🥗 The Famous KFC Coleslaw (Copycat Recipe)
This KFC-style coleslaw is a creamy, sweet, and tangy salad that tastes just like the famous side dish served at KFC. Finely chopped cabbage and carrots are mixed with a smooth, slightly sweet dressing that makes it refreshing and flavorful. It’s perfect for BBQs, picnics, fried chicken dinners, or as a classic side dish.
⏱ Time
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Chill Time: 2–4 hours
🍽 Servings
6 servings
🧾 Ingredients
For the Salad
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6 cups green cabbage, finely chopped
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½ cup carrot, finely grated
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2 tablespoons onion, finely minced
For the Dressing
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½ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup buttermilk
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¼ cup whole milk
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⅓ cup granulated sugar
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2½ tablespoons lemon juice
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1½ tablespoons white vinegar
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the vegetables
Finely chop the cabbage and grate the carrot. Add them to a large mixing bowl along with the minced onion.
2️⃣ Make the dressing
In another bowl whisk together:
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Mayonnaise
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Buttermilk
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Whole milk
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Sugar
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Lemon juice
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Vinegar
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Salt and pepper
Mix until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
3️⃣ Combine
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and stir until all the vegetables are evenly coated.
4️⃣ Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours. This allows the flavors to blend and gives the coleslaw its classic taste.
5️⃣ Serve
Stir before serving and enjoy cold.
📊 Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~170
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Carbohydrates: 16 g
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Protein: 2 g
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Fat: 11 g
💡 Tips
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Chop the cabbage very finely to get the authentic KFC-style texture.
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Let the coleslaw chill longer for the best flavor.
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If it becomes watery, simply stir before serving.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes. It actually tastes better when made a few hours ahead or even the night before.
Q: Can I use a bag of coleslaw mix?
Yes, but finely chopping it in a food processor will make it closer to the original texture.
Q: How long does coleslaw last in the refrigerator?
It stays fresh for 2–3 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I make it lighter or healthier?
Yes, you can replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
Q: Why does KFC coleslaw taste sweeter?
The dressing contains sugar and buttermilk, which give it that signature sweet and tangy flavor.