🥗 The Famous KFC Coleslaw Copycat Recipe
📝 Description:
Creamy, sweet, and tangy, this KFC-style coleslaw is a spot-on replica of the original restaurant favorite. With its finely shredded cabbage, mild onions, and balanced dressing, it’s a perfect side for fried chicken, barbecue, sandwiches, or even meal prep.
🍽️ Ingredients:
🥣 Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 2½ tbsp lemon juice
- 1½ tbsp white vinegar
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
🥬 Vegetables:
- 8 cups finely chopped green cabbage (about 1 medium head)
- ¼ cup shredded carrot (about 1 medium carrot)
- 2 tbsp minced white onion
👩🍳 Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth and fully combined.
- In a separate large bowl, toss together cabbage, carrot, and onion.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and mix well until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let flavors develop.
- Give it a final stir before serving chilled.
📝 Notes:
- Texture is key — chop the cabbage very finely (a food processor or mandoline slicer helps).
- The taste improves after chilling, so don’t skip the resting time.
- You can use pre-shredded coleslaw mix, but for true KFC texture, fresh and finely chopped is best.
💡 Tips:
- Make it up to 2 days in advance — it actually tastes better the next day.
- For extra tang, add 1 tsp Dijon mustard or a dash of celery seed.
- Use full-fat mayo for best flavor, but low-fat versions work too.
🍽️ Servings:
- Serves 8–10 as a side dish (about ½ cup per serving)
🔢 Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 11g
- Carbs: 11g
- Sugar: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
✅ Benefits:
- Naturally gluten-free
- A great make-ahead side for gatherings and picnics
- Customizable to suit lower-carb or lower-sugar diets
- Provides fiber, vitamin C, and crunchy texture that balances heavier meals
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I make it without buttermilk?
A: Yes! Substitute with ¼ cup milk + 1 tsp lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 mins before using.
Q: How long will it keep in the fridge?
A: 3–4 days stored in an airtight container.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: Absolutely — use less or sub with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar-free sweetener.