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Print / PDFKFC Coleslaw Copycat
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- Prep Time
- 15 mins
- chilling
- 2 hrs
- Total Time
- 2 hrs 15 mins
Ingredients
- 4 cups finely shredded green cabbage (the base of your coleslaw)
- ½ cup finely shredded red cabbage (adds color and crunch)
- ⅓ cup grated carrot (for sweetness and texture)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion (enhances flavor)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk (or milk) (for a tangy kick)
- 1½ tablespoons white vinegar (adds acidity)
- 1½ tablespoons granulated sugar (balances the flavors)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt (to season)
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper (adds a hint of spice)
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice (brightens the taste)
Equipment
- 1 large bowl — For mixing vegetables
- 1 whisk — For mixing dressing
- 1 Refrigerator — For chilling the coleslaw
Method
- 1
In a large bowl, combine shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, grated carrot, and chopped onion. Mix them well to ensure an even distribution of colors and textures.
- 2
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, white vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until smooth. This creamy dressing is the heart of your coleslaw!
- 3
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture. Make sure to cover all the veggies with that delicious creamy goodness.
- 4
Toss thoroughly to coat all vegetables evenly. Get in there and mix it up; it’s a fun part!
- 5
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow flavors to meld. This step is crucial for that authentic taste!
- 6
Stir again before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary. Now, dig in and enjoy your homemade KFC coleslaw copycat!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Carbs | 10g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
Why You’ll Love This kfc coleslaw copycat
- Enjoy the creamy, tangy flavor that rivals the original.
- Simple ingredients make it easy to whip up at home.
- Perfect side dish for any meal or gathering.
- Customize the sweetness to your liking for a personal touch.
- Save money while enjoying a restaurant favorite!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to whip up a delicious KFC coleslaw copycat right at home!

- 4 cups finely shredded green cabbage – the base of your coleslaw
- ½ cup finely shredded red cabbage – adds color and crunch
- ⅓ cup grated carrot – for sweetness and texture
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion – enhances flavor
- ½ cup mayonnaise – for creaminess
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk (or milk) – for a tangy kick
- 1½ tablespoons white vinegar – adds acidity
- 1½ tablespoons granulated sugar – balances the flavors
- ⅛ teaspoon salt – to season
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper – adds a hint of spice
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice – brightens the taste
How to Make KFC Coleslaw Copycat
This delightful KFC coleslaw copycat recipe is not only creamy and authentic but also incredibly easy to whip up! With a preparation time of about 15 minutes and a chilling time of at least 2 hours (or overnight for the best flavor), you’ll have a delicious side dish ready to impress.

Step 1: Combine Vegetables
In a large bowl, combine shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, grated carrot, and chopped onion. Mix them well to ensure an even distribution of colors and textures.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, white vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until smooth. This creamy dressing is the heart of your coleslaw!
Step 3: Combine Dressing and Vegetables
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture. Make sure to cover all the veggies with that delicious creamy goodness.
Step 4: Toss to Coat
Toss thoroughly to coat all vegetables evenly. Get in there and mix it up; it’s a fun part!
Step 5: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow flavors to meld. This step is crucial for that authentic taste!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Stir again before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary. Now, dig in and enjoy your homemade KFC coleslaw copycat!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Side Dish |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Extra Time | 120 minutes (Chilling) |
| Total Time | 135 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 6 |
| Best Served | Chilled and creamy |
Pro Tips for Making kfc coleslaw copycat
- Shred the cabbage finely for a more authentic texture.
- Let the coleslaw chill for at least an hour to enhance flavors.
- Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best crunch.
- Adjust the sugar to your taste for the perfect sweetness.
- Mix the dressing separately before combining for even distribution.
How to Serve this kfc coleslaw copycat
- Serve alongside crispy fried chicken for a classic combo.
- Pair with grilled burgers for a refreshing crunch.
- Use as a topping for pulled chicken or turkey sandwiches.
- Enjoy it as a side with BBQ ribs or smoked meats.
- Mix into a wrap with veggies and your choice of protein.
- Top off a fresh garden salad for added creaminess.
- Serve in a taco with grilled veggies for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store your KFC coleslaw copycat easily:
Storing kfc coleslaw copycat Leftovers
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor transfer.
Freezing kfc coleslaw copycat
- Coleslaw is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it.
- Use a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating kfc coleslaw copycat
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Stir well before serving to restore texture.
- Enjoy cold for the best flavor and crunch.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this KFC coleslaw copycat recipe in your hands, it’s time to whip up a batch and enjoy! This creamy, crunchy delight is not only simple to make but also a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of family gatherings. So grab your ingredients, mix it up, and savor every bite!
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.
What is the secret to KFC coleslaw flavor?
What are the ingredients in KFC coleslaw?
Why is KFC coleslaw different?
How to prepare coleslaw like KFC?
Kitchen notes
Nutrition & sources
Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.
Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.
For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.






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