Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe

Introduction

KFC’s coleslaw is one of those iconic side dishes that has earned a loyal fan base worldwide. Crisp cabbage, a hint of carrot, and that signature creamy dressing come together to make a refreshing, slightly tangy, and perfectly sweet salad that pairs beautifully with fried chicken, BBQ, or just about any meal. The good news? You don’t have to drive to a restaurant to enjoy it—you can make this copycat KFC coleslaw at home in minutes, using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. This recipe delivers the same taste and texture as the real thing, giving you a fresh, homemade option with no preservatives and customizable sweetness.

My recipe story

This recipe was born from my love for KFC’s coleslaw but also from my desire to make it a little fresher and healthier. I used to grab takeout coleslaw whenever we had fried chicken night at home, but I noticed that sometimes the texture was a little too watery, or the flavor wasn’t as crisp as I wanted. After several rounds of testing and tweaking, I found the perfect balance—finely chopped vegetables, the right ratio of mayo to vinegar, and a short chill time to allow flavors to blend. Now, it’s a staple for every cookout and family dinner. Friends often tell me it tastes “just like the real thing,” which means mission accomplished!

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of fresh, crisp vegetables and a creamy dressing that balances sweetness, tang, and a hint of sharpness from onion.

Cabbage: The star of the show! Finely chopped green cabbage provides that signature crunch. A food processor works great for getting the texture just right, but you can also chop it by hand. Aim for very small, even pieces so the slaw is light and creamy rather than chunky.

Carrot: Adds a pop of color and mild sweetness. Just half a carrot is enough, but you can add a bit more if you love carrot-forward slaws.

Onion: A small amount of minced onion gives the dressing a subtle bite and depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.

Dressing ingredients: Mayonnaise creates the creamy base, sugar adds sweetness, vinegar brings tang, and a little milk thins the dressing to the perfect consistency. A touch of lemon juice brightens the flavor, making the coleslaw taste fresh and balanced.

Equipment you’ll need

• Cutting board and sharp knife (or a food processor for faster chopping)
• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl or measuring cup for dressing
• Whisk or fork for blending dressing
• Spatula for mixing
• Airtight container for chilling and storing

Step-by-step directions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Finely chop the cabbage, carrot, and onion. If you’re using a food processor, pulse them until very finely minced, being careful not to over-process into mush. Transfer the chopped vegetables to a large mixing bowl.
2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, sugar, white vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine and mix: Pour the dressing over the chopped vegetables. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss everything together until the cabbage is fully coated and the mixture looks evenly combined.
4. Chill and let flavors develop: Cover the bowl or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This step allows the flavors to meld and gives you that authentic KFC-style taste and texture.
5. Serve and enjoy: Give the coleslaw a quick stir just before serving. Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar if needed. Serve chilled as a side dish.

Variations & substitutions

If you like experimenting, there are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own. Use red cabbage or a mix of green and red for a colorful twist. Swap out sugar for honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener option. Add a pinch of celery seed or Dijon mustard to give it a flavor boost. If you want a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt in place of part of the mayonnaise.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

This coleslaw keeps well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days in an airtight container. In fact, it tastes even better after sitting overnight because the flavors continue to meld. Freezing is not recommended because the cabbage will lose its crisp texture when thawed. If you want to make it ahead, prepare the dressing and chopped vegetables separately, then mix them together the day you plan to serve.

Serving ideas & pairings

This copycat KFC coleslaw is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside fried chicken, BBQ ribs, or grilled burgers for a classic comfort food experience. It’s also great as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches, fish tacos, or sloppy joes. For a lighter option, pair it with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a refreshing balance of flavors.

FAQ

Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?
Yes! It’s a time-saver. Just make sure it’s fresh and chop it a bit finer if needed for a more authentic texture.

How do I make it less sweet?
Simply reduce the sugar by half or replace it with a less sweet option like honey or agave nectar.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Replace the milk with a plant-based milk and make sure your mayonnaise is dairy-free.

Why is my coleslaw watery?
This can happen if the cabbage releases water after sitting. Patting the cabbage dry or adding dressing closer to serving time helps.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, this recipe scales beautifully. Just double or triple the ingredients and mix in a large bowl.

Final thoughts

This copycat KFC coleslaw is proof that simple ingredients can create something spectacular. With its creamy texture, crisp vegetables, and signature tangy-sweet flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving it at a summer cookout, alongside fried chicken, or as a refreshing side for weeknight dinners, this homemade version is always a hit. Try it once, and you may never go back to store-bought again!

Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe

---

• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy, tangy, and perfectly sweet, this copycat KFC coleslaw tastes just like the restaurant version. A quick and easy side dish for any meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups finely chopped green cabbage

• 1/2 medium carrot, very finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons onion, minced

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup whole milk

• 1/4 cup buttermilk (optional, for extra tang)

• 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

---

Instructions

1. Finely chop cabbage, carrot, and onion. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, milk, buttermilk, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and stir until everything is well coated.

4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to blend.
   

Notes

 For the most authentic texture, chop cabbage very finely. Coleslaw tastes even better after chilling overnight. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American