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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.

Fans Also Made:

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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

  2. Barb says

    I would rather be anonymous, as a former KFC gal. The subtle onion is dehydrated onion that is rehydrated in water and you are right that it’s very little and blended in the dressing.. There’s no lemon juice and no milks, only oil, mayonaise, apple cider vinegar and sugar. I could make it in my sleep even after 40 years.

    Reply

  3. Bonnie Rhomberg says

    Tried it and family raved. Ty for the recipe. Will be making copies for family members. And a staple weekly with our meals. Love from Iowa

    Reply

  4. Stephanie M Hudson says

    Never left a review for any recipe. But I had to for this. Absolutely perfect recipe. I loathe any premade coleslaws from most diners or eateries. This was just perfect and went great with pulled pork sandwiches. Thank you for the deliciousness. You have a fan.

    Reply

  5. Len says

    I’ve been searching for many things in my life, but now I can stop searching for a coleslaw recipe. This is it! The onions are subtle but they add depth to the flavor. I let them marinate in the vinegar and lemon juice for 15 minutes to tame the raw flavor. Also, I cut back on the sugar and substituted apple cider vinegar for the white vinegar. Works great as a side dish or a topping on pulled pork sandwiches.

    Reply

  6. Diane says

    This is the BEST coleslaw recipe I’ve ever made!! I’d like to make it for our family reunion this summer to serve with pulled pork sandwiches. Expecting about 75 people. Do you have this recipe converted for larger crowds?

    Reply

    • Kathleen says

      Hi, Diane! Wow, I haven’t tried this for a big crowd. I only tried doubling this.
      I guess this recipe could serve 10 if they wanted 1/8 to maybe 1/4 of a cup.
      Double batch this recipe for 1/8 or 1/4 cup serving, that’s for 20 people already.
      Make 4 double batch. I hope this helps!

      Reply

  7. Renee says

    This was so good that now that I’ve made it I can’t make another coleslaw recipe. I’ve made it three times in the last two weeks because we liked it that much. I follow the recipe, no changes. Thank you for such a delicious coleslaw!

    Reply

  8. Gene says

    I’ve been looking for the perfect coleslaw recipe for years. My wife tasted it and said it’s the most perfectly balanced coleslaw she’s ever tasted and I agree. I went a little heavy on the grated onion but one Tbsp would have been just right.

    Thanks, Kathleen.

    Reply

  9. Dottie says

    I love coleslaw and this is the best recioe that I’ve come across. The flavor is the best and the buttermilk is a must.I do like celery seed so I add 1 tsp.

    Reply

  10. Su says

    Perfect. Love this! I still cut the sugar in half, follow the tips and instructions otherwise. We use it with our pulled pork sliders, so wonderful and healthier than store bought. I like knowing what’s in my food. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Kathleen says

      Hi, Su! Yes, this is so perfect with pulled pork. I’m happy you like this! Thank you for the positive review 🙂

      Reply

  11. Melinda Wilcox says

    Very close to KFC and maybe even better! I grate the cabbage with the Cuisinart medium disc and the carrot and onion with the fine shredding disc. Perfect texture. I used a fresh organic cabbage and organic carrots and fresh buttermilk. I do find that there is no substitute for the fresh buttermilk here but yogurt would come closest.

    Reply

  12. Odkin Wood says

    This receipt is great! I used powdered Buttermilk mix, and substituted 8 packets of Equal for the sugar, and it will STILL identical to the old KFC I remember. Really really good, and super-easy!

    Reply

  13. Sharon Thaden says

    I have already made this two times since I got the recipe last month. Really delicious and easy. Definitely a sure thing! Thank you! My husband hit it with a drop or two of hot sauce.

    Reply

  16. Jim says

    One of my favorite slaws is the one from KFC. This “copycat” version comes very very close. Regardless of whether you think it does or not, it is a recipe and coleslaw worth your time to make. Enjoy!!

    Reply

  18. Sparkkel says

    Thx for the formula. I used what I had on hand to create the creamy sauce. I receive church donations, ( Last batch) so make do or do without and only had doz 1/2 gal fat free pink milk, so I needed a butter milk kinda taste so substituted 1 c greek yogurt curd without the whey, 1 Tbsp wine vinegar & 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 Tbsp grated onion, with 1/3 c zulka cane sugar, 1/2 c whole mayo, one tsp garlic, one tsp horseradish and s/p. Mixed till sugar dissolved. Tossed in the tri-colored deli coleslaw, let rest over night. Hmm so good, taste so yummy.

    Reply

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