Crispy cabbage, sweet carrots, mayo, and buttermilk—this Copycat – KFC Coleslaw brings those famous flavors home. Easy & quick!
I’ll never forget the summers growing up in the Midwest. My family was obsessed with KFC picnics. Picture this: a red checkered blanket, buckets of fried chicken (extra crispy, of course), and that little white tub of coleslaw we all fought over. No joke—my cousin once grabbed an extra spoon just to “taste-test” the coleslaw before anyone else could touch it. Classic Ryan.
But these days? Life gets busy, and KFC isn’t exactly around the corner anymore. One Sunday afternoon, while rummaging through the fridge, I was hit by that nostalgic craving. You know the one—cold, creamy, tangy coleslaw that makes fried chicken sing. So, I took a leap and recreated it. And let me tell you, this Copycat – KFC Coleslaw Recipe hits every note. One bite, and I was back under that oak tree, dodging Ryan’s spoon.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat – KFC Coleslaw Recipe?
For starters, it’s simple. You don’t need any fancy gadgets. Just a knife, a bowl, and a spoon. The ingredients? You’ve probably already got most of them chilling in your kitchen right now. But the real magic? It’s the finely chopped cabbage. KFC’s coleslaw isn’t about big chunks; it’s all about that tiny confetti texture that soaks up the creamy dressing. And let’s be honest—what other side dish can make people this excited at a barbecue?
Ingredient Notes:
You’re gonna love how fuss-free this is. But here’s the scoop on why each ingredient matters:
- Cabbage: Finely diced, not shredded! Trust me on this. I once tried using a bagged slaw mix in a rush, and nope, not the same.
- Carrots: Add that signature sweetness. Just one will do, finely shredded. Don’t overthink it!
- Onion: A little goes a long way. Grate it super fine (yeah, you might cry a little—it’s okay).
- Sugar: Essential. Without it, you miss that classic sweet tang.
- Milk & Buttermilk: Buttermilk gives it that tangy zing. No buttermilk? A splash of lemon juice in your milk does the trick.
- Mayo: Full-fat mayo is the move. No skimping here.
- Vinegar & Lemon Juice: These two brighten things up. You need both, trust me.
- White Pepper: Subtle, but it makes a difference. Black pepper works in a pinch if you’re out.
How To Make Copycat – KFC Coleslaw?
Step 1: Chop Like a Pro
Grab a big ol’ cutting board and finely dice your cabbage. You want it tiny, like little green flecks. Toss in your shredded carrot and finely grated onion. No cheating with the food processor—hand chopping gets you that authentic texture.
Step 2: Whisk It Real Good
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayo, milk, buttermilk, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and white pepper. Give it a taste! If it makes you do that happy little nod, you nailed it.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 3: Mix and Chill
Pour that dreamy dressing all over your veggie mix. Stir it up, cover it, and let it hang out in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Overnight? Even better. The flavors need time to get cozy.
Storage Options:
Pop it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for 2-3 days. After that, it gets a little watery—still tasty, but not as crisp. And no, this one doesn’t freeze well. Learned that the hard way. Soggy slaw? Nope.
Variations and Substitutions:
- No buttermilk? Mix milk with a squeeze of lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Like it sweeter? Add an extra teaspoon of sugar. Go on, I won’t tell.
- Want a spicy twist? A pinch of cayenne adds a little kick.
- No white pepper? Black pepper works. It’s not as smooth, but hey, it’s coleslaw—not rocket science.
What to Serve with Copycat – KFC Coleslaw?
- Fried chicken (duh)
- Pulled pork sandwiches—pile the slaw right on top
- Grilled burgers for a tangy sidekick
- BBQ ribs—you need something cool and crunchy to balance the smoky flavors
- Picnic spread with potato salad and baked beans (classic summer vibes!)
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this a day ahead?
Heck yes! It’s even better the next day once the flavors meld.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
You can, but if you want that real-deal texture, hand-chop it. Totally worth the extra five minutes.
Why white pepper?
It’s milder and doesn’t mess with the color. But if black pepper is all you have, go for it!
This Copycat – KFC Coleslaw Recipe brings all those cozy, picnic memories right to your kitchen—without the drive-thru line! Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ or just need an easy side for dinner tonight, this slaw has you covered.
Try it out and let me know… does it take you back? Did your cousin steal a spoonful before dinner? I’m dying to hear your stories. Drop a comment below!
Can’t wait to hear what you think!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Copycat - KFC Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 8 c finely diced cabbage
- 1 medium carrot shredded
- 2 tbsp finely grated onions
- 1/3 c granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp ground white pepper
- 1/4 c milk
- 1/2 c mayo
- 1/4 c buttermilk powdered buttermilk is fine
- 2 tbsp distilled white vinegar
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Take a bowl. Mix together 8 cups of finely chopped cabbage, 1 shredded carrot and 2 tablespoons of finely grated onions.
- Mix the Dressing: In a bowl whisk together 1/3 cup of granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon of salt 1/8 teaspoon of ground pepper, 1/4 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of buttermilk 2 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar and 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until it becomes a smooth mixture.
- Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing, over the cabbage mixture and toss it well to ensure that everything is evenly coated. Place the coleslaw in the refrigerator for 4 hours or preferably longer so that all the flavors can blend together nicely.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
