Description

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

Instructions

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.

Notes

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!