Creamy KFC Coleslaw Copycat: My Secret Family Recipe (Print Version)

Creamy KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe! Get that classic tangy, sweet, crunchy side dish at home. So easy to whip up for your next BBQ. You'll love it!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Fresh Veggies

01 - 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 lbs), finely shredded
02 - 2 medium carrots, finely grated

→ Creamy Dressing Base

03 - 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat, please!)
04 - 1/4 cup whole milk

→ Flavor Boosters

05 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 tablespoons white vinegar
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get those veggies ready. You'll want to finely shred your green cabbage and grate your carrots. I usually use my food processor for this, honestly, it makes quick work of it and keeps everything super consistent. If you're doing it by hand, go for really thin shreds, almost like confetti. This step is where you lay the foundation for that perfect crunchy texture, so take your time! I always end up with a few rogue cabbage pieces on the counter, it's just part of the process, I guess.
02 - Now for the heart of our KFC Coleslaw Copycat: the dressing! In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, white vinegar, milk, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. You really want to get it smooth, no lumps of sugar, please! I usually whisk it for a good minute or two, making sure everything is fully dissolved and combined. This is where the magic really starts to happen, and you can already smell that tangy sweetness developing. I once used a fork instead of a whisk, and let's just say it took way longer and my arm was tired!
03 - Once your dressing is perfectly smooth, pour it over your shredded cabbage and carrots in a large mixing bowl. Now, gently but thoroughly, stir everything together. You want every single piece of cabbage and carrot to be coated in that glorious, creamy dressing. I use a big spatula for this, really getting down to the bottom of the bowl. It smells so good at this stage, a mix of fresh veggies and that irresistible tangy dressing. Don't be shy, get in there and mix it well!
04 - This is arguably the most important step for our KFC Coleslaw Copycat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 2 hours. Honestly, overnight is even better if you can swing it! The chilling time allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully and the cabbage to soften just slightly, giving it that perfect KFC texture. I've been tempted to eat it right away, but trust me, it's worth the wait. Patience, my friend, patience!
05 - After chilling, give your coleslaw a good stir. Now, taste it! This is your moment to be the chef. Does it need a little more salt? A dash more sugar for sweetness? Or maybe a tiny splash more vinegar for tang? Everyone's palate is different, so adjust it to your liking. I usually find I add just a tiny pinch more salt after it’s chilled. It's your coleslaw, make it perfect for you!
06 - Once you're happy with the flavor, give it one last stir and serve up your homemade KFC Coleslaw Copycat! It should be wonderfully creamy, crunchy, tangy, and sweet. It’s perfect as a side for fried chicken (obviously!), BBQ ribs, or even on a pulled pork sandwich. The texture should be slightly softened but still have a nice bite, and the flavors should be perfectly balanced. It's such a satisfying feeling to get this one just right, makes all those kitchen experiments worth it!

# Notes:

01 - Always use fresh, crisp cabbage for the best crunch, it really makes a difference.
02 - This coleslaw tastes even better the next day, so it’s a great make-ahead dish for parties.
03 - If you like a bit more zing, add an extra splash of white vinegar to the dressing.
04 - Serve this with some crispy fried chicken for the ultimate nostalgic meal, it's just meant to be.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - whisk
03 - food processor (optional
04 - for shredding)
05 - airtight container

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 280
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 14g
Protein: 1g

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