If you’re craving that classic, refreshing salad that perfectly balances creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet flavors, you’ve come to the right place. The KFC Coleslaw Recipe is a beloved side dish that complements everything from fried chicken to barbecue, with a crisp, colorful medley of cabbage and carrot drenched in a dreamy, velvety dressing. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet it delivers that authentic taste you might have thought only restaurant versions could achieve. Once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to coleslaw for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you fancy a cool, crunchy bite alongside your main meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the KFC Coleslaw Recipe lies in its simplicity and the freshness of its ingredients. Each element brings a unique texture or flavor — from the crunch of cabbage and carrot to the creamy zing of the dressing — making it a perfect harmony of taste and color.
- Green cabbage: Provides the crisp, sturdy base that’s mild in flavor and loads of texture.
- Carrot: Adds sweetness and vibrant orange pops that brighten the dish visually and taste-wise.
- Onion: Offers a gentle sharpness that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the dressing, giving it smoothness and richness.
- Buttermilk: A tangy dairy element that lightens the dressing and adds a subtle zest.
- Apple cider vinegar: Injects acidity that balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor profile.
- Lemon juice: Boosts freshness with its bright, citrusy notes.
- Sugar: Sweetens the dressing just enough to tie all the ingredients together perfectly.
- Salt: Enhances all flavors and helps bring out the natural tastes of the vegetables.
- Pepper: Adds a gentle hint of spice to round out the seasoning.
How to Make KFC Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by shredding one medium green cabbage until you have a fine, crunchy base. Grate one medium carrot to add that signature sweetness and vibrant look, and finely chop about 1/4 cup of onion for a mild kick. Combine them all in a large bowl to get the perfect raw mix ready for dressing.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup buttermilk, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Whisking until smooth and creamy ensures every bite of coleslaw gets that luscious coating.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Pour the creamy dressing over the vegetable mixture. Toss everything gently yet thoroughly to make sure all of the cabbage, carrot, and onion are evenly coated with that flavorful dressing. This step is crucial for the perfect balance of taste and texture in every forkful.
Step 4: Chill to Meld Flavors
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, then refrigerate the coleslaw for 1 to 2 hours. This resting period allows the flavors to mingle and the vegetables to soften slightly while still maintaining their satisfying crunch. The chill also deepens the dressing’s tang and sweetness, making it absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Serve Cold and Enjoy
Serve this classic KFC Coleslaw Recipe cold as a refreshing side. It pairs beautifully with all your favorite fried chicken meals, smoky barbecues, or hearty sandwiches. Its cool, creamy crunch makes every bite of your main dish even more enjoyable.
How to Serve KFC Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
Consider a few garnishes to add an extra touch of flair to your coleslaw presentation. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives brightens the look and adds a fresh herbal note, while a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can introduce a subtle nutty crunch. These small additions elevate the humble coleslaw to something a bit special.
Side Dishes
This coleslaw shines as a side alongside crispy fried chicken, ribs dripping with barbecue sauce, or even grilled burgers and hot dogs. It’s also a fantastic contrast to rich, heavy dishes, as the tangy creaminess of the coleslaw cuts through fats and refreshes your palate, making for a well-balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not switch up your presentation with serving the KFC Coleslaw Recipe in small individual cups or mason jars for parties? Layering it with pulled pork or shredded chicken can turn it into a fun, handheld dish. You can also stuff it into pita pockets or use it as a topping for tacos to add crunch and creaminess in unexpected ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator where the coleslaw will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. Stir it gently before serving, as some liquid may settle at the bottom, but the flavors remain delicious and vibrant.
Freezing
Freezing this coleslaw is not recommended due to its fresh vegetables and creamy dressing. The texture and taste usually suffer after freezing and thawing, often becoming watery or mushy.
Reheating
Because this is a cold salad, it should always be served chilled. Reheating will spoil the texture and freshness that make the KFC Coleslaw Recipe so appealing, so just keep it cold and crisp for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?
Absolutely! Red cabbage will give your coleslaw a beautiful purple hue and a slightly different flavor, but it works wonderfully as a substitute in the KFC Coleslaw Recipe.
Is buttermilk essential in the dressing?
Buttermilk adds a tangy richness that’s key to the dressing’s authentic flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar for a quick fix.
How long should I chill the coleslaw before serving?
The recipe recommends chilling for 1 to 2 hours to allow all the flavors to meld perfectly and the cabbage to soften slightly while keeping its crunch. This step really makes a difference!
Can I make the coleslaw spicier?
Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing to give your KFC Coleslaw Recipe a little kick without overpowering its classic balance.
What is the best way to shred the cabbage?
The quickest way is to use a sharp knife to thinly slice the cabbage, or you can use a food processor fitted with the shredding blade. Either method works well to get that perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
This KFC Coleslaw Recipe is one of those joyfully simple dishes that bring so much comfort and flavor to the table. Whether you’re making it to accompany a family meal or to impress guests at a summer barbecue, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and discover how easy it is to recreate that famous restaurant-perfect coleslaw right at home. Your taste buds will thank you!
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KFC Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This KFC Coleslaw recipe recreates the iconic creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet side dish perfect for pairing with fried chicken, barbecue, or burgers. Made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a smooth homemade dressing of mayonnaise, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice, this easy coleslaw comes together quickly and offers a refreshing crunch.
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 the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, grated carrot, and finely chopped onion ensuring all the vegetables are evenly distributed.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine and toss: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill the coleslaw: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the coleslaw for 1 to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and develop fully.
- Serve: Remove from refrigerator and serve cold as a classic side dish accompanying fried chicken, barbecue, burgers, or any favorite main course.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the coleslaw to chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Adjust sugar and vinegar to taste depending on your preferred balance of sweetness and tanginess.
- Use freshly shredded vegetables for the best texture and taste.
- This coleslaw is best served cold and consumed within 2 days.
- Substitute mayo with vegan mayo and buttermilk with a plant-based milk plus a tablespoon of vinegar to make it vegan.
