Side Dish

KFC Coleslaw Recipe

By Amy Flanigan

Updated Feb 18, 2026

Read 121 Reviews

Prep 20 minutes mins

Cook 12 hours hrs

Servings 10

By Amy Flanigan

Updated Feb 18, 2026

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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!

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.

5 from 121

KFC Coleslaw Recipe

Prep: 20 minutes mins

Cook: 12 hours hrs

Total: 12 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 10

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This KFC Coleslaw Recipe is as close as you can get without actually ordering it from the restaurant directly. The taste is simply perfect!

Ingredients 

1x2x3x

For the Coleslaw

• ▢ 8 cups finely chopped cabbage
• ▢ ¼ cup finely chopped carrot
• ▢ 2½ tablespoons very finely minced yellow onion

For the Dressing

• ▢ ½ cup mayonnaise
• ▢ ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ▢ ¼ cup whole milk
• ▢ ¼ cup buttermilk
• ▢ 2½ tablespoons lemon juice
• ▢ 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ▢ ½ teaspoon salt
• ▢ ⅛ 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

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 127kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 209mg | Potassium: 133mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 617IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.

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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.

More Side Salads To Try:

• 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 TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!