You’ve probably tried countless coleslaw recipes that either turn out too watery, too bland, or missing that signature creamy texture you’re craving. This KFC-style version solves those common problems with a perfectly balanced dressing that clings to every shred of cabbage without becoming soupy. The secret lies in the specific ratio of ingredients and an essential step that most home cooks skip entirely.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or craving that familiar fast-food flavor, this copycat KFC coleslaw delivers the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance. You’ll appreciate how the creamy texture coats every strand of cabbage without overwhelming the fresh crunch. The tangy balance from vinegar and lemon juice cuts through the richness, creating that signature flavor you remember. Best of all, you can whip this up in minutes with simple ingredients you likely have on hand, making it your new go-to side dish.
Ingredients
Creating this authentic KFC-style coleslaw requires just a handful of simple ingredients that work together to recreate that iconic creamy, tangy flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – most of these items are pantry and refrigerator staples that you likely already have on hand.
- 8 cups cabbage, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup carrot, shredded
- 2 tablespoons onions, minced
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
The key to achieving the perfect texture is ensuring your cabbage is chopped finely and uniformly, while the carrots should be shredded rather than diced to maintain the authentic appearance. White pepper is preferred over black pepper to maintain the coleslaw’s clean, pale appearance, though black pepper can be substituted if needed. Using fresh lemon juice rather than bottled will provide the brightest, most authentic flavor that mimics the original KFC recipe.
Directions
Making this KFC-style coleslaw is remarkably straightforward and requires minimal preparation time. Begin by combining the prepared vegetables in a large mixing bowl: add the 8 cups of finely chopped cabbage, 1/4 cup of shredded carrot, and 2 tablespoons of minced onions. Toss these ingredients together gently to guarantee even distribution throughout the mixture.
In a separate bowl, create the signature creamy dressing that gives this coleslaw its distinctive flavor. Whisk together 1/3 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon white pepper until well combined. Add 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar, and 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has completely dissolved. The dressing should have a creamy consistency with a balanced sweet and tangy flavor profile.
Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture and mix thoroughly, guaranteeing every piece of cabbage and carrot is well-coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling time is essential as it allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften slightly, achieving the authentic texture and taste that makes this coleslaw so memorable.
Substitutions and Variations
While this recipe delivers authentic KFC-style flavor, you can easily adapt it to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences. For vegan swaps, replace mayonnaise with cashew-based mayo or tahini mixed with lemon juice. Substitute regular milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk. You can enhance the original recipe with flavor boosters like celery seed, dried dill, or a pinch of garlic powder. Try adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños for crunch and heat. For tangier coleslaw, increase the vinegar slightly. These modifications won’t compromise the creamy, sweet-tart balance that makes this coleslaw irresistible.
Additional Things To Serve With This Dish
What pairs better with creamy KFC-style coleslaw than crispy fried chicken? You’ll create the perfect Southern feast when you serve this alongside golden drumsticks and thighs. The cool, tangy slaw cuts through rich, greasy flavors beautifully. Add warm buttery biscuits to soak up every drop of that creamy dressing. Sweet potato fries make an excellent side, their natural sweetness complementing the slaw’s slight tang. Don’t forget classic barbecue staples like pulled pork, grilled corn, or mac and cheese. This versatile coleslaw works at picnics, potlucks, and backyard gatherings where comfort food reigns supreme.
Final Thoughts
You’ll discover that this KFC-style coleslaw recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort in your own kitchen. The creamy, tangy dressing perfectly complements the crisp vegetables, creating that iconic flavor you crave. Storage tips include keeping leftovers refrigerated for up to three days in an airtight container, though it’s best consumed within 24 hours for ideal crunchiness. Nutrition notes highlight this dish’s vitamin C content from cabbage and carrots, plus beneficial fiber. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or preparing a weeknight dinner, this homemade coleslaw will consistently impress your family and guests with its authentic taste.
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