KFC Coleslaw Recipe: The BEST Copycat, Creamy & Easy!

KFC coleslaw recipe – those three words conjure up memories of summer picnics, family barbecues, and the satisfying crunch that complements your favorite fried chicken. This KFC coleslaw recipe is my attempt to recreate that iconic side dish, bringing a little bit of fast food nostalgia to your home kitchen.

Growing up, a bucket of KFC wasn’t complete without a generous helping of their coleslaw. That creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy flavor was the perfect counterpoint to the savory chicken. Now, I’m excited to share my version of this classic so you can enjoy it anytime, anywhere. Time to get started with your own copycat KFC coleslaw!

Why You Will Love This KFC coleslaw recipe Recipe

This copycat KFC coleslaw is so good, it is truly addictive! You’ll love how simple it is to make with just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your fridge. Forget running out for fast food coleslaw when you can have a fresh, homemade version ready in minutes.

The secret to this KFC coleslaw recipe is the balance of sweet and tangy. It’s the perfect side dish for potlucks, picnics, or any weeknight meal. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in an extra serving of vegetables!

I remember one particularly hot summer day when my family decided to have a spontaneous picnic in the park. The centerpiece of our feast was of course, a big bucket of fried chicken, along with a carton of the best creamy KFC coleslaw that I had made using this recipe. It tasted so incredible, it was a hit! This recipe always reminds me of those carefree summer days filled with sunshine, laughter, and good food.

Ingredients Needed for This KFC coleslaw recipe Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own delicious KFC coleslaw recipe:

• For the Coleslaw Base:

* 1 small head of cabbage, finely shredded (about 5 cups) * 1/4 cup grated carrot * 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion

• For the Dressing:

* 1/2 cup mayonnaise * 1/3 cup granulated sugar * 1/4 cup milk * 1/4 cup buttermilk * 2 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar * 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make This KFC coleslaw recipe Recipe

This creamy coleslaw recipe is simple and quick to make. Follow the steps below to create the best copycat KFC coleslaw!

1. 1. Prepare the Cabbage Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and chopped onion. Mix well and set aside.

1. 2. Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, milk, buttermilk, white vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.

1. 3. Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Ideally, chilling for 4 hours is best.

1. 4. Serve: Before serving, give the coleslaw another good stir. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve chilled and enjoy!

How to Serve This KFC coleslaw recipe Recipe

This fast food coleslaw is the perfect side dish to so many meals!

Serve it alongside fried chicken (naturally!), barbecue ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, or grilled hamburgers. For a lighter meal, try it with grilled fish or shrimp. It tastes absolutely great accompanied by The Perfect Christmas Margarita Recipe or Margarita Recipe.

For plating, consider serving the KFC coleslaw in individual ramekins or a large serving bowl. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

How to Store This KFC coleslaw recipe Recipe

Proper storage is key to keeping your creamy coleslaw fresh and delicious.

Store leftover KFC coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 to 5 days. The cabbage may become slightly softer over time, but the flavor will still be great.

I don’t recommend freezing this coleslaw, as the mayonnaise based dressing will separate and become watery when thawed, changing the texture of your KFC coleslaw recipe.

For reheating, no reheating is necessary! Just give it a good stir and enjoy cold, straight from the fridge.

Tips to Make This KFC coleslaw recipe Recipe

Want to create the best creamy KFC coleslaw recipe? Here are a few tips to help you achieve coleslaw perfection!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cabbage and carrots will give you the best flavor and texture. Avoid using pre shredded cabbage, as it tends to be drier and less flavorful.
• Finely Shred the Cabbage: The texture of KFC coleslaw is very fine, so take your time to shred the cabbage thinly. A food processor with a shredding attachment can be helpful.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet coleslaw, reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing.
• Let it Chill: Chilling the coleslaw allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften slightly. Don’t skip this step!
• To make this recipe even quicker, use pre-shredded coleslaw mix.
• Using a mandoline will make shredding the cabbage quicker and produce uniformly sized pieces.
• For a tangier coleslaw, add a splash more vinegar.

Helpful Notes for This KFC coleslaw recipe Recipe

A couple of extra notes for your KFC coleslaw recipe!

• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise. Full fat mayonnaise will give you the creamiest result.
• Vinegar: White vinegar is key to the classic KFC coleslaw flavor. Do NOT use apple cider vinegar or other different vinegars.

Variation of This KFC coleslaw recipe Recipe

This creamy coleslaw recipe is classic, but also easily modified for your own taste preferences!

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
• Pineapple coleslaw: Incorporate diced pineapple for a tropical twist.
• Add some herbs: This KFC coleslaw recipe doesn’t include herbs, but you can definitely add some if you like: fresh parsley, celery seeds or dill.

Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration!

Conclusion

There you have it copycat KFC coleslaw! A simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This KFC coleslaw recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser, so go ahead and whip up a batch and transport yourself back to those carefree summer days. Enjoy!

Print