Classic KFC Coleslaw Copycat

This creamy KFC coleslaw copycat recipe brings the iconic fast-food side dish right to your home kitchen. With its perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this version tastes exactly like the original but is made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.

I first made this coleslaw for a family barbecue when I was craving that classic KFC flavor. Everyone was shocked by how authentic it tasted, and now it's requested at every summer gathering we host.

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the dressing giving it that rich texture
• Buttermilk adds tanginess and thins the dressing to the perfect consistency
• Sugar balances the vinegar and creates that signature sweet KFC flavor
• White vinegar provides the classic sharp tang that cuts through the richness
• Apple cider vinegar adds a subtle fruity depth that regular vinegar alone cannot achieve
• Fresh lemon juice brightens all the flavors and adds natural acidity
• Green cabbage finely chopped is the main vegetable look for firm heads with crisp leaves
• Carrots add color and subtle sweetness choose firm carrots with vibrant orange color
• Grated onion provides a background pungency that makes this coleslaw special

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make The Dressing

In a medium bowl whisk together mayonnaise buttermilk sugar white vinegar apple cider vinegar lemon juice and salt until completely smooth and no sugar granules remain. The dressing should have a pourable consistency but still be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. This sweet tangy dressing is the secret to replicating that authentic KFC flavor so take your time mixing it thoroughly.

Prepare The Vegetables

Finely chop the cabbage into very small pieces similar to the size you see in the original KFC version. Shred the carrot using the fine side of a box grater and grate the onion as well. The key is getting everything into very small uniform pieces so each bite has all the flavors. The original KFC coleslaw has very finely cut vegetables so this step is important for authenticity.

Combine And Chill

In a large bowl combine the cabbage carrot and onion mixtures. Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly until every piece is well coated. Make sure to stir from the bottom to ensure even distribution. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours but preferably 4 hours. This resting time allows the vegetables to soften slightly and the flavors to meld together creating that perfect KFC coleslaw texture and taste.

Save Pin

I particularly love using fresh lemon juice in this recipe rather than bottled. It makes such a difference in the brightness of the flavor. My family always knows when I've made a fresh batch because the kitchen fills with that distinctive sweet tangy aroma that reminds us of summer picnics.

Storage Tips

This coleslaw actually improves with time as the flavors meld together in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container and it will keep fresh for 3 to 5 days. The cabbage will soften more as it sits but many people including myself prefer this texture. Just give it a good stir before serving as some liquid may settle at the bottom of the container.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you dont have buttermilk on hand you can make your own by adding 1 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a quarter cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. For a lighter version you can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. While traditional cabbage works best you can use a mix of green and purple cabbage for a more colorful presentation just be aware that the purple will bleed slightly into the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

This coleslaw is the perfect companion to fried chicken replicating that classic KFC meal experience. It also works wonderfully as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches adding creamy crunch to balance the rich meat. For a complete picnic spread serve it alongside potato salad baked beans and cornbread. The coolness of the coleslaw particularly complements spicy dishes making it perfect next to buffalo wings or spicy grilled meats.

The History Behind KFC Coleslaw

Colonel Sanders original recipe for KFC coleslaw has been a closely guarded secret since the 1940s. The coleslaw became famous for its finely chopped vegetables and sweet tangy dressing that perfectly complemented the spicy fried chicken. What makes the KFC version unique is the fine texture of the vegetables creating an almost uniform consistency unlike chunkier traditional coleslaws. This recipe aims to recreate that distinctive texture and flavor balance that has made KFC coleslaw a beloved side dish for generations.

Save Pin

Commonly Asked Questions

→ How long will this KFC coleslaw copycat last in the refrigerator?

When properly stored in an airtight container, this coleslaw will last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually continue to develop over the first day, making it an excellent make-ahead side dish.

→ Can I use pre-shredded cabbage for this coleslaw?

Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage to save time. However, for the most authentic KFC-style texture, you'll want a finer chop than typical coleslaw mixes provide. Consider pulsing pre-shredded cabbage briefly in a food processor.

→ Is there a substitute for buttermilk in this coleslaw?

If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ¼ cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. In a pinch, you could also use sour cream thinned with a little milk.

→ Why does this coleslaw need to chill before serving?

Chilling for 2-4 hours allows the cabbage to soften slightly and the flavors to meld together. This resting period is crucial for achieving the authentic KFC coleslaw taste and texture, as the sugar and salt draw moisture from the vegetables.

→ Can I make this coleslaw less sweet?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar to taste. Start by using half the amount (about 2-3 tablespoons) and adjust after chilling if needed. The signature KFC flavor does have a notable sweetness, but it can be modified to personal preference.

→ What makes this coleslaw different from other versions?

This copycat version mimics KFC's distinctive style with finely chopped (not shredded) cabbage, the inclusion of grated onion for depth of flavor, and a precisely balanced sweet-tangy dressing using both white and apple cider vinegars plus fresh lemon juice.