KFC Copycat Coleslaw Recipe That Tastes Just Like the Original

You know that moment when you take that first bite of KFC coleslaw and think, “How do they make it so creamy and tangy?” I’ve been obsessed with cracking the code ever since my college days, when my roommate and I would split a bucket of chicken and fight over who got the last spoonful of that perfect slaw. After years of tweaking and tasting (oh, the sacrifices I’ve made!), I’ve finally nailed this KFC copycat coleslaw recipe. It’s shockingly simple – just fresh cabbage, a dreamy creamy dressing, and a couple hours in the fridge to work its magic. Trust me, this tastes just like the real deal, but better because you made it yourself!

Why You’ll Love This KFC Copycat Coleslaw

This isn’t just any coleslaw – it’s the one you’ve been craving! Here’s why it’ll become your go-to recipe:

• Creamy perfection: That signature KFC texture? We’ve got it with our magic combo of mayo, buttermilk, and just the right amount of tang.
• No cooking required: Just chop, mix, and chill – your oven gets the day off!
• Crowd-pleaser: It disappears faster than you can say “extra slaw please” at every potluck I bring it to.
• Better than takeout: Fresh ingredients mean it actually tastes brighter and crisper than the original.

Seriously, once you taste this, you’ll never look at store-bought slaw the same way again.

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The Magic Ingredients for KFC Copycat Coleslaw

Here’s the beautiful thing – you probably have most of these ingredients in your fridge right now! But don’t let the simplicity fool you. Each one plays a special role in creating that iconic KFC coleslaw taste we all know and love.

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• 1 head green cabbage, finely shredded – About 8 cups. I like to cut mine by hand for that perfect crisp texture (pre-shredded bags are too thick!)
• 1 carrot, grated – The orange confetti that makes it pretty! Use the large holes on your box grater.
• 2 tbsp onion, finely minced – Yellow or white onion works best. Pro tip: soak the minced onion in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow the bite.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise – Full-fat is best here for that rich creaminess. My grandma would haunt me if I suggested low-fat!
• 1/4 cup buttermilk – The secret tang-maker! No buttermilk? Mix 1/4 cup milk with 3/4 tsp lemon juice and let sit 5 minutes.
• 1/4 cup whole milk – Helps thin the dressing to that perfect pourable consistency.
• 2 tbsp white vinegar – Plain distilled works great, but apple cider vinegar adds nice flavor too.
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar – The sweet balance to our tang. Adjust to taste – I sometimes add an extra teaspoon.
• 1/2 tsp salt – Brings all the flavors together. Taste your dressing before adding to the veggies.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – Just a hint of spice to keep things interesting.

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See? Nothing fancy, just good old-fashioned ingredients that work together like best friends at a picnic. Now let’s turn them into coleslaw magic!

How to Make KFC Copycat Coleslaw

Okay, let’s get to the fun part! Making this coleslaw is so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever bought it pre-made. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have that perfect creamy, crunchy slaw in no time.

Preparing the Vegetables

First things first – let’s tackle the veggies. Grab your sharpest knife and cut the cabbage into quarters, removing the core. Then slice it as thin as you can – we’re aiming for delicate ribbons, not chunky pieces. For the carrot, use the large holes on your box grater to get those pretty, fluffy shreds. And for the onion? Minced super fine! I like to do this last so the onion flavor doesn’t overpower everything else.

Making the Dressing

Now for the magic sauce! In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayo, buttermilk, and regular milk until smooth. Then add the vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Taste it – this is your moment to adjust! Want it tangier? Add a splash more vinegar. Sweeter? A pinch more sugar. This dressing should make you go “Mmm!” when you taste it.

Combining and Chilling

Here’s where patience pays off. Pour that glorious dressing over your bowl of veggies and toss, toss, toss until every single piece is coated. Then – and this is crucial – cover it and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. I know, waiting is hard, but trust me, this lets the flavors mingle and the cabbage soften just enough. The difference between freshly mixed and properly chilled coleslaw is night and day!

That’s it! See? I told you it was easy. Now go resist the urge to eat it straight from the bowl while you wait for it to chill.

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Tips for the Best KFC Copycat Coleslaw

After making this recipe more times than I can count (my friends won’t let me come to BBQs without it!), I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks. These little tweaks will take your coleslaw from good to “Oh my gosh, give me the recipe!” status.

Choose the right cabbage

Not all cabbages are created equal! Look for a heavy, compact head with crisp outer leaves – that’s how you know it’s fresh. I avoid pre-shredded bags because they’re often too thick and dry. And here’s my secret: if your cabbage seems a bit tough, sprinkle it with 1/2 tsp salt after shredding, let it sit 10 minutes, then rinse and pat dry. This softens it just enough without losing that perfect crunch.

Dress it like you mean it

The dressing should coat every strand, not pool at the bottom of the bowl. My trick? Add half the dressing first, toss well, then add the rest in stages until it looks right. If it seems too wet, don’t panic – the cabbage will absorb some as it chills. And always taste your dressing before adding it! Adjust the sweet-tangy balance to your liking with extra sugar or vinegar.

Time is your secret ingredient

I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but resist! That 2-hour chill time isn’t just a suggestion – it’s when the magic happens. The flavors meld, the cabbage softens slightly, and everything becomes harmonious. For even better results? Make it the night before! The next day, give it a good stir and maybe a tiny splash of milk if it’s thickened too much.

Keep it crisp until serving

If you’re taking this to a potluck (where it will be the star, trust me), pack the dressing separately and mix it on-site if possible. Otherwise, store it in the coolest part of your fridge and give it a quick stir right before serving to refresh the texture. And whatever you do, don’t leave it out in the sun – nobody likes warm, weepy coleslaw!

Follow these tips, and I promise your coleslaw will be the talk of the table. Now go forth and slaw!

Serving and Storing KFC Copycat Coleslaw

Now that you’ve made this glorious coleslaw, let’s talk about how to serve it and keep it tasting fresh. I’ve learned a few things from all those backyard BBQs and family gatherings where this slaw was the first dish to disappear!

The Perfect Pairings

Obviously, this coleslaw was born to sit next to crispy fried chicken – it’s a match made in heaven! But don’t stop there. It’s amazing with pulled pork sandwiches (pile it right on top!), grilled burgers, or even as a fresh counterpoint to rich mac and cheese. My personal favorite? A big scoop on a hot dog with some chili – trust me, it’s life-changing.

Storing Like a Pro

This coleslaw keeps beautifully in the fridge for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually get better the next day! Just give it a good stir before serving. If it looks a little dry after chilling, add a splash of milk or buttermilk to bring back the creaminess.

One important note: don’t freeze it! The cabbage turns into a sad, watery mess when thawed. Learned that one the hard way after trying to stockpile it for a party. Fresh is always best with coleslaw.

Smart Serving Tips

If you’re taking this to a potluck, I like to mix it right before leaving the house so it stays crisp. Bring some extra dressing in a small jar just in case. And always serve it chilled – nothing kills coleslaw vibes faster than sitting out in the sun for hours. A quick stir right before serving redistributes all that creamy goodness perfectly.

Now go enjoy your masterpiece! This coleslaw deserves to be the star of your next meal, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a big summer cookout. Just be prepared for recipe requests – they’re coming!

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KFC Copycat Coleslaw Variations

While I’m obsessed with the classic version, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up! Here are my favorite ways to put a fresh spin on this KFC copycat coleslaw when I’m feeling adventurous:

Apple Walnut Twist

For a sweet crunch, I’ll add 1 cup of finely diced crisp apples (Honeycrisp are my favorite) and 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts. The apples add this amazing freshness that pairs perfectly with the creamy dressing. Just toss them in with the cabbage – no other changes needed!

Spicy Kick

When I want to wake up my taste buds, I’ll stir in 1-2 finely minced jalapeños (seeds removed unless you’re brave!) and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing. The heat sneaks up on you in the best way. This version is killer with barbecue ribs!

Rainbow Slaw

Sometimes I’ll swap half the green cabbage for purple cabbage and throw in some shredded Brussels sprouts for extra texture. The colors make it look so pretty on the table, and the different cabbages add interesting layers of flavor. Just keep the dressing the same – it works with any crunchy veggie!

The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can customize it. Once you’ve mastered the base, the possibilities are endless. What variations will you try first?

What’s in Your KFC Copycat Coleslaw?

Now, I’m no nutritionist (though I play one in my kitchen!), but I know folks like to have the facts. Here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious serving of this coleslaw. Just remember – these numbers are estimates since cabbages and carrots vary in size, and we all know I sometimes “accidentally” add an extra spoonful of dressing!

• Serving Size: About 1/2 cup (because let’s be real, who stops at just one scoop?)
• Calories: Around 150 per serving – totally worth every one!
• Sugar: 8g (mostly from that touch of sweetness we add to balance the tang)
• Sodium: 200mg (the salt makes all those flavors pop!)
• Fat: 10g (thank you, glorious mayonnaise – it’s what makes it creamy!)
• Carbs: 12g (mostly from our fresh veggies – eat your colors!)
• Fiber: 2g (cabbage is secretly good for you – shh!)

Remember, these numbers can change based on exactly how much dressing you use (no judgment if you’re heavy-handed like me!) and the size of your veggies. But hey, it’s coleslaw – it’s practically a salad, right? At least that’s what I tell myself when I go back for seconds!

FAQs About KFC Copycat Coleslaw

Got more questions? Drop them in the comments – I love talking coleslaw almost as much as I love eating it!

There you have it – my foolproof recipe for KFC copycat coleslaw that’s been tested, tweaked, and absolutely devoured by everyone I know! Whether you’re serving it at your next cookout, packing it for a picnic, or just craving that perfect creamy-crunchy bite, this recipe won’t let you down. The best part? It’s so easy that you’ll wonder why you ever bought it pre-made. I’d love to hear how your version turns out – did you stick with the classic or try one of the fun variations? Snap a photo and tell me all about it in the comments below. Happy slaw-making!

KFC Copycat Coleslaw Recipe That Tastes Just Like the Original

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A delicious copycat version of KFC’s famous coleslaw, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish. This recipe captures the creamy, tangy flavor you love.

• Author: Sophia Collins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins
• Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 head green cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 carrot, grated
• 2 tbsp onion, finely minced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and minced onion.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, milk, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until evenly coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

• For best results, let the coleslaw chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
• Adjust sugar and vinegar to taste for a sweeter or tangier flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: KFC coleslaw, copycat coleslaw, creamy coleslaw, easy coleslaw recipe