The Best Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe | Just Like the Original!
The best KFC coleslaw recipe, just like the original! After making this many times, I discovered the trick to the perfect creamy-crispy texture. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy French Onion Chicken Orzo and Ambrosia Fruit Salad.
Why This The Best Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe | Just Like the Original! Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy-crispy texture just like KFC
- Easy to make at home
- Better than takeout
- Perfect side for BBQ and cookouts
What You'll Need for The Best Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe | Just Like the Original!
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 small head green cabbage
- 2 large carrots
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp celery seeds
- Mayonnaise
- Apple cider vinegar
- Milk
- Buttermilk
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Celery seeds
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Green cabbage: Use a small head for the perfect cabbage to carrot ratio.
- Buttermilk: If you don't have buttermilk, use 1/4 cup milk with 1/2 tsp lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food processor — Saves time and ensures even cabbage shreds → See on Amazon
- Mixing bowls — Keeps ingredients organized and clean → See on Amazon
How to Make The Best Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe | Just Like the Original!
- Prepare cabbage and carrots: Finely shred cabbage and carrots using a food processor or mandoline. Set aside.
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, milk, buttermilk, sugar, salt, black pepper, and celery seeds.
- Combine and chill: Add shredded cabbage and carrots to the dressing. Mix well to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cook's Tips for Perfect The Best Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe | Just Like the Original!
- Common mistake and fix: Don't over-shred the cabbage. It should be thin but still have some crunch.
- Tip: For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of apple cider vinegar to 1 tbsp.
- Tip: Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Storing & Reheating The Best Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe | Just Like the Original!
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Can be made up to 1 day ahead.
Freezing The Best Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe | Just Like the Original!
Not recommended for coleslaw.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not necessary. Microwave: Not necessary.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy twist, add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- Best substitution: Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing and shred the cabbage and carrots up to 1 day ahead. Combine just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If the coleslaw is too dry, add more mayonnaise or buttermilk to the dressing.
Want to level up this recipe?
Mandoline slicer — Ensures even, thin shreds for perfect coleslaw texture → Check price on Amazon
The Best Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe | Just Like the Original!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 small head green cabbage
- 2 large carrots
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp celery seeds
Seasonings
- Mayonnaise
- Apple cider vinegar
- Milk
- Buttermilk
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Celery seeds
Instructions
- Prepare cabbage and carrots: Finely shred cabbage and carrots using a food processor or mandoline. Set aside.
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, milk, buttermilk, sugar, salt, black pepper, and celery seeds.
- Combine and chill: Add shredded cabbage and carrots to the dressing. Mix well to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy twist, add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- Best substitution: Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing and shred the cabbage and carrots up to 1 day ahead. Combine just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If the coleslaw is too dry, add more mayonnaise or buttermilk to the dressing.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for coleslaw.
- Oven reheat: Not necessary.
- Microwave reheat: Not necessary.
- Make ahead: Can be made up to 1 day ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sat. Fat: 3g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
The Best Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe | Just Like the Original! FAQs
Yes, prepare the dressing and shred the cabbage and carrots up to 1 day ahead. Combine just before serving.
If the coleslaw is too dry, add more mayonnaise or buttermilk to the dressing.
Not recommended. The texture of the cabbage will suffer when thawed.
The air fryer is not suitable for making coleslaw.
Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise for a lighter version.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try The Best Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe | Just Like the Original! and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
