Crunchy KFC Coleslaw Recipe: Simple & Fresh Homemade Joy

Creamy and crunchy coleslaw with a KFC-inspired flavor bursts with tangy goodness that will make every backyard barbecue shine.

Summer picnics never tasted this delightful before.

The secret recipe captures that classic restaurant-style crunch we all crave.

Shredded cabbage and carrots blend perfectly with a rich, velvety dressing that brings magic to every bite.

Each forkful delivers a refreshing and zesty experience that complements grilled meats and sandwiches.

This simple yet delectable side dish comes together in minutes, promising crowd-pleasing results every single time.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this irresistible coleslaw that tastes just like the famous fast-food favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 365 kcal

Servings: 8

KFC Coleslaw Ingredients You’ll Need

• Cabbage: Provides crisp texture and fresh crunch, select tight, bright green heads without brown spots.
• Carrot: Adds sweet earthiness and vibrant color, choose firm, bright orange carrots without soft spots.
• Onion: Delivers subtle sharpness and depth, pick firm white or yellow onions with smooth skin.

• Mayonnaise: Creates rich, smooth base with luxurious mouthfeel, select full-fat version for best flavor.
• Buttermilk: Introduces tangy brightness and helps tenderize vegetables, look for fresh, high-quality brand.
• Milk: Softens dressing consistency and balances tanginess, whole milk recommended for fuller taste.
• Sugar: Harmonizes flavors and counters vinegar's sharpness, use granulated white sugar for clean sweetness.

• Lemon Juice: Provides zesty brightness and helps balance richness, choose fresh over bottled for vibrant taste.
• Vinegar: Adds sharp, tangy undertone that elevates overall dressing, white vinegar works best for classic profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Amplify and round out all other flavors, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.

What to Use to Whip Up KFC Coleslaw

• Large bowl: Perfect for mixing cabbage, carrots, and onions.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for whisking dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dressing components until creamy.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables.
• Sharp knife: For precise vegetable cutting.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for tossing coleslaw and mixing evenly.
• Plastic wrap or lid: Covers bowl during refrigeration.

Making KFC-Style Coleslaw at Home

• Chop Veggies

Finely slice green cabbage, grate fresh carrots, and mince sweet onions into delicate, uniform pieces. The key is creating a harmonious blend of crisp textures that will make your coleslaw irresistible.

• Whip Up Creamy Dressing

In a mixing bowl, combine tangy mayonnaise, silky buttermilk, a splash of regular milk, zesty lemon juice, and a hint of vinegar. Sprinkle in salt and pepper, then whisk everything until it transforms into a smooth, velvety sauce that will coat your vegetables perfectly.

• Blend and Marinate

Pour the luscious dressing over your chopped vegetables, gently tossing until every single piece is generously coated. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will mingle and develop a rich, memorable taste.

• Serve and Enjoy

Before serving, give the coleslaw a quick stir to redistribute the dressing. Dish out this cool, creamy side that’s guaranteed to complement any main course with its refreshing crunch and tangy notes.

Coleslaw Tricks That Hit the Spot

• Slice cabbage and carrots super thin for that signature KFC coleslaw texture. Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer to achieve paper-thin cuts.
• Prepare coleslaw a day in advance to let flavors meld and intensify. The longer it sits, the more delicious it becomes.
• Swap buttermilk and milk with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk for a vegan-friendly version.
• Reduce sugar by using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lighter, diabetic-friendly coleslaw.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a subtle kick in their coleslaw.

Serving Coleslaw with Southern Flair

• Picnic Perfect Plating: Serve this creamy coleslaw alongside classic barbecue dishes like grilled chicken, pulled pork, or hamburgers for a refreshing side that cuts through rich flavors.
• Sandwich Companion: Layer this tangy slaw inside pulled pork sandwiches or use as a zesty topping for hot dogs to add crunch and cool contrast to warm meats.
• Summer Potluck Star: Bring this coleslaw to outdoor gatherings, family reunions, or summer cookouts where its creamy texture and bright taste will complement grilled foods and make everyone's plate more colorful.
• Gourmet Presentation Tip: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika just before serving to elevate the visual appeal and add an extra layer of flavor to this classic side dish.

Storing Homemade Coleslaw the Smart Way

• Let the coleslaw rest in the refrigerator overnight to allow ingredients to blend and develop a deeper, more harmonious taste profile.
• Store the coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping it crisp and delicious.
• Prepare the coleslaw a day ahead for gatherings or meal prep, saving time and enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
• Keep the coleslaw chilled until serving, and give it a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and maintain its vibrant texture and taste.

Crispy KFC Coleslaw Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy Kentucky-style coleslaw brings Southern comfort to your dinner table with crisp cabbage and tangy dressing. Homemade KFC coleslaw delivers restaurant-quality flavor that will make you the star of any potluck or family gathering.

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Ingredients

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• ½ head green cabbage (about 4 cups), finely chopped
• ¼ cup carrots, shredded or finely chopped
• 2 tbsps onion, finely minced
• ½ tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 2 ½ tbsps lemon juice
• 1 ½ tbsps white vinegar

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Instructions

1. Veggie Prep: Finely shred cabbage, grate carrots, and mince onion into a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Dressing Creation: Vigorously whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, milk, sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Fusion and Marination: Cascade the creamy dressing over the vegetable medley, thoroughly tossing to ensure every strand is lavishly coated, then seal and nestle in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
4. Serving Ritual: Before presenting, give the coleslaw a gentle, thorough stir to redistribute the dressing, then serve chilled as a refreshing, tangy side companion.

Notes

• Cut cabbage, carrots, and onions into consistent, thin pieces for even texture and better dressing absorption.
• Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy mixture that coats vegetables perfectly without being too runny.
• Refrigerate coleslaw for minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing ingredients to marinate and develop deeper, more complex taste.
• Taste and modify sugar levels gradually to match personal preference, ensuring the dressing isn’t overly sweet or bland.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg