Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe

I have crafted my favorite Homemade Coleslaw that features finely shredded green cabbage, grated carrots and a dressing melding creamy mayo, buttermilk and white vinegar along with a touch of sugar, salt and pepper. Its pleasing balance of tangy and sweet makes it a refreshing side dish for any picnic.

I recently tried my hand at a Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe and man, I was amazed at how a handful of basic ingredients can transform into something so deliciously tangy and sweet. I mixed together about 8 cups of finely shredded green cabbage and 1 cup of grated carrots with a creamy blend of 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 1/3 cup buttermilk.

Then I stirred in 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, a pinch of salt and a little ground black pepper to round out the flavors. There’s a bit of that iconic KFC vibe in the dish along with the best balance of sweetness and tang which makes it one of the easiest and tastiest homemade coleslaws i’ve ever made.

If you’re planning a picnic or cookout, you might wanna give this a try as its simple yet incredibly satisfying.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love how the dressing mixes with the veggies to create this perfect sweet-tangy combo that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
I totally appreciate that it only takes 10 minutes of prep even though the flavors come together so well, which means I can whip it up quickly for a picnic or cookout.
I really like that it uses just a handful of ingredients, making it simple and not overly complicated, yet the taste is still amazing.
And one more thing, it’s great for warm days since it tastes even better after being chilled in the fridge, which always feels like a bonus.

Ingredients

• Green cabbage is packed with fiber and vitamins, making the salad crisp and healthy.
• Carrots offer a boost of vitamin A and add a naturally sweet crunch.
• Mayonnaise gives a creamy texture that holds all the flavors together.
• Buttermilk brings a tangy twist and helps to tenderize the mix.
• Distilled white vinegar adds acidity and brightens the overall flavor.
• Granulated sugar provides a subtle sweetness that balances the tart ingredients.
• Salt enhances the taste while black pepper adds a gentle kick.
• Together, these ingredients create a delicious, timeless coleslaw that perfectly complements fried dishes.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 large head green cabbage, finely shredded (about 8 cups)
• 2 medium carrots, grated (around 1 cup)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

How to Make this

1. First, finely shred the green cabbage and grate the carrots so you end up with about 8 cups of cabbage and around 1 cup of carrots.

2. In a large bowl, mix the shredded cabbage and grated carrots together.

3. In a smaller bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/3 cup buttermilk, 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.

4. Whisk the dressing until the sugar is mostly dissolved and everything is well blended.

5. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mix, then stir everything together until all the veggies are nicely coated.

6. Let the coleslaw sit for about 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can really meld together.

7. Give it a taste and if needed, add a bit more salt or pepper to suit your personal taste.

8. If you’ve got time, chill the coleslaw in the refrigerator for an extra refreshing taste on a warm day.

9. Stir it once more before serving to make sure it stays evenly dressed.

10. Enjoy your homemade coleslaw at your next picnic or cookout as a perfect side dish!

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board – to help get the cabbage and carrots prepped
2. Sharp knife – useful for trimming and slicing the cabbage if needed
3. Box grater (or mandoline) – to finely shred the cabbage and grate the carrots
4. Large mixing bowl – for tossing together the shredded cabbage and carrots
5. Small mixing bowl – to mix up the dressing ingredients
6. Whisk – to blend the dressing really well
7. Measuring cups and spoons – to accurately measure the mayo, buttermilk, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper
8. Stirring spoon or spatula – for mixing the dressing into the veggies

These are the basic items you’ll need to get this coleslaw done.

FAQ

Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For the cabbage, you can mix in some red cabbage with the green one if you want a more colorful slaw.
• If you dont have carrots on hand, shredded parsnips could work as a substitute although they’ll add a slightly different flavor.
• You can use Greek yogurt instead of mayo to lighten up the recipe a bit.
• If you dont have buttermilk, try mixing 1/3 cup of regular milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes.
• Apple cider vinegar can replace distilled white vinegar if you’re looking for a tangier kick.

Pro Tips

1. Try pre-shredding your cabbage and grating your carrots the night before so it saves a bunch of time when you’re ready to mix everything together later.
2. If you like a tangier flavor, let the coleslaw chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. This extra time helps the veggies soak up the tangy dressing and gives the dish a sharper taste.
3. When you mix the dressing, keep stirring until the sugar is totally dissolved. I found that a few extra minutes of whisking can make a big difference in taste.
4. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning after it sits for a bit. Taste and add a little more salt or pepper if it needs it, because sometimes the flavor can mellow out over time.