If you’ve ever scraped the bottom of a little paper cup of KFC Coleslaw wishing you had more, you’re not alone. That cool, creamy, sweet-and-tangy slaw has become legendary for a reason—it’s refreshingly crisp, perfectly balanced, and ridiculously crave-worthy.
The good news? You can recreate that famous KFC flavor at home with everyday ingredients in under 15 minutes. No secret drive-thru needed. Whether you’re prepping for a summer BBQ or just want a zesty side to go with dinner, KFC Coleslaw is the timeless classic you’ll want in your rotation.
Table of Contents
💚 Why You’ll Love This KFC Coleslaw Recipe
- Just like the original – Same taste, same crunch, same creamy dressing
- No cooking required – 100% no-fuss recipe
- Made in minutes – 15 minutes of prep is all it takes
- Perfectly balanced – Sweet, tangy, and creamy without being heavy
- Budget-friendly – A whole bowl for the price of a single serving
🧾 KFC Coleslaw Copycat Recipe
🥄 Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green cabbage (shredded) | 8 cups (about 1 medium head) |
| Carrots (shredded) | 1/4 cup |
| Onion (grated or minced) | 2 tbsp |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Buttermilk | 1/4 cup |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| White vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
| Granulated sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
👩🍳 How to Make KFC Coleslaw at Home
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
- Finely shred the cabbage. For authentic texture, aim for tiny chopped bits, not long strands. A food processor works great.
- Shred carrots and finely mince the onion.
- Toss them all together in a large bowl.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Buttermilk
- Milk
- Vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Sugar
- Salt and pepper
- Whisk until completely smooth and sugar is dissolved.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture.
- Stir until everything is coated evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) to let the flavors meld.
❄️ Pro Tip: Why Chilling is Crucial
The reason KFC Coleslaw tastes so good? Time. Letting the slaw sit in the fridge softens the cabbage slightly and allows the dressing to soak into every bite. That’s where the magic happens.
🧠 KFC Coleslaw Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Use buttermilk – It adds authentic tang and creaminess
- Chop finely – The texture makes a big difference; use a sharp knife or food processor
- Make ahead – Flavor improves as it chills overnight
- Don’t skip sugar – It’s what balances the vinegar and lemon
🌿 Variations You Can Try
Looking to switch things up while keeping that classic flavor? Here are a few options:
🥬 Healthier Version:
- Swap full-fat mayo for light or avocado mayo
- Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream
- Reduce sugar to 2 tbsp or use honey
🥕 Add-Ins:
- Shredded red cabbage for color
- Poppy seeds for crunch
- Crumbled bacon for a smoky twist
🌱 Vegan Option:
- Use vegan mayo
- Sub plant-based milk and lemon juice for buttermilk
📋 Nutrition Info (Per 1/2 Cup Serving)
| Nutrient | Approx. Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 |
| Carbs | 12g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Note: Values may vary based on ingredients used.
🍗 What to Serve with KFC Coleslaw
KFC’s slaw pairs perfectly with all things crispy, smoky, and grilled. Here’s how to build a complete meal:
Classic Pairings:
- Fried chicken or tenders
- BBQ ribs or pulled pork
- Crispy fish sandwiches
- Cornbread and baked beans
- Burgers, sliders, or hot dogs
Summer Favorites:
- Grilled chicken thighs
- Shrimp skewers
- Picnic sandwiches
- Potato wedges or fries
Coleslaw also makes a great burger topping or taco filler for extra crunch and flavor.
🧺 Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make up to 2 days ahead – It actually tastes better the next day
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge
- Do not freeze – Mayo-based dressings separate when frozen
- Stays fresh for 3–4 days
❓ FAQ: KFC COLESLAW
Is KFC Coleslaw made with buttermilk?
Yes! Buttermilk is one of the keys to the tangy, rich flavor. You can make your own by mixing 1/4 cup milk with 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
You can—but for the most authentic texture, it’s best to finely chop your own. KFC’s version is more minced than shredded.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients in the classic version are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check labels if you’re using store-bought mayo or vinegar.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Sure! It will slightly change the taste but still give that nice tang. White vinegar is closest to the KFC flavor.
How do I cut cabbage for KFC coleslaw?
Remove the core, then finely chop or pulse the cabbage in a food processor. You’re aiming for small, even bits—not long strands.
🔁 Copycat vs. The Real Thing
Homemade KFC Coleslaw often tastes even better than the original because:
- You control the sweetness and tanginess
- It’s made fresh, not mass-produced
- You can tweak it to your exact preferences
- It costs a fraction of the price
Plus, no need to leave the house when cravings hit!
🎉 Final Thoughts: The Secret’s in the Simplicity
KFC Coleslaw may seem like a humble side, but it has a devoted fanbase for a reason. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and zesty. And now that you know how easy it is to make from scratch, you’ll never need to rely on the drive-thru again.
This recipe brings back summer memories, family BBQs, and that first bite of cold, crunchy slaw that cuts through the richness of fried chicken or smoky ribs.