Tangy Homestyle KFC Copycat Coleslaw: My Secret Recipe (Print Version)

Whip up this easy & tangy KFC Copycat Coleslaw recipe at home! Get that classic creamy, crunchy side dish with a secret family twist.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Crisp Veggie Base

01 - 1 medium head green cabbage, finely shredded (about 8 cups)
02 - 2 medium carrots, finely grated

→ Creamy Dressing Essentials

03 - 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat for best results)
04 - 1/4 cup buttermilk
05 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 tablespoons white vinegar
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

→ Secret Flavor Boosters

08 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that cabbage and those carrots ready. I chop my cabbage super, super fine—almost like confetti, honestly. I usually use my food processor with the shredding disc, but a sharp knife works too, just takes a bit more elbow grease. Grate your carrots finely as well. You want that delicate texture, not big, clunky pieces. This is where the magic starts, seeing all those vibrant colors mix!
02 - Now for the good stuff! In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, granulated sugar, white vinegar, lemon juice, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk it until it's completely smooth and the sugar has dissolved. Taste it! This is your moment to adjust. Does it need a tiny bit more tang? A pinch more sweetness? I always go for a balance that makes my taste buds tingle. Don't be afraid to experiment a little here; it's your coleslaw!
03 - Once your dressing is perfect, pour it over your shredded cabbage and carrots. Now, get in there with a big spoon or even your (clean!) hands. Toss, toss, toss! You want every single shred of cabbage and carrot to be coated in that creamy, dreamy dressing. This step is so satisfying; you can already smell that classic coleslaw aroma starting to develop. Make sure it's evenly distributed, no dry spots allowed!
04 - This is a crucial step for the best KFC Copycat Coleslaw. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 2-4 hours. Honestly, overnight is even better if you can swing it. This chilling time allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully and the cabbage to soften just a touch, creating that perfect texture. I’ve rushed this step before, and it just wasn't as good.
05 - Before serving, pull the bowl out of the fridge and give it another good stir. Sometimes the dressing settles a bit, or the cabbage releases a little water, so a quick mix ensures everything is perfectly combined again. You might even want to give it another quick taste test and adjust the seasoning if needed. This is your last chance to make it absolutely perfect.
06 - And there you have it! Your homemade KFC Copycat Coleslaw is ready to shine. Spoon it into a pretty serving bowl. It should look creamy, vibrant, and smell incredibly fresh and tangy. The texture will be that delightful mix of crisp and tender. Honestly, this coleslaw disappears so fast at my house, it's almost comical!

# Notes:

01 - Chop your veggies *really* fine for that authentic, delicate texture, like the real KFC coleslaw.
02 - This coleslaw tastes way better after a few hours in the fridge; don't skip the chilling step!
03 - A tiny pinch of celery seed (optional!) can add an extra layer of complexity I stumbled upon once.
04 - Serve it cold, always. A warm coleslaw is just... no.

# 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: 190
Total Fat: 17g
Total Carbohydrate: 10g
Protein: 1g

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