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This is an amazing copycat version of the famous KFC Coleslaw Recipe. It’s sweet, a little tangy, and creamy! My all-time favorite coleslaw recipe! #kfccoleslaw #coleslaw

KFC Coleslaw Recipe

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This is an amazing copycat version of the famous KFC Coleslaw Recipe. It’s sweet, a little tangy, and creamy! My all-time favorite coleslaw recipe!

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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!

 

KFC coleslaw in a bowl

 

Why This Recipe Works

  • Spot-On Copycat Flavor: This KFC coleslaw copycat recipe nails the balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy that makes the original so famous.

  • Simple & Accessible: Everyday pantry staples—mayonnaise, sugar, buttermilk, and fresh lemon juice—come together in minutes.

  • Authentic Texture & Taste: Finely chopped cabbage gives it that classic consistency, while finely grated onion adds subtle savory depth.

  • 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.

copycat kfc coleslaw in a bowl with serving spoon on the side

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

Fresh + Crisp Combos

Crowd-Pleasing Favorites

HOW TO MAKE KFC COLESLAW

  1. Whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth.
  2. In a large bowl, toss dressing with cabbage and carrot.
  3. Cover bowl and refrigerate for 4 hours minimum or overnight. Stir well before serving.

***See the full instructions below.

MORE GREAT SALAD RECIPES

 

Tried This Recipe?

I’d love to hear what you think! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you tried this KFC coleslaw recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment below—it means so much and it helps our community of readers.

Love easy, classic side dishes like this? Subscribe to my FREE newsletter and get new recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today — happy cooking, friends! ❤️ Kathleen

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KFC coleslaw in a bowl
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KFC Coleslaw Recipe

This is an amazing copycat version of the famous KFC Coleslaw Recipe. It’s sweet, a little tangy, and creamy! My all-time favorite coleslaw recipe!
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Author: Kathleen

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)
US Customary - Metric

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.

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Notes

  1. Secret Ingredient - The secret ingredient that gives this is authentic taste is the grated onion! Not chopped or minced it needs to be grated!
  2. 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.
  3. Keep It Cold - The flavor is best when this is served cold, rather than at room temperature.
  4. 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.
  5. 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!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 316kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 522mg | Potassium: 313mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 1540IU | Vitamin C: 55.4mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 0.7mg
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sheila D says

    My husband is so picky. I’ve made this recipe 4 times now because he labeled it “a keeper”. I’m making it again tonight for a family Labor Day bbq by request.

    So easy to make, I never would have guessed onion was the key to that sweet KFC flavor. Thank you for sharing this!

    Reply

  10. Maureen Coughlin says

    Just checked in and saw your delicious recipe for creamy cole slaw. I have used this recipe twice in the last 6 months. Our church prepares dinner once a month for 60 to 70 seniors many that are homebound. The feedback for the coleslaw was great. The nice aspect of your site is the ease to change up portions. I use the 20 people then only have to times by 4! LOL Saves us a lot of time. Thanks again. Maureen Coughlin

    Reply

  14. Squash Baggage says

    Really good coleslaw. Thanks Kathleen! Thumbs up all the way! Let’s gooo! This is sooooo good!

    Reply

  15. Carol Brownlow says

    I use this recipe and everyone raves about it! Easy and so good. I would not change a thing.

    Reply

  16. Scott says

    Can you substitute something for the onion. Half tablespoon of shredded onion? Onion powder maybe? Seems like a waste for poor onion! 🙂

    Reply

  17. Jo Anne says

    I have been making the same (but very different from this KFC) cole slaw recipe for 40+ years.
    Everyone loved it. I was ok with it but I have always loved KFC’s. When I saw this recipe a month ago, I made it and have made it twice weekly since. I shared with my darling daughter-in-law twice but she said the family loved it so much, she started making it herself and doubling the recipe. It is a keeper and the fact that my husband who LOVED my original recipe said don’t bother making it anymore, is the true measure of this recipe’s greatness. Oh yes, I made 5 copies of this recipe so I can be sure I won’t misplace it!

    Reply

  18. Michelle says

    Thank you for this recipe! I made it to go along with our fried catfish & spaghetti dinner. It really does get even better as it sits in frig. I was told it was more delicious than KFC’s coleslaw. This will be a must-have during bbq season. I cant wait to try some of your other recipes. Stay well!

    Reply

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