Creamy Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe: Just Like The Restaurant (Print Version)

Whip up this Easy Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe at home! Get that classic tangy, sweet, and creamy coleslaw taste with my simple, authentic recipe.

# 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:

→ Coleslaw Base

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

→ Creamy Dressing

03 - 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat for best results)
04 - ⅓ cup granulated sugar
05 - ¼ cup white vinegar
06 - 2 tablespoons milk (whole milk preferred)
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
08 - 1 tablespoon finely minced onion

→ Flavor Boosters

09 - ½ teaspoon salt
10 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that cabbage and carrot ready! I always start by finely shredding about half a head of green cabbage. I use my food processor's shredding disc for speed, but a sharp knife works wonders too. Then, grate your carrots super fine. This is crucial for that signature KFC texture, where everything blends seamlessly. Honestly, I once tried to hand-chop everything and it took ages, my arm was so tired! Don't be like me, use your tools!
02 - In a big bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, white vinegar, milk, fresh lemon juice, finely minced onion, salt, and pepper. Really give it a good whisk until everything is smooth and the sugar is dissolved. I find this step oddly satisfying, watching it transform into that creamy, dreamy dressing. This is where the magic of our Easy Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe really starts to come alive. Taste it! Adjust the sweetness or tang if you need to; everyone's palate is different.
03 - Now for the fun part! Add your shredded cabbage and grated carrots to the bowl with the dressing. Get in there with a big spoon or even your clean hands (my preferred method, honestly!) and mix it all up. Make sure every single piece of cabbage and carrot is coated in that luscious dressing. It might seem like a lot of dressing at first, but trust the process!
04 - This is perhaps the most important step for our Easy Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Overnight is even better! This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cabbage to soften just enough, giving it that perfect KFC-like texture. I’ve made the mistake of serving it too soon, and it just wasn't the same; the flavors were still fighting each other.
05 - Before serving, pull your coleslaw out of the fridge and give it another good stir. Sometimes, the dressing can settle a bit, or the cabbage might release some liquid. A quick stir ensures everything is perfectly re-combined and creamy. This also gives you one last chance to do a taste test and adjust any seasonings if needed. Maybe a tiny pinch more salt? A dash more sugar? You're the chef!
06 - Dish out your homemade Easy Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe and watch it disappear! It should be creamy, tangy, sweet, and incredibly refreshing. The cabbage will be tender-crisp, and the dressing will cling perfectly. It smells so fresh and vibrant, a true testament to making it yourself. Enjoy the compliments, you earned them!

# Notes:

01 - Always grate your carrots finely; chunky carrots just don't belong in this Easy Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe.
02 - Don't skip the chilling time! It's absolutely crucial for the flavors to develop and the cabbage to soften.
03 - Taste the dressing before adding the veggies; it’s easier to adjust seasonings then.
04 - For extra crispness, soak shredded cabbage in ice water for 15 minutes, then drain and dry thoroughly.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - whisk
03 - sharp knife or food processor
04 - grater
05 - measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 220 kcal
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 16g
Protein: 1g

Back