Famous KFC Coleslaw Classic

This KFC-style coleslaw is the one recipe that always disappears first at any potluck or barbecue. Its creamy tangy dressing and crisp tender veggies match the classic flavor of the restaurant version and it is quick and easy to whip up at home.

I remember making this classic coleslaw for a family Fourth of July picnic and it was gone before the burgers hit the grill. My mom asks for the recipe every time.

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise: for that classic creamy base never skimp here as it makes the slaw rich and smooth choose a full-fat quality mayo for best texture
• Sugar: creates the signature hint of sweetness in the dressing nothing else works quite like classic white sugar
• Milk: thins the dressing just enough for a silky pour choose whole milk for richness
• Buttermilk: brings that trademark tang look for real cultured buttermilk in the dairy aisle
• Lemon juice: brightens everything and is a key to that fresh flavor freshly squeezed always shines but bottled works in a pinch
• White vinegar: adds punch and depth use classic distilled white vinegar
• Salt: enhances every note choose kosher or sea salt for best integration
• Pepper: gives a tiny zip to balance the flavors use freshly ground pepper if possible
• Finely chopped cabbage: forms the crunchy base choose green cabbage that is heavy and dense for tight crisp leaves
• Shredded carrot: adds a hint of color and subtle sweetness pick firm carrots free of green tops for best flavor
• Minced onion: gives the slaw that extra savory note opt for sweet onions or yellow onions that feel solid and have dry papery skins

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables:

Finely chop the cabbage until the pieces are just a little bigger than grains of rice. This creates the famously fine crunchy texture. Carefully shred the carrot and mince the onion set them aside separately to ensure all the pieces are similar in size.

Mix the Dressing:

In a large mixing bowl whisk together the mayonnaise sugar milk buttermilk lemon juice white vinegar salt and pepper. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and there are no lumps of mayo left. This creamy base is the secret to the restaurant-style flavor.

Combine Everything:

Add the finely chopped cabbage shredded carrot and minced onion to the whipped dressing. Use a sturdy spatula to scoop from the bottom and turn everything over repeatedly. Make sure each bit of vegetable is coated evenly so it tastes just like the KFC version in every bite.

Chill and Serve:

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate for at least two hours giving the flavors time to meld and the texture to soften just right. For the full diner effect let it rest overnight then give it a quick stir before serving for the freshest crunch.

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There is something about the buttermilk and lemon juice together that makes this slaw truly addictive. I remember my grandma picking the extra carrot bits out of her bowl and asking for a second helping just for those sweet pops of color.

Storage Tips

Store finished coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to three days but the cabbage will get softer each day. Try to wait and dress only what you will use within a couple of days to keep the texture crisp.

Ingredient Substitutions

No buttermilk on hand just mix a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into a quarter cup of milk and let it sit for five minutes to sour it up. If you want a lighter taste use half Greek yogurt with the mayo. Red cabbage or purple carrots add beautiful color if you have them.

Serving Suggestions

This coleslaw is a sidekick for fried chicken barbecue sandwiches or classic picnic fare but it is awesome tucked inside fish tacos or on top of pulled pork sliders. Sometimes I even pile it on a baked potato as a crunchy topping.

Cultural Context

Coleslaw dates back to Dutch immigrants who brought their cabbage salad recipes to America. The KFC version became iconic because of its sweet creamy dressing and finely shredded veggies which set it apart from most diner-style slaws. Making it at home gives you that nostalgic taste with a personal twist.

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Make this coleslaw for your next picnic and watch it vanish! Its creamy tang and crunch guarantee it will be everyone’s favorite side.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you get the classic KFC coleslaw texture?

Finely chop the cabbage and carrot, aiming for pieces just slightly larger than rice for authentic crunch.

→ Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?

Buttermilk is ideal for its tang, but you can use a blend of milk and a splash of extra lemon juice if needed.

→ Why refrigerate the coleslaw before serving?

Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set, resulting in a creamier, tastier dish.

→ What gives the dressing its unique taste?

The combination of mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, buttermilk, and lemon juice creates the signature sweet-tangy flavor.

→ How long can this coleslaw be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days for best texture and freshness.