Ultimate Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe: Creamy, Tangy, and Perfect!

Craving that classic KFC coleslaw? That creamy, tangy, slightly sweet side dish that perfectly complements your fried chicken? You’re not alone! This copycat recipe nails the flavor and texture of the original, allowing you to enjoy that familiar taste without leaving the comfort of your home. Get ready to make a batch of the best coleslaw you’ve ever tasted!

Why This Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe Works

Many copycat recipes fall short, but this one succeeds because it focuses on the key elements that define KFC coleslaw:

• The Right Balance: Achieving the perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and creaminess is crucial. This recipe provides precise measurements to ensure a harmonious flavor profile.
• Finely Shredded Vegetables: The texture is just as important as the taste. Finely shredded cabbage and carrots are essential for that signature KFC coleslaw feel.
• The Secret Dressing: The dressing is where the magic happens. This recipe replicates the distinctive KFC dressing flavor, with just the right blend of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and other key ingredients.
• Chilling Time: Allowing the coleslaw to chill properly is vital. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more delicious and authentic taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to create this incredible copycat KFC coleslaw:

For the Coleslaw:

• 1 small head of green cabbage (about 1 1/2 pounds): Cabbage is the base of the coleslaw. Choose a firm, heavy head of green cabbage.
• 1/2 medium carrot: Carrots add a touch of sweetness and color.
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion: Onion provides a subtle savory note. Make sure it’s finely chopped to avoid overwhelming the other flavors. White onion is generally preferred for its milder flavor.

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Use a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. Full-fat mayonnaise is recommended for richness, but you can use light mayonnaise if you prefer.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sugar adds sweetness and helps to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
• 1/4 cup buttermilk: Buttermilk contributes to the tangy flavor and creamy texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/4 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• 2 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar: White vinegar provides the characteristic tanginess.
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice: Lemon juice adds brightness and acidity. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle hint of spice.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl: For combining the shredded vegetables and the dressing.
• Small mixing bowl: For whisking together the dressing ingredients.
• Knife and cutting board: For chopping the onion and shredding the cabbage and carrots.
• Box grater or food processor with a shredding attachment: For shredding the cabbage and carrots. A food processor will make the process much faster and easier.
• Whisk: For combining the dressing ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Copycat KFC Coleslaw

Follow these detailed instructions to create a coleslaw that rivals the real deal:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Prepare the Cabbage: Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and discard them. Cut the cabbage into quarters through the core. Remove the core from each quarter. Rinse the cabbage quarters under cold water.
2. Shred the Cabbage: Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the cabbage quarters. Alternatively, use a box grater or a food processor with a shredding attachment to shred the cabbage. Aim for a fine, even shred.
3. Prepare the Carrot: Peel the carrot. Using a box grater or a food processor with a shredding attachment, shred the carrot finely.
4. Chop the Onion: Finely chop the onion. The pieces should be very small to ensure they blend well with the other ingredients.
5. Combine the Vegetables: Place the shredded cabbage, shredded carrot, and chopped onion in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

1. Combine the Dressing Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, buttermilk, white vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add a little more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the flavors will meld and intensify as the coleslaw chills.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

1. Pour the Dressing Over the Vegetables: Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage, carrot, and onion in the large mixing bowl.
2. Mix Well: Gently toss the vegetables and dressing together until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the coleslaw watery.
3. Chill the Coleslaw: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the coleslaw to develop its signature taste and texture.
4. Stir Before Serving: Before serving, give the coleslaw a good stir to redistribute the dressing.

Tips for the Best Copycat KFC Coleslaw

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cabbage, carrots, and lemon juice will result in the best flavor.
• Shred Finely: The texture of the coleslaw is important. Ensure the cabbage and carrots are finely shredded.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the coleslaw watery. Gently toss the vegetables and dressing together until just combined.
• Chill Thoroughly: Chilling the coleslaw for at least 2 hours is essential for the flavors to meld and develop. Overnight is even better.
• Adjust to Taste: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You may want to add more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or salt and pepper to taste.
• Don’t Freeze: Coleslaw does not freeze well. The mayonnaise will separate and the vegetables will become mushy.
• Storage: Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Add-ins (Optional): While this recipe aims for the classic KFC flavor, you can experiment with adding other ingredients such as chopped green bell pepper, finely diced celery, or a pinch of celery seed.
• Vinegar Variations: While white vinegar is traditional, you can experiment with other types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, for a slightly different flavor profile. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
• Sweetener Alternatives: If you’re looking to reduce the sugar content, you can try using a sugar substitute such as stevia or erythritol. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste, as sugar substitutes can be much sweeter than granulated sugar.

Serving Suggestions

This copycat KFC coleslaw is the perfect side dish for:

• Fried Chicken: Of course! It’s the classic pairing.
• BBQ: Coleslaw complements grilled meats and vegetables perfectly.
• Sandwiches and Burgers: Add a scoop to your favorite sandwiches or burgers for extra flavor and texture.
• Fish and Chips: Coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of fried fish and chips.
• Picnics and Potlucks: This recipe is easy to transport and serves well at gatherings.

Variations and Customizations

While this recipe strives for the classic KFC taste, feel free to experiment with these variations:

• Spicy Coleslaw: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
• Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw: Increase the amount of sugar and lemon juice for a sweeter and tangier flavor.
• Creamy Coleslaw: Add a tablespoon or two of sour cream or heavy cream to the dressing for extra creaminess.
• Vinegar Coleslaw: Reduce the amount of mayonnaise and increase the amount of vinegar for a lighter, more vinegary coleslaw.
• Asian-Inspired Coleslaw: Add a tablespoon of soy sauce, a teaspoon of sesame oil, and a pinch of ginger to the dressing for an Asian-inspired twist. You can also add shredded napa cabbage and toasted sesame seeds.
• Vegan Coleslaw: Substitute the mayonnaise with vegan mayonnaise and the buttermilk with a plant-based milk alternative (like almond milk or soy milk) mixed with lemon juice or vinegar.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Serving Size: Approximately 1/2 cup
• Calories: Approximately 150-200
• Fat: Approximately 10-15g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
• Protein: Approximately 1g

Troubleshooting

• Coleslaw is too watery: Make sure you don’t overmix the coleslaw. Also, ensure the cabbage is well-drained after shredding.
• Coleslaw is too dry: Add a little more mayonnaise or buttermilk to the dressing.
• Coleslaw is not sweet enough: Add a little more sugar to the dressing.
• Coleslaw is not tangy enough: Add a little more white vinegar or lemon juice to the dressing.
• Coleslaw is too bland: Add a little more salt and pepper to the dressing. You can also try adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time? Yes, in fact, it’s recommended! The coleslaw tastes best after it has had time to chill for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
2. How long will the coleslaw last in the refrigerator? Leftover coleslaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze this coleslaw? No, coleslaw does not freeze well. The mayonnaise will separate and the vegetables will become mushy.
4. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots? Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots to save time. However, freshly shredded vegetables will have a better flavor and texture.
5. What kind of mayonnaise should I use? Use a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. Full-fat mayonnaise is recommended for richness, but you can use light mayonnaise if you prefer.
6. Can I use a different type of vinegar? While white vinegar is traditional, you can experiment with other types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, for a slightly different flavor profile. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
7. Can I use a sugar substitute? Yes, if you’re looking to reduce the sugar content, you can try using a sugar substitute such as stevia or erythritol. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste, as sugar substitutes can be much sweeter than granulated sugar.
8. What can I do if I don’t have buttermilk? If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/4 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Enjoy Your Homemade Copycat KFC Coleslaw!

With this recipe, you can enjoy the delicious taste of KFC coleslaw anytime you want. It’s easy to make, and it’s the perfect side dish for so many meals. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Happy cooking!