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Copycat KFC Coleslaw

My Copycat KFC Coleslaw is so spot-on, you’ll think it’s the real deal! Crunchy, creamy, tangy, and perfect for any BBQ, everyone will want the recipe!

A Reader’s Review

“Loved this recipe. Really tasted like KFC’s coleslaw.”

– Debra

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Cost-effective: Skip the drive-through and enjoy the same crispy goodness for a fraction of the price, made right at home!

Perfect Side Dish: This coleslaw is the perfect side to take to any barbecue, picnic, potluck, or family gathering this summer!

Quality Control: When you make copycat KFC coleslaw, you can use fresher ingredients and adjust the recipe to fit dietary needs.

Ingredients for Copycat KFC Coleslaw

***No buttermilk on hand? No problem! You can easily make your own. Check out my How to Make Buttermilk post for a quick and easy guide!

How Do You Make Copycat KFC Coleslaw?

Why does KFC coleslaw taste so good? You guys, I think I’ve cracked the code! with this slaw recipe, you’ll get that Kentucky Fried Chicken finger-lickin’ good flavor!

Creamy Coleslaw Dressing: Add the mayonnaise, buttermilk, milk, distilled white vinegar, lemon juice, granulated sugar, salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk until combined.

Combine: Add chopped green cabbage or coleslaw mix and shredded carrots to a large bowl and toss until combined. Then, pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture.

Toss and Chill: Toss and stir until the cabbage is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and chill the copycat KFC coleslaw in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

How Do I Prevent Soggy Coleslaw?

To prevent soggy coleslaw, toss cabbage with salt (about 1 teaspoon per pound), let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse and pat it dry. The salt draws out moisture, keeping your cabbage firm and crunchy!

Leftover Copycat KFC Coleslaw

Coleslaw is always best served fresh! The longer it sits, the more water the cabbage will release, which can affect the texture.

In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If it becomes watery, drain off the excess liquid before serving.

DO NOT FREEZE: I don’t recommend freezing this KFC coleslaw copycat recipe—it’s just not the same once thawed!

More Delicious Copycat Recipes

Chili’s Copycat Skillet Queso

20 mins

Copycat Olive Garden Salad

15 mins

Cinnamon Honey Butter (Texas Roadhouse Copycat)

5 mins

Copycat KFC Famous Bowl

10 mins

Print

Copycat KFC Coleslaw

Copycat KFC Coleslaw is the perfect summer side dish and tastes exactly like the real thing!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword coleslaw recipe, copycat KFC coleslaw, easy coleslaw recipe, homemade KFC coleslaw, homemade kfc coleslaw recipe, KFC Coleslaw, kfc coleslaw hack, KFC coleslaw recipe, KFC copycat recipe, secret kfc coleslaw recipe, summer bbq sidedish
Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
chill time 30 minutes minutes
Total Time 35 minutes minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 183kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Cabbage Mixture

8 cups finely chopped green cabbage¼ cup finely chopped carrots or shredded

Dressing

cup mayonnaise2 tablespoons buttermilk2 tablespoons milk1 ½ teaspoons distilled white vinegar2 ½ teaspoons lemon juice cup granulated sugar½ teaspoon salt teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Add 8 cups finely chopped green cabbage or coleslaw mix and ¼ cup finely chopped carrots or shredded to a large bowl and toss until combined.
Add the ⅔ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons buttermilk, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 ½ teaspoons distilled white vinegar, 2 ½ teaspoons lemon juice, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper. Whisk until combined.
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until the cabbage is evenly coated.
Cover the bowl and chill the coleslaw in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

Originally posted by Mandi from a guest post 

Updated March 24, 2025

Nutrition

Calories: 183kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 285mg | Potassium: 148mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 762IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 0.4mg

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