Description

This KFC Copycat Coleslaw recipe replicates the classic creamy and tangy coleslaw served at KFC. Made with finely chopped cabbage and carrots mixed with a smooth dressing of mayonnaise, buttermilk, vinegar, and lemon juice, it’s the perfect side dish to complement your fried chicken or barbecue meals. Refrigerated before serving to allow flavors to meld, this coleslaw is refreshingly crisp and bursting with balanced sweetness and zest.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

½ head cabbage, finely chopped (about 4 cups)
½ medium carrot, finely chopped

Dressing

2 tablespoons buttermilk
4¼ teaspoons white vinegar
1½ tablespoons onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons whole milk
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons lemon juice
4 teaspoons sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
⅜ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Chop the Vegetables: Using a food processor, pulse the cabbage until it is finely chopped into small squares, being careful not to over-process it into a puree. Repeat this process with the carrot. Transfer the chopped cabbage and carrot into a medium-sized bowl.
Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, combine the buttermilk, white vinegar, finely chopped onion, whole milk, mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Mix the Coleslaw: Pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat the vegetables evenly. The mixture may seem slightly dry initially as the cabbage will soon release moisture.
Refrigerate and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage’s moisture to blend with the dressing. Before serving, give the coleslaw a good stir to ensure consistent flavor throughout.

Notes

For best results, finely chop the cabbage and carrot to replicate KFC’s texture.
Use freshly chopped onion to enhance the dressing’s flavor.
Refrigerating the coleslaw helps soften the veggies and meld the flavors.
Adjust sugar and lemon juice to taste if you prefer sweeter or zestier slaw.
Can be made a few hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.

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

Keywords: KFC coleslaw, copycat coleslaw, creamy coleslaw recipe, southern coleslaw, classic coleslaw, easy coleslaw