Tangy KFC Coleslaw Copycat Recipe That Tastes Just Like It

Whipping up a delicious KFC coleslaw copycat recipe might sound like culinary magic for picnic enthusiasts.

Crisp cabbage and creamy dressing create a nostalgic side dish that reminds us of comfort food moments.

Southern-style cooking has always captured hearts with its simple yet irresistible flavors.

Precise ingredients and a smart mixing technique make this recreation remarkably close to the original restaurant version.

Crunchy vegetables deliver that signature texture everyone remembers from childhood gatherings.

Mastering this recipe lets you bring restaurant-quality goodness straight to your kitchen table.

You can totally nail this classic side dish with just a few straightforward steps.

KFC Coleslaw Copycat That Delights

• Crush Cravings Instantly: Dive into a tangy, creamy coleslaw that perfectly mimics the famous KFC recipe, satisfying your fast-food nostalgia without leaving home.
• Master Simplicity: No complex techniques required – just mix, stir, and chill. This recipe welcomes home cooks of all skill levels to create a restaurant-quality side dish with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Companion: Versatile enough for backyard barbecues, potlucks, and family dinners, this coleslaw adds a zesty punch to any main course and keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust ingredients to suit personal preferences, making this recipe a flexible favorite that adapts to different tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients for KFC Coleslaw Copycat

Main Ingredients:

• Coleslaw Mix: A pre-shredded blend of green cabbage and carrots that provides the classic crisp texture and fresh foundation for the salad.

• Buttermilk: Adds a tangy and creamy base to the dressing that helps tenderize the vegetables.
• Mayonnaise: Creates a rich and smooth consistency for the dressing.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a sharp and bright acidic note to balance the creamy dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Enhances the brightness and adds a subtle citrus undertone to the dressing.

• Sugar, Salt, Pepper, Celery Seed: These seasonings work together to create a balanced and complex flavor profile that mimics the signature KFC coleslaw taste.

How to Make KFC Coleslaw Copycat

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

In a medium bowl, blend buttermilk, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt, pepper, and celery seed. Whisk until the mixture transforms into a smooth, well-combined sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Toss the Crisp Veggie Base

Grab a large bowl and dump in the shredded cabbage mixture. Pour the freshly prepared dressing over the veggies.

Grab a big spoon and mix everything together, ensuring every single shred gets a luxurious coating of the tangy, creamy goodness.

Step 3: Let the Magic Happen

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.

Slide the coleslaw into the refrigerator and let it chill out for 6 to 8 hours. This waiting time allows the flavors to mingle and get to know each other, transforming a simple salad into a mouthwatering side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips to Perfect KFC Coleslaw Copycat

• Whip the dressing ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-blended base that ensures consistent flavor in every bite.
• Use pre-shredded coleslaw mix to save time and guarantee a uniform texture without extensive chopping.
• Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 6 hours to allow the flavors to develop and intensify, mimicking the authentic KFC taste.
• Consider adjusting sugar levels to suit personal preferences, making the recipe more versatile for different palates.
• Serve chilled for the best taste and crunch, keeping the coleslaw refrigerated until just before serving to maintain its crisp texture.

Variations on KFC Coleslaw Copycat

• Vegan Veggie Slaw: Replace buttermilk and mayonnaise with cashew cream and vegan mayo. Use plant-based sugar and add extra chopped herbs for depth.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Slaw: Substitute cabbage mix with riced cauliflower. Reduce sugar or use stevia. Keep dressing ingredients mostly the same for similar flavor profile.
• Greek-Inspired Coleslaw: Swap apple cider vinegar with red wine vinegar. Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh dill. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for tangier dressing.

Pairing Ideas for KFC Coleslaw Copycat

• Reach for light, refreshing drinks like ice-cold sweet tea or sparkling lemonade that complement the creamy, tangy coleslaw and cut through its richness.
• Serve alongside grilled or fried chicken, pulled pork, or barbecue ribs to create a classic comfort food combination that highlights the coleslaw's creamy texture and zesty flavor profile.
• Pair with crispy potato wedges, cornbread, or hush puppies to add contrasting textures that enhance the overall dining experience and provide a satisfying crunch against the soft coleslaw.

Storage Tips for KFC Coleslaw Copycat

• Refrigerate in Airtight Container: Store coleslaw in a sealed container with a tight lid to maintain freshness. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, preventing bacterial growth and preserving crisp texture.
• Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze coleslaw, as mayonnaise-based dressings separate and become watery, destroying the creamy consistency and fresh taste.
• Drain Excess Liquid: Before serving leftovers, gently stir and drain any accumulated liquid to restore original texture and prevent sogginess.
• Serve Chilled: Always serve cold from the refrigerator to maintain the best flavor and crispness of the vegetables.

FAQs

• Why is buttermilk important in this recipe?

Buttermilk adds tanginess and helps create a creamy, rich dressing that enhances the overall flavor profile of the coleslaw, giving it a distinctive taste similar to KFC’s original recipe.

• Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix or should I chop the cabbage myself?

Pre-shredded coleslaw mix works perfectly and saves time. If you prefer, you can chop fresh cabbage and carrots, but the bagged mix provides convenience without compromising taste.

• How long will the coleslaw stay fresh after preparing?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this coleslaw will remain fresh and tasty for 3-4 days. The flavors continue to develop and improve during this time.

• Is this recipe exactly like KFC's original coleslaw?

Kfc Coleslaw Copycat Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy KFC coleslaw copycat recipe brings classic Southern comfort to your table. Crisp cabbage and tangy dressing combine for a nostalgic side dish that complements any meal and satisfies you with its authentic flavor profile.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 oz (454 g) coleslaw mix
• 1/3 cup (67 g) sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) buttermilk
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tbsps (22 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp celery seed
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp pepper

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Instructions

1. Craft a harmonious dressing by whisking buttermilk, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt, pepper, and celery seed in a medium bowl until silky smooth and sugar completely dissolves.
2. Combine pre-shredded coleslaw mix in a large bowl, then generously drench with prepared dressing. Thoroughly toss using a spacious spoon to ensure every cabbage strand is luxuriously coated.
3. Seal the bowl with plastic wrap or lid, then refrigerate for 6-8 hours. This crucial resting period allows flavors to intertwine and vegetables to absorb the tangy, creamy dressing, transforming the simple ingredients into a delectable side dish.

Notes

• Whisk ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-blended dressing that ensures even flavor distribution across the coleslaw.
• Letting the coleslaw sit in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours allows the flavors to develop and intensify, mimicking the signature KFC taste.
• Swap regular mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or add shredded carrots for extra crunch and nutrition.
• This coleslaw actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep and potluck gatherings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 140 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg