KFC Coleslaw Recipe
Introduction
This KFC-style coleslaw is creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness. It’s finely chopped to replicate the classic fast-food texture, making it a delightful side dish for fried chicken or any barbecue meal.

Ingredients
- 4 cups finely chopped cabbage
- ½ medium carrot, very finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons minced onion
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 4 teaspoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 4 teaspoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Finely chop the cabbage and carrot using a food processor. Combine them in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced onion, buttermilk, white vinegar, milk, mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 4: Cover and chill the coleslaw in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother texture, process the cabbage and carrot in short pulses instead of chopping continuously.
- Substitute regular milk with buttermilk for a tangier dressing.
- Add a pinch of celery seed for a classic coleslaw flavor twist.
Storage
Store coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. It’s best consumed fresh but can be safely reheated slightly if needed, though it’s typically enjoyed cold.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this coleslaw in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead. Chilling it overnight enhances the flavors, but avoid mixing it too far in advance to keep the vegetables crisp.
What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
PrintKFC Coleslaw Recipe
This classic KFC-style coleslaw features finely chopped cabbage and carrot combined with a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, buttermilk, and lemon juice. It’s a refreshing, crunchy side dish perfect for complementing fried chicken or as a light summer salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups finely chopped cabbage
- ½ medium carrot, very finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons onion, minced
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 4 teaspoons white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 4 teaspoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Using a food processor, finely chop the cabbage and carrot until they have a very fine texture. Transfer these finely chopped vegetables to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Make the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, milk, mayonnaise, white vinegar, fresh lemon juice, sugar, salt, black pepper, and minced onion. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine & Mix: Pour the prepared dressing over the chopped cabbage and carrot mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure that all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the coleslaw and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the coleslaw to chill nicely before serving.
- Serve & Enjoy: After chilling, stir the coleslaw again and serve chilled as a refreshing side dish. Optionally, leave a rating and comment to share your feedback on the recipe.
Notes
- For best texture, finely chop the cabbage and carrot using a food processor rather than shredding by hand.
- Chilling the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes is essential for the flavors to develop fully.
- If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute with a mixture of milk and a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic its acidity.
- This coleslaw pairs perfectly with fried foods like chicken but can also be enjoyed as a light salad.
- Adjust sugar and salt according to taste preferences.
Keywords: KFC coleslaw, coleslaw recipe, creamy coleslaw, cabbage salad, side dish, picnic recipes, summer salad

