Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe - Now you can make the beloved KFC coleslaw at home. (2024)

Jill Mills

Jump to Recipe Save

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

A little sweet, a little tangy, and perfectly seasoned, this Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and 10 minutes of prep. The perfect homemade coleslaw for your next picnic or cookout.

Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe - Now you can make the beloved KFC coleslaw at home. (2)

Featured Comment

I have made this coleslaw many times My family absolutely loves it

– Alberta Andrews

8 More Comments

Easy Kentucky Fried Chicken Coleslaw Recipe

Homemade coleslaw is one of my favorite side dishes. It’s just so flavorful and versatile! The crunch of the cabbage paired with a tangy dressing makes it just right with anything from crispy fried chicken to a juicy hamburger.

And we all know that when it comes to coleslaw, no one does it quite like Kentucky Fried Chicken. Until now! Now you can make that perfectly tangy, slightly sweet coleslaw at home with just a few ingredients. With finely chopped veggies and a buttermilk dressing, this copycat KFC coleslaw tastes just like the original!

What Makes KFC Coleslaw So Special?

If you’ve been to Kentucky Fried Chicken at least once in your life, you already know. If you haven’t…well, first of all, you’ve been missing out! But here are a few reasons why this KFC copycat recipe stands out from other homemade coleslaw recipes:

  • It’s the perfect balance of tangy and sweet
  • It’s made with buttermilk
  • There’s not an overabundance of mayo (the main reason many people don’t like coleslaw!)
  • Onions are a “secret” ingredient that gives it loads of flavor
  • It’s super saucy (but not too creamy)
Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe - Now you can make the beloved KFC coleslaw at home. (3)

The Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Copycat KFC Coleslaw (the exact measurements and full recipe instructions are below in the easy to print recipe card):

  • Cabbage – Use fresh cabbage and chop it finely using a food processor. You’ll use about half of a head of cabbage, depending on the size, to get 4 cups of chopped cabbage.
  • Carrot & Onion – These veggies add color, flavor, and texture to the coleslaw. Be sure to chop the onion very finely or mince it, as you don’t want big pieces in the dressing.
  • Buttermilk – The buttermilk adds the signature tang to the dressing so I don’t recommend skipping it.
  • White vinegar – White vinegar is just the right flavor for this coleslaw. Apple cider vinegar would change the taste too much, so stick with white vinegar for this recipe.
  • Milk – I used whole milk.
  • Mayonnaise – Use regular full-fat mayonnaise and not a whipped salad dressing. They are not interchangeable. I don’t recommend a low-fat mayo either, as you want the creaminess.
  • Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed for the best results.
  • Granulated sugar – Sugar adds just a hint of sweetness and cuts the acidity of the vinegar and lemon.
  • Salt & black pepper

How to Make KFC Coleslaw

This copycat recipe comes together in just 10 minutes! Though remember it will need some chill time before enjoying so make it in advance!

Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe - Now you can make the beloved KFC coleslaw at home. (4)
Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe - Now you can make the beloved KFC coleslaw at home. (5)
Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe - Now you can make the beloved KFC coleslaw at home. (6)
  • Make the dressing. Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth.
  • Chop the cabbage and carrot. Use a food processor to finely chop the cabbage and carrot.
  • Chill. Pour the dressing over the veggies. Stir well to combine. Chill until serving.
Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe - Now you can make the beloved KFC coleslaw at home. (7)

Pro Tip: Wait to Add More Dressing

When you first mix the cabbage with the dressing, it may appear a little dry and like it needs more dressing. Before adding more, let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This gives the cabbage time to release more moisture.

After the cabbage has chilled, give the coleslaw a good stir. More likely than not, you’ll have the perfect amount of dressing. However, if you do want to add additional dressing, just mix up a second batch and add a little at a time, until you’re satisfied with the amount.

Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe - Now you can make the beloved KFC coleslaw at home. (8)

Serving Suggestions

Nothing goes with coleslaw quite like some Southern fried chicken and creamy mashed potatoes, though crispy chicken tenders might make a close second.

Coleslaw also makes a great side dish for BBQs, picnics, and potlucks, whether you’re serving up burgers and hot dogs, BBQ chicken, or steak. You can even add it to your burgers, hot dogs, or pulled pork or chicken as a topping!

When it comes to serving this, I like to use a slotted spoon since it’s so saucy!

How Long Does Coleslaw Last?

Leftover coleslaw can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Give it a good stir before serving.

I do not recommend freezing coleslaw, due to the dairy ingredients. The veggies will also release moisture when they thaw and ruin the texture. It’s best to enjoy this freshly made!

More Easy Side Dish Recipes

  • Crack Potatoes
  • 5 Ingredient Souper Rice
  • Crockpot Creamed Corn
  • Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
  • Sweet Potato Casserole

5 from 18 votes

Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe

A little sweet, a little tangy, and perfectly seasoned, this Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and 10 minutes of prep. The perfect homemade coleslaw for your next picnic or cookout.

Servings: 8 servings

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Chill time: 30 minutes mins

Print Rate Save

Ingredients

  • 4 cups finely chopped cabbage
  • ½ medium carrot very finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons onion minced
  • 2 tablespoons buttermilk
  • 4 teaspoons white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 4 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Chop the cabbage and carrot very finely using a food processor. Combine the cabbage and carrot in a large mixing bowl; set aside.

  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients, mixing until smooth.

  • Pour the dressing over cabbage and carrot mixture and stir well to combine.

  • Chill the coleslaw in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Did You Make This?

Leave a below or tag @kitchenfunwithmy3sons on social media!

Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe - Now you can make the beloved KFC coleslaw at home. (10)

Categories:

  • Recipes
  • Side Dishes
  • Summer
Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe - Now you can make the beloved KFC coleslaw at home. (2024)

FAQs

Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe - Now you can make the beloved KFC coleslaw at home.? ›

There are only 3 vegetables: You can buy a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw and finely chop that, if you prefer. But keep in mind that true KFC Coleslaw only contains green cabbage, carrots, and onions, so don't use the packaged cabbage that has red cabbage or any herbs.

What is KFC coleslaw made of? ›

There are only 3 vegetables: You can buy a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw and finely chop that, if you prefer. But keep in mind that true KFC Coleslaw only contains green cabbage, carrots, and onions, so don't use the packaged cabbage that has red cabbage or any herbs.

What is the dressing made of in coleslaw? ›

What Is Coleslaw Dressing Made Of? This creamy, mayo-based dressing uses ingredients you likely have on hand: sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, and of course, mayonnaise. The resulting dressing is just the right balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and peppery!

Why did KFC stop selling coleslaw? ›

The fast food chain was forced to stop selling its coleslaw tubs when a supply issue meant the slaw would have to be served up without the dressing. “We are currently experiencing a supply issue with our KFC coleslaw dressing,” a KFC spokesperson said. The slaw is made up of cabbage and carrots coated in mayonnaise.

What is traditional coleslaw made of? ›

It's packed with shredded cabbage and julienned carrots (for health!) and tossed in the holy triumvirate of coleslaw dressing ingredients: apple cider vinegar for acidity, honey for balance, and mayonnaise to tie it all together (feel free to substitute up to half the mayo for tangier Greek yogurt or sour cream for an ...

Does KFC still use cabbage? ›

KFC outlets, excluding those in the Northern Territory and South Australia, currently uses a 60/40 blend of lettuce and cabbage – but this will soon no longer be necessary, O'Malley said. “The crop got decimated. We do think it's short term in nature,” he told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

Does KFC coleslaw contain horseradish? ›

Does KFC Coleslaw Contain Horseradish? The answer is yes, and no. The original recipe had a touch of horseradish in it, and many people remember that version well. If that flavor is something you're looking for, try about one teaspoon of prepared horseradish in this recipe.

What is the best pre made coleslaw? ›

With its nice, thick dressing, Walmart's deli coleslaw is the best creamy coleslaw of the bunch. The dressing is heavy on the mayo, which makes it the best coleslaw to slather on a burger or pulled pork sandwich, and the copious amounts of shredded carrot will contribute some crunch, too.

What is creamy coleslaw made of? ›

Combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, maple syrup, celery seed, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth! Then, combine the veggies. Add the scallions, red cabbage, green cabbage, and carrot to a large bowl, and toss to combine.

What is a substitute for sour cream in coleslaw? ›

Swap in Greek-style yogurt, labneh or skyr

These extra-thick fermented dairy products are terrific swaps for sour cream in pretty much any application. They bring a similar tart, punchy flavor, plus an almost identical texture and creamy richness to the party for dips and dollops.

Why did Chick Fil A get rid of coleslaw? ›

"But as our sales volumes grew, it just wasn't feasible to keep adding to the menu without taking anything away." Chick-fil-A cut cole slaw from the menu in January to make room for a new "superfood" side of kale and broccolini in a maple vinaigrette dressing.

What is KFC discontinuing? ›

Yahoo Finance reports, the soon-to-be discontinued items include Kentucky Fried Chicken Wings, Popcorn Chicken Combo, Nashville Hot Sauce, Strawberry Lemonade, and Chocolate Chip Cookies.

What all is KFC getting rid of? ›

KFC is getting rid of popcorn chicken, Kentucky fried chicken wings, and chocolate chip cookies. The pare-down is part of an effort to streamline customer experience, a spokesperson told USA Today. The chain is also bringing back its fan favorite bun-less fried chicken sandwich.

Which country invented coleslaw? ›

The dish was initially created in the Netherlands. In fact, the term coleslaw originates from the Dutch expression koosla, which means “cabbage salad.” Recipes similar to coleslaw have been found and used in American homes from as early as 1770.

Should you wash bagged coleslaw? ›

Even if the bag says "prewashed" or "triple-washed," wash the greens yourself. Rinsing won't remove all bacteria but may remove residual soil. Prevent cross contamination by keeping greens away from raw meat.

What is coleslaw called in America? ›

Coleslaw (from the Dutch term koolsla meaning 'cabbage salad'), also known as cole slaw, or simply as slaw, is a side dish consisting primarily of finely shredded raw cabbage with a salad dressing or condiment, commonly either vinaigrette or mayonnaise.

Is coleslaw from KFC healthy? ›

KFC coleslaw contains a moderate amount of calories, fat, and carbohydrates. It also provides some vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and vitamin K. However, it is important to note that KFC coleslaw is high in sodium and sugar, which can be a concern for those on a restricted diet.

Why is KFC using cabbage instead of lettuce? ›

KFC says change is due to a lettuce shortage after floods destroyed crops in New South Wales and Queensland. The fried chicken chain KFC has been forced to make menu changes in its burgers and wraps in Australia as the country faces the consequences of floods that destroyed lettuce crops.

Is KFC using cabbage instead of lettuce? ›

Fast food giant KFC has been forced to put cabbage in its burgers and wraps in Australia as the country is struggling with a shortage of lettuce.

Does KFC coleslaw have a lot of sugar? ›

KFC, Coleslaw contains 161 calories per 112 g serving. This serving contains 9.7 g of fat, 1 g of protein and 18 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 15 g sugar and 2.2 g of dietary fiber, the rest is complex carbohydrate.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 5346

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Birthday: 1995-01-14

Address: 55021 Usha Garden, North Larisa, DE 19209

Phone: +6812240846623

Job: Corporate Healthcare Strategist

Hobby: Singing, Listening to music, Rafting, LARPing, Gardening, Quilting, Rappelling

Introduction: My name is Foster Heidenreich CPA, I am a delightful, quaint, glorious, quaint, faithful, enchanting, fine person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.