KFC Coleslaw Copycat

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This KFC coleslaw copycat brings you all the creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet crunch you know and love from the fast-food classic, right from your own kitchen. The texture is perfect: finely chopped cabbage and carrots with just the right amount of dressing to coat every bite without turning soggy. It’s the kind of side dish that brings balance to heavier meals like fried chicken, barbecue, or rich holiday spreads.

If you’ve ever found yourself scooping an extra helping of coleslaw from your KFC bucket meal, this recipe is your dream come true. It takes only a handful of ingredients and a little chill time to recreate that signature taste. You might even find it tastes fresher and more vibrant than the original, especially since you’re making it yourself.

Why You’ll Love This KFC Coleslaw Copycat

This recipe delivers that authentic flavor you remember without needing a deep fryer or a drive-thru. It’s affordable, incredibly simple to make, and pairs with nearly everything. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or weekly meal prep. The real charm is how it gets better the longer it sits—hello leftovers!

What Makes KFC Coleslaw So Unique?

What sets this coleslaw apart is the balance between creamy and tangy with a whisper of sweetness. Unlike some slaws that rely heavily on vinegar or mayonnaise alone, KFC’s version blends both with a hint of sugar and lemon juice to round it out. Also, the vegetables are minced super fine, giving it a smoother, more uniform bite. The texture is just as important as the flavor here, so taking time to chop your cabbage and carrots finely is worth every second.

Ingredients for the KFC Coleslaw Copycat

To get that signature taste, each ingredient in this KFC coleslaw copycat plays an important role. From the crunch of the cabbage to the zing of the dressing, here’s what you’ll need:

• Green cabbage: The base of the slaw, it should be very finely chopped to mimic the original texture.
• Carrots: Adds color and natural sweetness, also finely chopped or shredded.
• Onion: Just a small amount, minced very fine, gives the slaw a savory edge.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy binder that holds everything together.
• Buttermilk: Brings tang and helps thin the dressing just right.
• Milk: Balances the thickness and mellows the tang.
• Granulated sugar: Essential for that light sweetness that offsets the tanginess.
• White vinegar: Adds sharpness and brightness.
• Lemon juice: Rounds out the acidity and enhances freshness.
• Salt & pepper: To taste, but just enough to lift the other flavors.

How To Make the KFC Coleslaw Copycat

Step 1: Prep the Veggies

Finely chop the green cabbage, carrots, and onion. You can use a food processor to get that signature fine texture, but be careful not to over-process.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, milk, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine

Add the chopped vegetables to the bowl with the dressing. Stir everything together until the veggies are fully coated.

Step 4: Chill to Marry the Flavors

Cover and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This gives the flavors time to blend and the texture to set.

Step 5: Serve

Give it a quick stir before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve cold alongside your favorite dishes.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Coleslaw

This coleslaw is the ultimate make-ahead side dish. It needs a few hours in the fridge anyway, so it’s perfect to prep the day before a barbecue or gathering. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a stir before serving each time. This recipe makes enough to serve 6 to 8 people as a generous side.

What to Serve With KFC Coleslaw Copycat?

Fried Chicken

Whether homemade or store-bought, nothing beats the pairing of crispy chicken with creamy coleslaw.

BBQ Ribs

The tangy sweetness of the slaw cuts through the smoky richness of ribs perfectly.

Grilled Burgers

Add a spoonful on the side or directly in your burger for a juicy, crunchy contrast.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

A classic match—the slaw adds brightness and texture to the tender meat.

Baked Beans

Pairing this creamy slaw with hearty baked beans creates a picnic-ready plate.

Cornbread

A slice of warm, crumbly cornbread and a scoop of this coleslaw make a comfort food dream team.

Fish Tacos

Use this coleslaw as a topping for tacos to bring in a cool, creamy crunch.

Want More Side Dish Ideas?

If you love this creamy slaw, you might also enjoy these tasty dishes:

• Crispy and Delicious Easy Chinese Egg Rolls Recipe with a satisfying crunch.
• Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese that brings the comfort of two favorites in one.
• Easy Chicken Fried Rice for a full meal option that’s fast and flavorful.
• Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni if you’re in the mood for creamy pasta.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can whip it up anytime you’re craving that classic KFC coleslaw flavor.

Let me know in the comments if you adjusted the sweetness or added a twist of your own! Did you try a vegan mayo or add a spicy kick?

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dishes and comfort food twists on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next go-to recipe inspiration.

Conclusion

Recreating this KFC coleslaw copycat is about more than just flavor—it’s about the nostalgic joy of bringing a beloved dish to your own table. With its perfectly balanced dressing and finely chopped crunch, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. And once you see how easy it is to make, you might never crave the takeout version again.

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