KFC Coleslaw Copycat Recipe – A Creamy, Tangy, and Refreshing Classic That Tastes Just Like the Orig

Craving that iconic KFC coleslaw? This copycat recipe brings you all the creamy, tangy goodness of the famous fast-food slaw, right in your own kitchen! With its perfectly balanced dressing and crunchy cabbage, this coleslaw is the perfect side dish for fried chicken, BBQ, or any of your favorite meals. It's incredibly easy to make, and after chilling in the fridge for a few hours, it tastes just like the real deal!

Scroll down for the full recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind KFC Coleslaw Copycat Recipe

KFC’s coleslaw is beloved for its signature creamy texture and sweet-tangy flavor. This homemade version captures all those classic flavors, using a combination of mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, and a few other pantry staples. The cabbage and carrot are finely diced to give it that familiar, small-cut texture, making every bite evenly coated with dressing. It's the perfect side dish to pair with anything from fried chicken to grilled meats, and it's always a hit at potlucks and BBQs!

Why You’ll Love This KFC Coleslaw Copycat

This coleslaw has the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. The secret lies in the dressing—made with mayonnaise, buttermilk, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice, it’s a smooth, delicious complement to the crunchy vegetables. The prep work is simple, and after a few hours of chilling, the flavors meld together to give you that classic KFC taste. Whether you're making it for a picnic or serving it as a side to your favorite comfort foods, this coleslaw will definitely impress.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fiber: 2g

This coleslaw is light and refreshing, yet rich enough to balance out hearty dishes like fried chicken or BBQ.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This KFC coleslaw copycat pairs perfectly with fried chicken, grilled meats, BBQ ribs, or even burgers and sandwiches. It’s an excellent side dish for any comfort food meal, and the tangy dressing helps to cut through rich, savory flavors. Serve it at your next backyard BBQ or family dinner, and watch it disappear! You can also serve it on top of pulled pork sandwiches for a crunchy, creamy contrast that’s absolutely delicious.

Storage and Reheating Tips

KFC coleslaw gets better as it sits, so feel free to make it ahead of time! Store the coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing evenly. Since it contains dairy, it’s best to avoid leaving it out at room temperature for long periods. If you’re serving it at a gathering, keep it chilled until just before serving.

Fun Fact: The Origins of Coleslaw

Did you know that coleslaw has been around for centuries? The term "coleslaw" comes from the Dutch word "koolsla," meaning "cabbage salad." While different variations of coleslaw exist around the world, the creamy, mayo-based version we know today became popular in the United States in the 18th century. This copycat version of KFC’s coleslaw is a modern twist on this classic dish, blending the best of tradition and fast-food flavor!

Cooking Tips

• Finely Dice the Vegetables: The texture of KFC coleslaw is smooth and finely chopped. Be sure to dice your cabbage and carrots into small, even pieces to mimic that classic texture.
• Chill for Best Flavor: Let the coleslaw sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the slaw its signature creamy texture.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh cabbage, carrots, and onions. The crunch of the fresh veggies is key to recreating the iconic texture.

Optional Variations

• Sweet Coleslaw: If you prefer your coleslaw on the sweeter side, you can increase the sugar to ½ cup.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
• No Buttermilk? No Problem!: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute with regular milk and add ½ teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to create that tangy buttermilk effect.

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KFC Coleslaw Copycat Recipe

Ingredients:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup buttermilk
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 ½ tablespoon white or apple cider vinegar
• 2 ½ tablespoon lemon juice
• 4 cups shredded then diced cabbage (about ½ of a medium head)
• 1 medium carrot, shredded and finely diced
• ¼ medium yellow onion, minced

Instructions:

1. Shred and dice the veggies: Shred the cabbage and carrot, then finely dice them. Mince the onion finely as well. Mix all the veggies together in a large mixing bowl.
2. • 4 cups shredded then diced cabbage, 1 medium carrot, ¼ medium yellow onion
3. Make the dressing: In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, buttermilk, sugar, salt, pepper, vinegar, and lemon juice until smooth.
4. • ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup milk, ¼ cup buttermilk, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 ½ tablespoon white or apple cider vinegar, 2 ½ tablespoon lemon juice
5. Combine: Pour the dressing over the shredded vegetables and mix well using a wooden spoon until everything is coated evenly.
6. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve: Before serving, give the coleslaw a good stir to make sure the dressing is evenly distributed. Enjoy with your favorite meals!

Final Thoughts

This KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe is the perfect way to recreate that classic, creamy, and tangy coleslaw you love. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect as a side dish for any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it with fried chicken at home, this coleslaw is sure to be a hit!