KFC COLESLAW RECIPE

If you love the creamy, tangy taste of KFC coleslaw, you’re in luck! This easy-to-make copycat recipe brings all the flavors of the famous fast-food side dish right to your kitchen. With its finely chopped cabbage, carrots, and onions tossed in a perfectly balanced dressing of mayonnaise, buttermilk, and lemon juice, this coleslaw is the ideal side for BBQs, fried chicken, or any casual meal. Best of all, it only gets better as it sits, making it a perfect make-ahead dish!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup 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
• 8 cups finely chopped cabbage (approx. 1 head)
• 1/4 cup shredded carrot (1 medium carrot)
• 2 tablespoons minced onion

Directions:

1. Finely Chop the Vegetables

Make sure your cabbage, carrots, and onions are chopped very finely. The pieces should be a little larger than grains of rice for the best texture. You can use a food processor to make the chopping process faster and easier.

2. Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, white vinegar, salt, and pepper. Beat until the dressing is smooth and creamy. This dressing is what gives the coleslaw its signature tangy sweetness.

3. Combine Vegetables and Dressing

Add the chopped cabbage, shredded carrots, and minced onion to the bowl with the dressing. Stir well until the vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

4. Chill the Coleslaw

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 2 hours before serving. For the best flavor, let it sit overnight in the refrigerator. The longer it chills, the more the flavors meld together, creating that classic KFC taste.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

• Serve Chilled: KFC Coleslaw is best served cold, allowing the flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving, but overnight is ideal for the best taste.
• Pair with Classic Meals: This coleslaw is the perfect side for fried chicken, BBQ ribs, pulled pork, burgers, or sandwiches. It adds a refreshing, tangy crunch to balance out richer dishes.
• Garnish for Presentation: For a touch of color, you can garnish the coleslaw with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika just before serving. This enhances both the visual appeal and flavor.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.
• Avoid Freezing: Freezing coleslaw is not recommended, as the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and the vegetables may lose their crispness after thawing.
• Re-stir Before Serving: If storing the coleslaw overnight or for a few days, give it a quick stir before serving to re-incorporate the dressing and ensure even coating.

These serving and storage tips will help you enjoy your KFC Coleslaw at its best, whether fresh or a few days later, making it a convenient and delicious side dish for any occasion!

Variations:

1. Apple Coleslaw

• Add 1 cup of finely chopped apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) to the coleslaw for a sweet and tangy twist. The apples provide a fresh crunch and complement the creamy dressing.

2. Spicy Coleslaw

• Add a kick to your coleslaw by mixing in 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dressing. You can also toss in some finely chopped jalapeños for extra heat.

3. Greek Yogurt Coleslaw

• For a lighter version, replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. The yogurt adds creaminess while reducing calories, and it pairs well with the lemon juice and vinegar for a tangy taste.

4. Honey Mustard Coleslaw

• Add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing for a sweet and tangy flavor. This variation pairs especially well with grilled chicken or BBQ dishes.

5. Red Cabbage Coleslaw

• Substitute half of the green cabbage with finely chopped red cabbage for a colorful variation. The mix of red and green cabbage adds a vibrant look while maintaining the classic flavor.

6. Bacon Coleslaw

• For a savory, smoky twist, stir in crumbled cooked bacon before serving. The bacon adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch that works well with the creamy dressing.

7. Pineapple Coleslaw

• Mix in 1/2 cup of drained, crushed pineapple to give the coleslaw a tropical flair. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the tanginess of the dressing and adds a refreshing burst of flavor.

8. Caraway Seed Coleslaw

• Add 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds to the dressing for a unique, slightly nutty flavor. Caraway seeds are often used in German coleslaw and add an interesting depth to the dish.

9. Coleslaw with Celery Seeds

• Stir in 1 teaspoon of celery seeds for a classic, old-fashioned coleslaw flavor. The seeds add a subtle flavor that pairs well with the creamy and tangy dressing.

10. Dill Pickle Coleslaw

• For an extra tangy twist, chop 1/4 cup of dill pickles and mix them into the coleslaw. You can also add 1 tablespoon of pickle juice to the dressing for even more tang.

These variations allow you to customize your KFC Coleslaw recipe with new flavors and ingredients to suit different tastes and occasions, making it even more versatile and fun to make!

FAQs:

1. Can I use bagged coleslaw mix instead of chopping the cabbage and carrots?

Yes, using pre-shredded coleslaw mix is a great time-saver. You’ll need about 8 cups of mix to replace the chopped cabbage and carrots in the recipe.

2. How long should I refrigerate the coleslaw before serving?

For the best flavor, refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 2 hours, but overnight refrigeration allows the flavors to meld even better, resulting in a more authentic KFC taste.

3. Can I make this coleslaw without buttermilk?

Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with 1/4 cup of regular milk mixed with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly before using.

4. How long will homemade coleslaw last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, homemade coleslaw will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to give it a stir before serving to re-incorporate the dressing.

5. Can I freeze coleslaw?

It’s not recommended to freeze coleslaw, especially one with a mayonnaise-based dressing, as the texture will change when thawed. The vegetables can become mushy, and the dressing may separate.

6. Can I use light mayonnaise to reduce calories?

Yes, you can use light mayonnaise to reduce the fat and calorie content. The flavor will still be creamy, though slightly less rich than with full-fat mayo.

7. Can I add other vegetables to this coleslaw?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extras like thinly sliced bell peppers, celery, or radishes for added crunch and flavor.

8. How do I keep my coleslaw from getting watery?

Make sure the cabbage is finely chopped and drained well. You can also toss the cabbage with a little salt and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then rinse and pat dry before mixing with the dressing.

9. Can I make this coleslaw vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegan version by using vegan mayonnaise and substituting the buttermilk with a plant-based milk (such as almond or soy) mixed with a little lemon juice.

10. How do I adjust the sweetness in the dressing?

If you prefer a less sweet coleslaw, simply reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing to your liking. Start with 1/4 cup and add more as needed based on your taste preferences.

These FAQs provide helpful tips to ensure your homemade KFC-style coleslaw turns out perfectly every time, with options for dietary adjustments and flavor variations!