If you’ve ever found yourself craving that classic KFC side, you’re in for a real treat with this KFC-Style Coleslaw Recipe. It perfectly captures the creamy, tangy crunch that makes coleslaw such a beloved companion to fried chicken and grilled favorites. With its simple yet vibrant ingredients, this coleslaw brings a refreshing balance of flavors and textures that’s easy to whip up any day of the week. Trust me, once you make this homemade version, you’ll understand why it’s a crowd-pleaser straight from the Colonel’s kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this KFC-Style Coleslaw Recipe is all about fresh, accessible ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each component plays a vital role, from the crisp cabbage to the creamy, tangy dressing, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor and crunch.
- Green cabbage: The star of the show, shredded finely to deliver that signature crisp texture.
- Carrot: Adds a subtle sweetness and a beautiful pop of orange color.
- Onion: Finely chopped for just the right touch of savory sharpness.
- Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base that binds everything together smoothly.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and lightness, balancing out the richness of the mayo.
- Apple cider vinegar: Offers a gentle acidity to brighten the flavors.
- Lemon juice: A fresh zing that lifts the overall taste profile.
- Sugar: Rounds out the tangy elements with a touch of sweetness.
- Salt: Essential to enhance and bring all the flavors into harmony.
- Pepper: A subtle hint of spice to keep things lively but not overpowering.
How to Make KFC-Style Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by shredding the green cabbage finely; this creates the light, crunchy texture every great coleslaw needs. Grate the carrot, which adds a perfect contrast in color and a gentle sweetness. Finely chop the onion to distribute just the right amount of sharpness throughout the salad.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This combination is key to replicating that unique KFC-Style Coleslaw flavor, balancing creaminess with a slight tang and sweetness.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Pour the luscious dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss everything together gently but thoroughly. Make sure every shred is coated — this is what gives you that irresistible creamy crunch with each bite.
Step 4: Chill for Flavor
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for 1 to 2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cabbage to soften just enough while maintaining its essential crispness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, give the coleslaw a quick toss again before serving cold. Your authentic KFC-Style Coleslaw Recipe is now ready to brighten up your meal!
How to Serve KFC-Style Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
While this coleslaw is delicious on its own, adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few cracked black peppercorns on top can elevate its presentation and flavor profile. These simple touches lend a fresh appearance and a slight herbal note that complements the creamy dressing.
Side Dishes
KFC-Style Coleslaw is a timeless sidekick, pairing wonderfully with crispy fried chicken, barbecue ribs, or even a juicy grilled burger. Its cool crunch provides the perfect contrast to rich and savory mains, balancing out hearty meals effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your coleslaw in mini mason jars or lettuce cups at a gathering to add a charming, rustic vibe. You can also layer it in sandwiches or wraps for an added burst of flavor and texture that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that as it sits, the cabbage will continue to soften, so it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for maximum crunch.
Freezing
Coleslaw does not freeze well because the cabbage’s texture breaks down during freezing and thawing. For the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to prepare this KFC-Style Coleslaw Recipe fresh or enjoy leftovers chilled.
Reheating
This coleslaw is meant to be served cold and should not be reheated. If you want a warm side, consider pairing it with a hot entree while serving the coleslaw chilled alongside.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While you can substitute regular milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk, the tang and creaminess of true buttermilk contribute significantly to this KFC-Style Coleslaw Recipe’s authentic taste, so it’s worth using if possible.
Is it necessary to chill the coleslaw before serving?
Yes! Chilling allows the flavors to meld and helps the cabbage soften slightly, creating that perfect balance of creamy and crisp that defines the dish.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can try using vegan mayonnaise and a non-dairy milk with a bit of vinegar to replace buttermilk, but the flavor and texture will differ from the traditional KFC-Style Coleslaw Recipe.
How long does coleslaw keep in the fridge?
This coleslaw stays fresh and tasty for about 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container, though it’s best enjoyed sooner for optimal crunch and flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this coleslaw?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with shredded red cabbage, bell peppers, or even a bit of celery for added color and crunch, though the classic KFC-Style Coleslaw Recipe sticks close to the original trio for that iconic taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly satisfying about mastering this KFC-Style Coleslaw Recipe at home. It’s fresh, easy, and delivers that nostalgic flavor we all love from a fast-food favorite — but better, because you made it yourself. Whether you’re serving it alongside crispy chicken or your favorite barbecue, this coleslaw will quickly become a staple on your table. Give it a try, share it with friends, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
KFC-Style Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This KFC Coleslaw recipe replicates the classic, creamy and tangy side dish famous for its crisp shredded cabbage and carrot blend combined with a smooth mayonnaise-based dressing. Ready in just 15 minutes and chilled for enhanced flavor, it’s an ideal addition to fried chicken, BBQ, or burgers.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium green cabbage, shredded
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and finely chopped onion, ensuring all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth, creamy, and well blended.
- Toss Coleslaw: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly until every shred is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the coleslaw to chill properly.
- Serve: Serve the coleslaw cold as a refreshing side dish to accompany fried chicken, barbecue, or burgers.
Notes
- For best flavor, chill the coleslaw for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Adjust sugar and vinegar to taste if you prefer a sweeter or tangier dressing.
- Use freshly shredded cabbage and carrots for optimal crunch.
- Can be prepared a day ahead; keep refrigerated and stir before serving.
