Description

This KFC Copycat Coleslaw recipe delivers the classic creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors of the famous fast-food side dish. Made with finely chopped cabbage and carrots, and dressed with a perfectly balanced blend of buttermilk, vinegar, mayonnaise, and sugar, this homemade coleslaw is easy to prepare and refreshingly crisp. Ideal as a side for fried chicken or BBQ, it’s best served chilled after allowing the flavors to meld in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

½ head cabbage, finely chopped (about 4 cups)
½ medium carrot, finely chopped

Dressing

2 tablespoons buttermilk
4¼ teaspoons white vinegar
1½ tablespoons onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons whole milk
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons lemon juice
4 teaspoons sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
⅜ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Chop Vegetables: Using a food processor, pulse the cabbage until finely chopped, taking care not to pulverize it. Repeat the process with the carrot. Transfer both to a medium mixing bowl.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, white vinegar, finely chopped onion, whole milk, mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Combine and Mix: Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat all the veggies evenly. Initially, the mixture may seem dry but the cabbage will release moisture shortly.
Chill: Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly. Stir again before serving for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Chopping the cabbage finely is key to achieving the creamy texture similar to the original KFC coleslaw.
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes before use.
For best results, prepare the coleslaw at least an hour ahead to allow flavors to develop fully.
This recipe serves about 4 as a side dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: KFC coleslaw recipe, copycat coleslaw, coleslaw side dish, creamy coleslaw, homemade coleslaw