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If you’ve ever craved that famous KFC coleslaw—sweet, tangy, and oh-so-creamy—you’re going to love this homemade version. This copycat KFC coleslaw recipe tastes just like the real thing (maybe even better!) and comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
With finely chopped cabbage, a touch of onion, and a perfectly balanced creamy dressing, it’s the ultimate side dish for fried chicken, BBQ, or just about any comfort food meal. Trust me—once you try it, this will be your go-to coleslaw recipe for every potluck, picnic, and family dinner.
This homemade coleslaw is perfect for potlucks, picnics, BBQs, or even a simple weeknight dinner—everyone always goes back for seconds! 🥗 Looking for more fresh, crave-worthy sides? Try my pineapple coleslaw, Asian coleslaw, and carrot salad! And if you’re a KFC fan like me, don’t miss my cozy KFC Famous Bowl Casserole—it’s pure comfort in a dish. ♥ Let’s make this slaw!
Let’s make this slaw!
Why This Recipe Works
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Spot-On Copycat Flavor: This KFC coleslaw copycat recipe nails the balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy that makes the original so famous.
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Simple & Accessible: Everyday pantry staples—mayonnaise, sugar, buttermilk, and fresh lemon juice—come together in minutes.
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Authentic Texture & Taste: Finely chopped cabbage gives it that classic consistency, while finely grated onion adds subtle savory depth.
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Better the Next Day: Just like the restaurant version, the flavors meld beautifully as it chills, making it even tastier after resting overnight.
Before You Start
✨ Chill Time Matters: This coleslaw tastes best after at least 4 hours in the fridge—overnight is even better.
✅ Finely Chop the Cabbage: For authentic texture, chop cabbage into rice-sized pieces. Skip long shreds!
🥕 Bagged Mix Option: Save time with pre-shredded coleslaw mix—just omit the carrot if it’s already included.
🥛 Buttermilk is Key: Don’t skip it! Buttermilk gives the dressing its signature tangy creaminess.
🍋 Fresh Lemon Juice: Always squeeze fresh—it makes a big difference.
✨ Food Safety: For more information on food safety, please visit this link.
KFC COLESLAW RECIPE INGREDIENTS
- Cabbage: Finely diced (about rice-sized). Use a food processor + knife, or save time with a bag of coleslaw mix.
- Carrot: Just a little for color—skip if you’re using a mix that already includes it.
- Onion: Grated finely for subtle flavor without harsh chunks.
- Sugar: A small amount for that classic sweetness.
- Mayonnaise: I love Best Foods for the richest flavor.
- Buttermilk & Whole Milk: Give creaminess and authentic tang.
- White Vinegar: Brings the sharpness that balances the sweet.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brighter and fresher than bottled.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning that ties everything together.
Storing + Freezing + Make-Ahead
Storing
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Make-Ahead
- Perfect for prepping the night before! In fact, the flavor improves as it chills.
Freezing
- Not recommended—the mayo dressing separates and the cabbage loses its crunch when thawed.
What to Serve With KFC Coleslaw
KFC Coleslaw is the ultimate side dish that pairs with just about everything! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
Classic Comfort Food Pairings
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Fried chicken or smothered chicken is the obvious match—crispy, juicy, and perfect with a creamy slaw. Try my Air Fryer Chicken for a lighter twist. We love it with our Swiss steak, American goulash, or American chop suey!
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Pile it next to Pulled Pork Sandwiches, crockpot BBQ pulled chicken, steak sandwiches, French dip, , or barbecue smoked ribs for a backyard-style feast.
Fresh + Crisp Combos
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Balance out rich mains like Sloppy Joes, Salisbury steak, steak chili, or million dollar spaghetti with this cool, tangy side.
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Add it to Steak Tacos for that crunchy, creamy bite.
Crowd-Pleasing Favorites
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Serve with Southern cornbread, Cracker Barrel cornbread, Southern style green beans, BBQ baked beans, crockpot baked beans, grape salad, three bean salad, best way to cook corn on the cob, smoked gouda mac and cheese, or baked macaroni and cheese for the ultimate picnic spread.
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Pair with Grilled Burgers, air fryer turkey burgers, or air fryer hot dogs—coleslaw is always welcome at the cookout!
HOW TO MAKE KFC COLESLAW
- Whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth.
- In a large bowl, toss dressing with cabbage and carrot.
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Cover bowl and refrigerate for 4 hours minimum or overnight. Stir well before serving.
***See the full instructions below.
MORE GREAT SALAD RECIPES
- Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
- Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing
- Taco Pasta Salad
- Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Mediterranean Salad
- Grape Salad
- 1905 Salad
MORE KFC COPYCAT RECIPES
Tried This Recipe?
I’d love to hear what you think! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you tried this KFC coleslaw recipe, please leave a review below—it means so much and it helps our community of readers. And don’t forget to subscribe to our free weekly email for cozy, crave-worthy recipes delivered straight to your inbox!
KFC Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon onion finely grated
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup buttermilk well shaken
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 cups or 1-16 ounce bag coleslaw cabbage finely diced
- 1/4 cup carrot shredded (omit if you're using bagged coleslaw mix)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the first 9 ingredients until smooth and well combined. Add cabbage (8 cups) and carrot (1/4 cup) and mix until evenly coated.
- Cover bowl and refrigerate 4 hours minimum or overnight. Stir well before serving.
Fans Also Made:
Notes
- Secret Ingredient - The secret ingredient that gives this is authentic taste is the grated onion! Not chopped or minced it needs to be grated!
- Chill Time - Don't skip this step! It's super important to give the KFC slaw recipe time in the refrigerator for the flavors to mingle and marry.
- Keep It Cold - The flavor is best when this is served cold, rather than at room temperature.
- How To Serve - This recipe makes a very wet coleslaw. Just serve it with a slotted spoon and discard the extra liquid after all the slaw is gone. It needs to be tossed each time before you serve it so it’s nice and creamy each time.
- Serving Size - The recipe I adapted this from said it served 10 people. What? I guess it could serve 10 if they wanted 1/8 to maybe 1/4 of a cup. This recipe is so delicious that a small quantity really won’t be enough! In my family, one recipe serves 4 generously. If I try to serve 5 people with just one recipe, someone always feels cheated and ends up a little unhappy.
- Maybe in your family, it will serve 5-6, but 4 is definitely safe. It’s easy enough to double the recipe. Honestly, that’s what I always do!
The first time this was posted (2024) I tried the recipe. Since then, it is the only coleslaw recipe I make. My family and 94 yr old mother love this.
Hi Carolyn! Thanks so much for your comment. I love that you’ve been making this since I first posted the recipe. How wonderful your mom loves it!!
Best coleslaw ever. My family can’t get enough of it.
Hi Wesley! So happy this is a hit in your family, too.
This was good. A tad sweeter than KFC so I added extra lemon juice and it came out perfect.
That’s fantastic! Thanks for the positive feedback and rating 🙂
Hello,
Fantastic recipe, thank you bunches from my family 😋.
I buy the pre-shredded tri-color cabbage 16 ounce bag from my local grocer.
I open the bag and rinse/clean the cabbage, discard the large thick harder pieces of cabbage. I drain it then pat it dry with a clean dishcloth or paper towel.
Next I transfer the cabbage to my cutting board and take my big cutting knife and I rock the knive over all the cabbage, making smaller pieces like KFC does.
I follow your directions exactly and it’s the BEST coleslaw I’ve ever had. I highly recommend this recipe.
Hi Texas Queen B! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Im so happy this was a hit for your family!
What brand of mayonnaise do you use?
I live on the west coast, so I use Best Foods 🙂
When I worked for KFC in college, the dressing used to make the coleslaw contained Miracle Whip. Not mayonnaise. That’s why it had such a tangy taste to it. I know because it was actually written on the bottle.
This recipe says 8 cups cabbage or 1 16oz bag coleslaw mix. Is this right? 8 cups does not equal 16 oz, correct? How many bags of coleslaw? And how many oz of coleslaw mix? I’m sorry. I’m not understanding.
Hi Stephanie! Most kitchen conversion guides and recipes treat 1 pound (16 ounces) of shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix as yielding around 7 to 8 cups. I hope this helps.
This has become a family favorite! We have it at least once a week. I find that leaving out the milk and buttermilk doesn’t change the taste and it’s a lot less runny.
Hey, Di! That’s fantastic! Thanks for sharing your tweak, positive feedback, and 5-star rating!
I made this for the first time, it’s sitting in the fridge. I’m serving it with catfish and hush puppies. KFC is our favorite Cole slaw so I’m really excited about dinner tonight.
That sounds like my perfect dinner!
The serving size should be 10. I made it for a party following the 4 servings and had so much cole slaw. But it is really good! I got so many compliments.
Hey Gail. Thanks for. sharing your experience! So glad you like the slaw!!
This slaw is incredibly delicious! Don’t hesitate…MAKE IT! Easy and delicious! Only slaw recipe you need!
I’m so happy you think this recipe is delicious! I agree with you totally! Thanks so much for leaving a review and for the 5 star rating!
What if I can’t find any butter milk what can I use instead? I absolutely love this recipe been using it for years now but I can’t find any buttermilk!
Hey, Ash! You can make buttermilk from regular milk. Mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar OR lemon juice in a cup of whole milk. Stir and let it rest for 5-10 minutes until it curdle. Voila, you have buttermilk 🙂
This KFC coleslaw copycat is perfectly creamy, tangy, and absolutely delicious.
Yaaay! Glad you liked this coleslaw 🙂
Can I use butter milk substitute along with the whole milk
Sure you can, Sherry!
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this coleslaw!! I could honestly eat all of it by myself 😜! THANK YOU SO MUCH
Hey Nancy, I feel the same way! Thanks so much for leaving a comment and the 5 star rating!
This is the BEST and easiest coleslaw! 🙂
I have tried a couple different recipes, but THIS is by far the best. This is as close to KFC as it gets – if you’re considering this-just go for it 🙂 you will not be disappointed. Thanks so much for the great recipe – this is even husband approved and I was asked if I just went to KFC and ordered the coleslaw and brought it home to complete the meal 😅 this will be going in the new “Favorite Recipes” cookbook that I got for my birthday.
Hi KJs! I’m so happy this recipe made your “Favorite Recipes” cookbook! Thanks so much for leaving a comment and the 5 star rating. I hope you find many more recipes to place in your Favorites cookbook!
I jusr put this in the fridge so I am assuming the sit-time of 4 or more hours will make it even better. I kept telling my daughter as I was tasting it before it headed to the fridge, “I can’t believe I made this!”. It is seriously delicious. I used a nice red wine vinegar because, for reasons unknown, my white vinegar had expired! I also didn’t use buttermilk. I don’t keep it around because I really don’t like it so I just doubled the whole milk. As soon as I added the dressing to the coleslaw, I knew it would be good. It just looked so good! I also used a small food processor to chop the bagged coleslaw more to the size of KFC. Can’t thank you enough for this wonderful recipe!
So happy you made this Gloria! Thanks so much for leaving a review and the 5 star rating!!! I hope you find many new recipes you and your family will enjoy!
Going to make it today for the first time
I hope you enjoy!!
My husband and I play cornhole every Sunday with my best pal and her husband, and switch off who cooks and brings what. Last week they BBQ’d ribs and she said bring a salad. Didn’t want to do just a boring green salad so I made this. It was GONE. This week her husband said, I want that cole slaw again! Great recipe, and perfect for a cornhole BBQ afternoon! 🙂
Hey, Kathleen! That’s fantastic! It’s really perfect with BBQ. I’m glad it was a hit. Thanks for the positive feedback!
Made this a day ago. Kept it tucked away in fridge for tonight’s supper. Served it to the hubby and his response was, “Did you really go all the way to KFC for just coleslaw?”. (He loves KFCs coleslaw). Imagine his surprise when! I turned around and said, ” I made that!!!”. He doesn’t say much, but his face said, “You go girl!”..
I agree about the onions. I tasted it before putting in fridge and it was real oniony. I was a little disappointed. However, after sitting in fridge overnight, it was spot-on
Hey, Shelli! Wow, that’s fantastic! I’m so happy it was a hit! I will say it to you too “you go girl!” 😀
Thanks for the positive feedback and 5 star rating!
I don’t remember the last time I had KFC coleslaw, so I can’t compare. What I can say is that I made this without alterations and I loved it! I previously used refrigerated, bottled slaw dressing but was always underwhelmed and the sweetness was overpowering. This is SO much better (and I’m writing this before I have let it sit for 4 hours). Yes, you can omit some ingredients and change others, as other reviewers have suggested, but it wouldn’t be the same.
Hey, Harry! Yaaay! We’re happy you liked this coleslaw 🙂
Thanks for the positive feedback and 5 star rating 🙂