If you’ve ever found yourself craving that unmistakable creamy, tangy side dish you get with your fried chicken feast, you’re in for a treat with this KFC Coleslaw Recipe. It’s not just a simple bowl of veggies tossed in dressing—this homemade version comes together in minutes and tastes just like the restaurant classic! With its crisp cabbage, crisp-tender carrots, and luscious dressing full of sweet-tart flavor, you’ll never reach for store-bought again once you’ve tried this copycat recipe in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this iconic KFC Coleslaw Recipe is just how easy the ingredients are to find, yet each one plays a vital role in making the perfect blend of flavors and textures. From the creaminess of the mayo to that bright lemon zing, every component deserves its place in the spotlight.
- Mayonnaise: The rich, creamy backbone of your dressing that gives the slaw its luxurious texture.
- Buttermilk: Adds a subtle tang and helps the dressing coat every veggie evenly.
- Whole Milk: Works with the buttermilk and mayonnaise to smooth out the dressing and prevent it from being too thick.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances the tang and brings that distinctive sweetness you’ll find in KFC’s version.
- Lemon Juice: Brings a fresh citrusy punch that makes the coleslaw taste vibrant and bright.
- White Vinegar: Sharpens up the flavor, ensuring the salad tastes zesty instead of flat.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the slaw from tasting bland.
- Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle, peppery bite—just enough for gentle warmth.
- Green Cabbage: The crisp, fresh base; finely chopping it mimics the classic texture you know and love.
- Shredded Carrots: For a pop of color and a little added sweetness.
- Minced Onion: Brings a hint of savory depth and authenticates the flavor profile of the original.
How to Make KFC Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Start with a large mixing bowl—this KFC Coleslaw Recipe doesn’t skimp on creaminess! Whisk together your mayonnaise, buttermilk, milk, granulated sugar, lemon juice, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture is totally smooth, and marvel at how the tangy-sweet aroma instantly reminds you of the fast-food favorite.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
If you have a food processor, now’s the time to put it to work: pulse your green cabbage until it’s finely chopped (about the size of confetti) and shred those carrots. Mince the onion as finely as possible. The ultra-fine texture is key to mimicking the real-deal KFC Coleslaw Recipe.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Transfer the finely chopped cabbage, shredded carrots, and minced onion into the bowl with your dressing. Use a sturdy spatula or spoon to fold everything together gently, ensuring every bite is cloaked in that irresistibly creamy, tangy dressing. It should look like the classic—crisp veggies suspended in a luscious white sauce.
Step 4: Chill for Maximum Flavor
This step is a game-changer: cover the bowl and refrigerate your slaw for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best. As it chills, the cabbage softens and the flavors meld into that unmistakable KFC Coleslaw Recipe taste. You’ll love how the wait transforms a simple salad into a restaurant-worthy side.
Step 5: Stir and Serve
Just before serving, give your coleslaw a good stir. The chilling can cause a bit of liquid to pool at the bottom, so mixing everything up ensures each bite stays perfectly creamy and flavorful!
How to Serve KFC Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
Classic KFC Coleslaw Recipe doesn’t need much, but if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a twist of black pepper on top gives your slaw a lovely pop of color. For extra tang, a light grating of lemon zest can add a pleasant sparkle to the dish.
Side Dishes
Nothing says comfort like pairing your KFC Coleslaw Recipe with crispy fried chicken, golden fries, or tender pulled pork. Don’t forget how perfectly it cuts through the richness of barbecue ribs, burgers, or even a steaming bowl of baked beans. It’s the side dish that brings balance to your meal!
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the bowl! Try serving your slaw in little mason jars for picnics, piling it high on barbecue sandwiches, or even using it as a crunchy taco topping. For parties, create individual slaw “shooters” for a whimsical, grab-and-go appetizer. However you present it, the KFC Coleslaw Recipe always delivers crowd-pleasing crunch and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This KFC Coleslaw Recipe actually improves as it sits—the flavors become more pronounced and the cabbage tenderizes perfectly. Enjoy within three days for best results.
Freezing
It’s not recommended to freeze coleslaw with mayonnaise-based dressing, as the texture can become watery and separate when thawed. For optimal taste and texture, whip up a fresh batch when you need it!
Reheating
Coleslaw should always be served chilled, not warm! If it’s been in the fridge for a day or two, simply give it a good stir before serving to redistribute any dressing that may have settled at the bottom.
FAQs
Can I make this KFC Coleslaw Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after it chills overnight. The flavors get a chance to meld, and the cabbage takes on that authentic creamy-tender bite.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes, for a lighter version, try swapping out half of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. It keeps things creamy but cuts down on some of the calories and fat.
How finely should I chop the cabbage and carrots?
The finer, the better! For the signature KFC Coleslaw Recipe texture, use a food processor or your best chopping skills to create small, confetti-like pieces.
Can I add other veggies or spices?
Of course! While this is a spot-on copycat, you can mix in red cabbage or use a pinch of celery seed for extra crunch and flavor, though it will stray a bit from the original.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
If buttermilk isn’t on hand, you can quickly make a substitute by adding a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes before using in your KFC Coleslaw Recipe.
Final Thoughts
I’m so glad to be able to share my go-to KFC Coleslaw Recipe with you! It’s the side dish that never disappoints, bringing a burst of creamy, tangy freshness to any meal. Give this easy homemade version a try—you might find it’s even better than the original!
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KFC Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This KFC coleslaw recipe is a delicious copycat version of the popular fast-food side dish. Creamy and tangy, it’s the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 cups finely chopped green cabbage (about 1 medium head)
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons minced onion
Dressing:
Salad:
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, prepare the dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, milk, sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add vegetables: Combine cabbage, carrots, and onion in the bowl with the dressing. Stir until well coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and cabbage to soften. Stir before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use a food processor to finely chop the cabbage and carrots.
- The coleslaw tastes even better the next day after marinating.
- You can use Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
