This KFC Coleslaw Recipe is as close as you can get without actually ordering it from the restaurant directly. The taste is simply perfect. Great dinner side dish or potluck recipe for summer gatherings, or brunches and luncheons all year round. It’s so good!
One of our favorite things to do is create restaurant copycat recipes – sometimes we even make a few tweaks so they’re even better! Copycat winners include Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana, Disney Dole Whip, and Sonic Cherry Limeade.
After being in the test kitchen all week, we’ve designated Fridays as our “order in” day. Or is it “order out”? All I know is, I don’t have to cook. During this past year, DoorDash has become a good friend, where my kids pick what they want and it’s delivered usually within an hour. My daughter chooses something different each week, whereas my son picks KFC every.single.time.
My favorite thing on their menu is the coleslaw, but it’s not offered as an a la carte side for some reason – the only way you can get it is to order a meal. So I set out to recreate it. This KFC Coleslaw Recipe is spot on, or at least as close as you can get without actually going and ordering it from KFC directly.
KFC Coleslaw Recipe
In order to make this recipe, you’ll need the following Coleslaw Ingredients:
- Cabbage
- Carrot
- Onion
- Mayonnaise
- Whole milk
- Buttermilk
- Lemon juice
- Apple cider vinegar
- Granulated sugar
- Salt and pepper
How to Make KFC Coleslaw
It’s very simple to make copycat KFC coleslaw in just a few steps:
(Scroll below for the printable recipe, exact measurements, and video.)
- Finely chop the cabbage, carrots, and onion.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients.
- Add the veggies to the dressing and mix to thoroughly coat.
- Cover and chill in the fridge overnight. Give it a stir before serving.
Important Tips for Making Authentic KFC Coleslaw
- Chop the vegetables very fine: The cabbage, carrots, and onions are all chopped very fine, almost like the size of rice. You can chop them with a sharp knife, or if you have a food processor with a shredding attachment, use that and then finely chop with a sharp knife.
- There are only 3 vegetables: You can buy a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw and finely chop that, if you prefer. But keep in mind that true KFC Coleslaw only contains green cabbage, carrots, and onions, so don’t use the packaged cabbage that has red cabbage or any herbs.
- Don’t omit the sugar: Every single ingredient in this recipe is important and what makes the coleslaw taste authentic, including the sugar. It balances out the acidity in the vinegar and lemon juice. If you’ve ever had their coleslaw, you know that it’s a little sweet. That’s from the sugar.
- Chill overnight: At a minimum, the coleslaw should chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours, but for optimal flavor let it chill overnight. And if you have time (and can remember!) stir it occasionally. This will give you the absolute best results.
Make Ahead and Storing Leftovers
Make Ahead: You can make the dressing and vegetable mix up to 5 days ahead, and keep them stored separately. Then combine for a fresh batch.
How long does KFC Coleslaw last in the fridge? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 3 days. Always stir before serving. The longer it sits, the more soupy it gets. If that bothers you, simply strain off the excess liquid.
What to Serve with Coleslaw
We love this coleslaw served with many of our chicken dishes, including Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Chicken Wings, and Grilled Chicken. It’s also so good on hot dogs and tacos. It’s really delicious all on its own!
How to Make KFC Coleslaw Video
Other Side Salads We Love
- Broccoli Salad
- Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Esquites (Mexican Street Corn Salad)
- Deli Fruit Salad
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
KFC Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients
For the Coleslaw
- 8 cups finely chopped cabbage
- 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
- 2 1/2 tablespoons very finely minced yellow onion
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Chop the vegetables very fine: the cabbage, carrots, and onions are all chopped very fine, almost like the size of rice. You can chop them with a sharp knife, or if you have a food processor with a shredding attachment, use that and then finely chop with a sharp knife. (See note about using a pre-shredded coleslaw mix.)
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the dressing. Whisk until smooth.
- Add in cabbage, carrots, and onion; mix well until everything is thoroughly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight. (If you have time – and can remember! – stir it occasionally. This will give you the absolute best results.) Stir again before serving and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Other Notes
Delicious! I make this often.
I brought this to a family dinner, to serve with bbq pork sandwiches, it was all but gone! Thank you!! So delicious!
So good, just like KFC.
Loved this recipe!! It’s a keeper :)
Identical tasting yet better than KFC because it’s super fresh. The secret is to let cabbage marinate for at least 6 hours, I prefer 24 hours. I use the full dressing recipe and only 4 cups of cabbage instead of the 8 cups from the recipe. Would somebody please bottle this dressing and sell it in the grocery store. ?
Wow!! Honestly I wasn’t expecting much……it’s coleslaw.. This is the best coleslaw I ever had. Very close to KFC! I didn’t want to put it our on July 4th……I wanted to keep it all for myself!
Fantastic and our guests raved about the coleslaw.
This tastes identical to KFC coleslaw. You do however, as the recipe states, need to leave it in the fridge for a few hours before consuming for the taste to be just right. If you taste it immediately after making it, you’ll notice the flavour difference versus having let it sit in the fridge for a few hours. It is worth the wait though!
This coleslaw is the only one I’ll eat!
This is a dead ringer for KFC Coleslaw!!!!!!! I made it this morning, I’m trying my BEST to let it marry in the fridge, but every time I take it out to give it a stir I have to take another bite. THIS IS THE ULTIMATE COLESLAW!!!!!!!! You are awesome!??
I made the KFC coleslaw! Flavor is spot on. I do think next time I may omit the buttermilk, simply for a creamer result. Family scarfed it up!!
Perfection
OMG the best
This was a hit! We loved it. The flavors and textures are spot on.
I liked this recipe so much.
I’ve actually never had KFC coleslaw so I can’t compare it to that BUT regardless, this is the absolute best coleslaw I have ever tasted. I threw out all my other recipes – this is the only one I’ll make from now on.
I’ve been making this for years. I love KFC Coleslaw but it’s so pricey now for what you get. The only thing I change is the sugar amt I use a little less than 1/3C. Otherwise it’s perfect!! Also use Monk fruit for the sugar since I’m diabetic.
Best coleslaw recipe ever!
No more trips to KFC for cole slaw! Delicious
I have used this recipe several times. My family loves it! I regard this as my tried and true recipe from here on out. Thank you so much for sharing this.
I do like their coleslaw very much and this is a perfect copycat.
I love KFC coleslaw and this recipe is spot on! I just made it for the 3rd time this summer, it is my go to recipe for coleslaw from now on.
Easy to make
Coming from that worked at kfc when I was a teenager, this recipe will get you same yummy flavors that many of us love kfc’s coleslaw for. Also just to update on kfc sides, if you go under sides on kfc menu you can order coleslaw in sm or Lg size for those that might need a quick side dish. Otherwise I suggest making this delicious recipe at home & make extra as its great for many meals like spicy cajun shrimp tacos the next night. The little bit of spice & sweet of this coleslaw is yum. Love to trying your copycat recipes. Please keep sharing with us
Omg, this was a.ma.zing. We love KFC coleslaw and this was spot on. You need to recreate their biscuits!
I’m so happy to find this awesome recipe! Thanks!?
This recipe is spot on!!! Delicious!!
Excellent copycat recipe! Made a batch of this to go with pulled pork sliders. Gets better over the next few days!
Very Good, I made it a second time.
This is wickedly good! I just mixed it up and couldn’t stop eating it! If it’s this good now- tomorrow will be amazing!
You said it “spot on” great job
This is the best coleslaw I’ve ever eaten.
Question about tarragon. My aunt worked for KFC at one time and mentioned they used tarragon in the recipe. If I did how much would I use?
I’ve made this four times and it is absolutely perfect. It really is a KFC copycat. Bravo!
My aunt gave me a similar copy cat recipe years ago. Hers calls for equal amounts vinegar and lemon juice and green onion, not yellow. Definitely as good if not better than KFC. Especially since they are getting stingy on their dressing now.
Yes!! I noticed how stingy they’ve been on the dressing too. That’s the BEST part!
Love this recipe! Followed instructions to the letter, and it tastes and looks exactly like KFC’s! It was a breeze to make, pulsing in my Cuisinart just a few times around (no need for the shredding attachment). I chopped the cabbage in 2” chunks and did it in batches, adding the carrot and onion to one of them. A medium head of cabbage makes 8 cups. Now I can have my favorite coleslaw whenever I want. Thanks, Amy, for taking the time to create this recipe.
Absolutely love this !! I have been making it for years!! I always get volunteers asking me to make it for get together! If it’s not sweet enough I add more sugar, milk and buttermilk as I like mine juicy! Just depends on how much I make
This is my husband’s favorite and was so excited to make it – it tastes SPOT ON! Thank you so much for sharing!!
Simply the best – thank you for sharing!
As a former KFC cook who was responsible for preparation of coleslaw, I have to say this recipe is spot on. Taste exactly like it came from the restaurant. Thank You for posting this recipe.
I saw another comment on a copycat recipe from a former KFC cook that did they use tarragon vinegar at the restaurant to make the slaw, is that the case or just use what’s listed here in this recipe?
it tastes just like KFC without the cost
A family favorite and one friends ask for after trying!
KFC is my 85 year old Dads favorite! Made this for him snd he loved it!! Great recipe! I mean it is spot on! Thank you for sharing!
This is as close as you can get. We loved it.
My whole family really enjoyed this Coleslaw. I tasted like the real thing and I didn’t have to tweek anything this time.
Perfect every time!
EXCELLENT. We made this for a large party. OMG!!! The best cole slaw.
I’m a southern cook from way back, we love our coleslaw and this recipe is the bomb. I cut back just a smidge on the sugar but don’t decrease it much – you need that sweetness. Thank you so much for the recipe!
Easy to make and very tasty! Bringing it to a birthday party tonight with cornbread muffins to go with bbq ribs! Yum!
Great recipe taste the same the only thing I would do different is soak cabbage in salt and rinse
Thank you thank you thank you. Ive been on chemo…on and off since 2014….last 5 years stage 4 so on it all the time so low immunity…not allowed coleslaw from restaurant or grocery
Finally found THIS RECIPE..MADE IT JUST NOW 930 ON A SAT NIGHT( big night lol)
Its AMAZING!!! I am so happy :) This is exactly what I was looking for !!!!! Thank you for putting a much loved food back on my menu …and letting me feel normal…ps gonna share this like mad and make buckets of it :)
This was awesome! I did as suggested and let it chill overnight. I think it would have been great even without doing that but it was definitely worth the wait. We enjoyed it over pulled pork. Would make this again and again.
Made it twice, taste great!
Best coleslaw I’ve ever had. Thanks for posting this.
Spot on copycat. Loved it. Thanks for sharing.
This really is the best coleslaw. We didn’t want to stop eating it! Thank you for this awesome recipe.
Will be making this again and again and again ! I am a guy just used a knife , wish I had some fried catfish to go with it!
I do love this recipe it is one of my favorite go-to recipes thank you for sharing.
Girl I tried your KFC copycat coleslaw and you nailed it, it was so good, I most definitely will be making it this way from now on, thanks bunches
This was perfect. I like mine a little less sweet so I would reduce the sugar just a little—but it does taste just like KFC!!! Thank you!
Great recipe!!! However, I can’t find buttermilk at the stores. Just used regular milk. Any thoughts on a substitute? Added a tad extra apple cider vinegar.
BEST coleslaw ever! Thank you for this recipe. I made a double batch. We can’t get enough of it.
Let the whole milk sit with the vinegar and lemon juice it will become buttermilk. that’s what I did cuz I didn’t have buttermilk either. I will get buttermilk for the next time I make it but in a pinch it works for me and it was great.
Add lemon juice too your milk and let it sit 5 min. Thats buttermilk!
I have made this recipe a few times now and it’s always good. I usually skip the buttermilk as I never seem to have it in the fridge at the time, and I haven’t been able to find the powdered one in Australia. I just add a little more milk instead, or a bit of cream if I have it on hand.
Always love KFC coleslaw. I finally made this for a family gathering. Everyone including my boyfriend loved and enjoyed it. The best. I served it with barbecue, baked beans and fresh fruit. Thank you for sharing. I love and enjoy to cook, grill and bake. I rate this recipe with 5 stars.
Excellent recipe, love the texture too. I love kfc coleslaw, but since going low carb three years ago haven’t had it from the restaurant though it is my favorite, so I made this recipe but substituted the sugar with allulose, amazing and highly recommended!
I love KFC Coleslaw it’s the best!!
My husband fell in love with this cole slaw! I followed the recipe exactly as written and its the best!
This is a wonderful rendition of KFC’s coleslaw! I followed the recipe as written.
It was very good to my taste. I love it but that is a lot of coleslaw and we are the only two here most of time. Kids will be here tomorrow so the extra won’t go to waste. TY
I’ve made this KFC coleslaw copycat recipe, at least 5 times! I love this recipe, whole family says it’s better than KFC restaurant! Love it, love it, love it!
Sorry for my last message. I don’t know why the quantities didn’t display. I reloaded the recipe and I could see them. I love it.
Best coleslaw ever – loved it!
This coleslaw is the best!! It not only looks like KFC’s coleslaw; it TASTES like it! I’m so, so happy! Thanks for creating this, Amy.
This is my favorite coleslaw recipe!
This was SO good! My new favorite coleslaw! I hope others like it, because this is going to be my new contribution to all the summer cook outs. LOL.
Really easy and tasty!
I worked at KFC years ago when the recipe was just Miracle Whip, oil, sugar, vinegar, and salt. I think this recipe is similar to how they make it now? It’s a million times better. If you’re lazy, you don’t have to chop up the veggies so fine, but I do prefer the tiny pieces – it’s a textural thing. Great recipe, thanks!
I worked at KFC in the 1970s. Back then, we made the coleslaw using Miracle Whip and Sugar. We shredded the veggies with a machine in the store, so it wasn’t chopped as fine as what they serve now. P. S. Amy isn’t kidding when she says to stir and chill overnight. The worst thing you can do is ignore that step
This recipe is the best! Absolutely delicious!!!!
I’ve been using this recipe for years . People just love it. However since I don’t have buttermilk I just use 1/2 cup whole milk as the vinegar and lemon juice makes it like butter milk. Seems to work and taste just as good.
I’ve never been to a KFC (is that crazy?) but I love coleslaw so much and wanted to try this recipe. It’s probably the best recipe I’ve ever had. I loved how the veggies are cut so small, which makes it so easy to eat with every spoonful filled with everything. And the dressing is absolutely delicious! Thank you for this – it will be my new go to.
The second I saw this recipe pop up in my email I knew I had to make it – it’s my favorite thing on their menu. It’s actually my favorite coleslaw ever. This recipe did not disappoint. It is perfectly on point with the dressing and ratio of ingredients. If I was blindfolded and ate this, I wouldn’t know it wasn’t KFC. Thank you so much for this!!
Admittedly, I’ve never had KFC coleslaw so I can’t compare it to that, but I made this recipe anyway and we LOVED it. It’s now the only coleslaw I’ll ever make!
I was skeptical, but this recipe really is spot on. If you love KFC coleslaw and want to make it at home, this is it!