This KFC coleslaw recipe is a creamy, tangy copycat version of the classic side dish everyone loves. Made with finely chopped cabbage, a smooth and slightly sweet dressing, and simple ingredients, this Southern-style coleslaw is perfect for BBQs, cookouts, and family dinners.
Whether you’re serving it alongside Smoked Pulled Pork, Cane's Style Chicken Tenders, or on a Catfish Po' Boy, this easy coleslaw recipe delivers that signature flavor with a homemade touch.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Coleslaw was fire back in the day! At least it was for me growing up in the 80s, which was the golden era of Kentucky Fried Chicken and Long John Silver's. They both had amazing coleslaw that paired perfectly with their extra crunchy deep-fried buckets and platters of gold. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, they strayed a little bit. As did a lot of the greats! But luckily for you, me, and the rest of the internet-using home-cookin fools out there, we don't need them! Because we have RECIPES!
- You won't need many ingredients, most of which you already have!
- Two bags of veggies will do it for a medium-sized crowd.
- This KFC-style coleslaw recipe can be whipped up in just a couple of minutes.
- This is perfect for summer get-togethers as a make-ahead side dish!
Ingredients
Vegetables: I like using bagged angel hair, cabbage coleslaw, and sliced carrots. This makes the preparation so much easier and has the perfect texture!
Coleslaw Dressing: The dressing is everything in a great coleslaw, especially if you're looking for one that brings you back to the good old days!
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Make the Dressing Base
Combine all the wet ingredients for the coleslaw dressing, whisking until smooth and fully combined.
Step 2. Season the Coleslaw Dressing
Add the dry ingredients and whisk the dressing until evenly distributed and fully mixed.
Step 3. Add the Shredded Carrots
Add the shredded carrots and cabbage to the coleslaw dressing.
Step 4. Mix the Slaw and Refrigerate
Stir, shake, or toss the coleslaw until everything is fully combined. Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving, but feel free to make a full day ahead.
Expert Tips
- I recommend at least a 2-hour rest time in the refrigerator before serving. That will allow the flavors to meld.
- This is a great make-ahead slaw recipe and will be as good the following day, if not better. So, if you are making many different dishes, make this homemade coleslaw the night before and stick it in the fridge overnight.
- To get the same exact texture as KFC, use a handheld food processor like this Magic Salsa Maker to rice the cabbage and carrots. All it takes is a few spins and you'll have that fine texture of KFC Coleslaw.
What to Serve with Coleslaw
Coleslaw is the perfect side dish for BBQ and comfort food meals. Serve it alongside smoked pulled pork, fried chicken, burgers, or ribs for a classic Southern spread.
It also pairs well with sides like baked beans, macaroni salad, and potato salad to complete a full cookout menu.
Recipe FAQs
Traditional coleslaw consists of shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, onions, and creamy dressing.
KFC coleslaw is made with finely chopped cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar.
KFC coleslaw has a smooth texture and a sweet, tangy dressing that sets it apart from traditional coleslaw recipes.
Yes, it’s best made ahead and chilled to allow the flavors to develop.
No. Despite both commonly being referred to by the same name, cabbage slaw typically consists of roughly chopped green and purple cabbage and is not normally made with creamy dressing like coleslaw.
Dixie coleslaw consists of shredded green cabbage, shredded carrots, and onions with a creamy, vinegary, mayonnaise-based dressing.
Coleslaw pairs perfectly with BBQ meats, fried chicken, burgers, and classic Southern side dishes.
Salt the cabbage lightly and drain excess moisture before mixing with the dressing.
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📖 Recipe
KFC Coleslaw Recipe (Copycat)
Ingredients
- 10 Oz Angel Hair Coleslaw Cabbage - bagged
- 5 Oz Shredded Carrots - about half a bag
- 2 Tbsp. Dried Minced Onion
- ⅓ Cup Sugar
- ½ Cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ Cup Buttermilk
- ¼ Cup Whole Milk
- Juice of one Lemon
- 1 ½ Tbsp. White Vinegar
- ½ tsp. Kosher Salt
- ¼ tsp. White Pepper
Instructions
- Add the Cabbage and the Carrots to a mixing bowl with an air-tight lid. Shake the veggies to combine.
- Combine the remaining ingredients in a separate mixing bowl, and whisk to combine thoroughly.
- Pour the Coleslaw Dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture, replace the lid, and shake it all up.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until ready to serve.
Video
Notes
- I recommend at least a 2-hour rest time in the refrigerator before serving. That will allow the flavors to meld.
- This is a great make-ahead recipe and will be as good the following day, if not better. So, if you are making many different dishes, make this homemade coleslaw the night before and stick it in the fridge overnight.
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