Better Than KFC Copycat Coleslaw Recipe

If you love the famous KFC coleslaw, you’re going to enjoy this homemade version even more. This Better Than KFC Copycat Coleslaw is creamy, sweet, tangy, and made with fresh ingredients that create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Finely chopped cabbage, carrots, and onions are coated in a smooth homemade dressing that tastes just like the restaurant favorite. It’s an easy side dish that pairs wonderfully with fried chicken, burgers, barbecue, sandwiches, and grilled meats. Even better, this coleslaw can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, cookouts, and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients List

• 8 cups finely chopped green cabbage
• ¼ cup shredded carrot
• 2 tablespoons finely minced onion
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup buttermilk
• 2½ tablespoons lemon juice
• 1½ tablespoons white vinegar
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Recipe Information

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Chilling Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Calories: Approximately 180 calories per serving

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Tastes just like the original KFC coleslaw.
• Fresh, creamy, and flavorful.
• No cooking required.
• Easy to prepare in minutes.
• Perfect for making ahead.
• Great for BBQs, picnics, and family meals.
• Made with simple pantry ingredients.
• Delicious with almost any main dish.

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1

Finely chop the cabbage until the pieces are very small. Shred the carrot and finely mince the onion.

Step 2

Place the cabbage, carrot, and onion into a large mixing bowl and toss them together.

Step 3

In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth.

Step 4

Pour the dressing over the vegetables and stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.

Step 6

Stir well before serving and enjoy chilled.

Variations To Try

Make It Lighter

Replace half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.

Add More Color

Mix green cabbage with purple cabbage.

Extra Crunch

Add finely chopped celery.

Sweeter Flavor

Mix in an extra tablespoon of sugar or a drizzle of honey.

Tangier Taste

Increase the lemon juice or vinegar slightly.

Spicy Twist

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a mild kick.

Freezing Or Restoring

This coleslaw is not suitable for freezing because the dressing separates after thawing, making the vegetables watery. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again.

Recipe Notes

• Finely chopped cabbage gives the authentic KFC texture.
• Allow enough chilling time for the flavors to blend.
• Fresh lemon juice provides the best taste.
• Full-fat mayonnaise creates the creamiest dressing.
• Taste the dressing before mixing and adjust the sweetness if needed.
• Stir before serving if the dressing settles.

Better Than KFC Copycat Coleslaw Recipe

Recipe by Mian waqar

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

180

kcal

Ingredients

• 8 cups finely chopped green cabbage

• ¼ cup shredded carrot

• 2 tablespoons finely minced onion

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup whole milk

• ¼ cup buttermilk

• 2½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1½ tablespoons white vinegar

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

• Finely chop the cabbage, shred the carrot, and mince the onion.
• Place the cabbage, carrot, and onion in a large mixing bowl and toss together.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
• Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and stir until all the vegetables are evenly coated.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
• Stir well before serving and enjoy chilled.

Recipe Video

Notes

• Finely chopping the cabbage creates the authentic KFC-style texture.
  For the best flavor, prepare the coleslaw a day in advance.
  Use full-fat mayonnaise for a rich and creamy dressing.
  Fresh lemon juice provides the brightest flavor.
  Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  Freezing is not recommended, as the dressing will separate and the vegetables will lose their crisp texture after thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. It actually tastes better after chilling overnight.

Can I use packaged coleslaw mix?

Yes, but freshly chopped cabbage provides the closest texture to the original.

How long will homemade coleslaw stay fresh?

It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make it without buttermilk?

Yes. Mix regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.

What dishes go well with this coleslaw?

It pairs perfectly with fried chicken, burgers, sandwiches, barbecue, grilled meats, and pulled pork.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check product labels to be sure.

Conclusion

This Better Than KFC Copycat Coleslaw is the perfect homemade side dish for any occasion. With its creamy dressing, crisp vegetables, and balanced sweet and tangy flavor, it tastes just like the restaurant version—if not better. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, family dinner, picnic, or holiday gathering, this easy coleslaw recipe is guaranteed to impress your guests. Make it ahead, chill it well, and enjoy a delicious classic that everyone will love.