast.
  • Pack it into airtight containers for summer picnics, backyard barbecues, and family potlucks.
  • Enjoy as a light, crisp snack straight from the refrigerator on warm afternoons.

Tips

  1. Chop Finely: Use a food processor to pulse the cabbage and carrots until they are rice-sized to replicate the exact KFC texture.
  2. Drain Excess Moisture: If your cabbage is very wet, pat it dry with paper towels before mixing to prevent a watery dressing.
  3. Don't Skip Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds the essential tangy undertone that regular milk cannot fully replicate.
  4. Chill Thoroughly: Let the coleslaw sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours; 8 to 24 hours is even better for flavor development.
  5. Use Fine Onion: Grate or mince the onion extremely fine so it distributes evenly without leaving large, pungent chunks.
  6. Whisk Dressing First: Always blend the liquid dressing ingredients completely before tossing them with the vegetables.
  7. Adjust Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet coleslaw, start with 1/4 cup of sugar and adjust to taste.
  8. Stir Before Serving: The dressing tends to settle at the bottom, so give it a good stir right before presenting it.
  9. Keep It Cold: Serve the coleslaw straight from the refrigerator, as it tastes best when ice-cold.
  10. Storage Limit: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; do not freeze as the cabbage will lose its crunch.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you lack some ingredients, try these easy alternatives to keep the recipe on track:

  1. Buttermilk Substitute: Mix 1/4 cup of regular milk with 1/4 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Mayonnaise Substitute: Use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter, tangier dressing base, though it will alter the classic flavor slightly.
  3. Sugar Substitute: Swap granulated sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a calorie-free sweetener like stevia to taste.
  4. White Vinegar Substitute: Apple cider vinegar can be used to add a slightly fruitier, milder acidity.
  5. Cabbage Shortcut: Use a pre-shredded bag of coleslaw mix from the grocery store, but pulse it in the food processor to get the fine texture.

Remarks

This homemade KFC Coleslaw copycat recipe is a timeless addition to any meal prep routine. It is incredibly cost-effective, easy to prepare in large batches, and tastes remarkably like the original drive-thru favorite. Bring this classic side dish to your next gathering and watch it vanish in minutes!

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