If you love KFC coleslaw over any other, grab these easy to access ingredients and make your own! While you can whip up this homemade coleslaw in a short amount of time, chill time is key so be sure to start early in the day.
Why this recipe works
My favorite coleslaw has always been from KFC. Making it at home is easy and it makes a great take-along to potlucks and backyard barbecues.
The results, at first taste were pretty close to KFC’s, but there seemed to be an overwhelming fresh cabbage flavor right after making it. However, after this sat in the refrigerator for several hours, the cabbage had time to soak up the flavor of the dressing, and that did it! Just like KFC!
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
SLAW – We are using green cabbage, not red/purple. Fresh carrot should be grated fine, and if you don’t want a pink tint to you slaw, squeeze out the excess moisture before combining it with the other slaw ingredients.
DRESSING – Some have said that tarragon vinegar is used in the original KFC coleslaw recipe. Tarragon vinegar has a mild flavor and can definitely be used instead of the white vinegar we suggest. We’ve included some tips below for replacing the buttermilk if needed, and have answered the question regarding Miracle Whip vs. mayonnaise in this recipe.
How to Make KFC Coleslaw
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Chop cabbage into chunks and run through your food processor, or chop finely. It’s up to you to decide the size you’d like your cabbage slaw to be.
- Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a large bowl and whisk well.
- Combine cabbage, carrots, and onion and toss well. Pour dressing over the slaw and turn to coat until fully incorporated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the cabbage to soak up the marinade. Overnight is best.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Using a food processor makes quick work of creating the slaw. However, if you don’t have a food processor, you can use a box grater.
If you insist on using Miracle Whip to make this coleslaw instead of mayonnaise, be sure to reduce the sugar by half. I cannot guarantee your results as I have not made it with Miracle Whip and the flavor of each item is very different.
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own. Add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/4 cup of milk to replace the buttermilk.
This recipe for KFC coleslaw uses white vinegar. However, many have commented that when working at KFC back in the day, tarragon vinegar was used. Substituting tarragon for the white is absolutely acceptable.
When you first make this KFC coleslaw, there will be an overwhelming flavor of cabbage. Do not despair! Allow the finished coleslaw to sit for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to soak into the cabbage. Eating it too soon will result in a heavy cabbage flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe for homemade KFC coleslaw goes well with many dishes. Be sure to try it with our Crispy Fried Chicken, Oven Fried Chicken, Oven Fried Chicken Breasts, or Oven Fried Chicken Legs. Make a KFC copycat meal by baking up our favorite homemade biscuits and making our grilled corn on the cob!
Ingredients
DRESSING:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
SLAW:
- 2 pounds cabbage (medium head)
- 2 ounces carrot about 1/4 cup, or one medium carrot
- 2 tablespoons minced onion
Things You’ll Need
- Food processor
Before You Begin
- Fresh carrot should be grated fine, and if you don’t want a pink tint to you slaw, squeeze out the excess moisture before combining it with the other slaw ingredients.
- When you first make this KFC coleslaw, there will be an overwhelming flavor of cabbage. Do not despair! Allow the finished coleslaw to sit for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to soak into the cabbage. Eating it too soon will result in a heavy cabbage flavor.
- If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own. Add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/4 cup of milk to replace the buttermilk.
- If you insist on using Miracle Whip to make this coleslaw instead of mayonnaise, be sure to reduce the sugar by half. I cannot guarantee your results as I have not made it with Miracle Whip and the flavor of each item is very different.
Instructions
- Chop cabbage into chunks and run through your food processor, or chop fine. It’s up to you to decide the size you’d like your cabbage to be.
- Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a large bowl, whisk well.
- Combine cabbage, carrots, and onion and toss well. Pour dressing over the slaw and turn to coat well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the cabbage to soak up the marinade. Overnight is best.
