Nothing beats a classic creamy coleslaw like the one from KFC. This copycat recipe delivers the same tangy, sweet, and creamy flavor that perfectly complements fried chicken, sandwiches, or any casual meal. By balancing cabbage, carrots, and a perfectly smooth dressing, you can recreate this southern favorite at home.

The secret lies in the right dressing ratio, which combines mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, and a splash of milk for that smooth, velvety texture. Once tossed with finely shredded cabbage and carrots, this coleslaw is refreshingly crunchy yet rich and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Authentic Flavor: Recreates the taste of the classic KFC coleslaw.
2. Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes; no cooking required.
3. Make Ahead: Flavors develop beautifully if made a few hours in advance.
4. Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike; perfect for BBQs.
5. Customizable: Adjust sugar, vinegar, or lemon juice to taste.

Choosing the Best Ingredients

• Cabbage: Use fresh green cabbage for crispness; finely shredded.
• Carrots: Adds sweetness, color, and crunch; grate or finely shred.
• Mayonnaise: High-quality full-fat mayonnaise for rich creaminess.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar balances the acidity of vinegar and lemon.
• Vinegar & Lemon Juice: Provides the tanginess signature to KFC coleslaw.
• Milk: Thins the dressing for smooth coating without being runny.
• Salt & Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Vegetables: Finely shred cabbage and carrots; combine in a large bowl.
2. Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Combine: Pour dressing over cabbage and carrots; toss until evenly coated.
4. Chill: Cover bowl and refrigerate at least 1–2 hours for flavors to meld.
5. Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired; serve cold alongside fried chicken or sandwiches.

Tips for Perfect KFC-Style Coleslaw

• Finely Shred Veggies: Smaller pieces mimic the restaurant texture.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigeration enhances flavor blending.
• Adjust Sweetness: Add more sugar for a sweeter slaw, or extra vinegar for tang.
• Use Full-Fat Mayo: Provides creaminess closest to KFC’s coleslaw.
• Mix Gently: Overmixing can bruise the cabbage and make it watery.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with fried chicken, chicken tenders, or BBQ ribs.
• Use as a topping for sandwiches, burgers, or tacos.
• Great for potlucks, picnics, or holiday meals.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
• Do Not Freeze: Creamy coleslaw does not freeze well; texture will separate.
• Mix Before Serving: Dressing may settle; toss gently before serving.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 small head green cabbage, finely shredded (about 4 cups)
• 2 medium carrots, finely shredded (about 1 cup)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Finely shred cabbage and carrots; combine in a large mixing bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour dressing over cabbage and carrots; toss gently to coat evenly.
4. Cover bowl and refrigerate at least 1–2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
5. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve chilled.

KFC Coleslaw Classic – Creamy Copycat

A creamy, tangy coleslaw that perfectly mimics KFC’s classic side dish, with finely shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a sweet, velvety dressing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Vegetables

• 1 small head green cabbage finely shredded, about 4 cups
• 2 medium carrots finely shredded, about 1 cup

Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Garnish

• to taste fresh parsley optional

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Finely shred cabbage and carrots; combine in a large mixing bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour dressing over cabbage and carrots; toss gently to coat evenly.
4. Cover bowl and refrigerate at least 1–2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
5. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve chilled.

Notes

For best results, shred cabbage and carrots very finely. Chill before serving to enhance flavor.