Introduction
There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy coleslaw — and when it comes to the best of the best, KFC’s coleslaw reigns supreme. Known for its perfectly balanced sweet, tangy, and creamy flavor, this iconic side dish has been loved for generations and continues to be a favorite at family dinners, barbecues, and picnics.
What makes this coleslaw so special isn’t just the taste — it’s the simplicity. A handful of everyday ingredients come together to create a refreshing side that pairs beautifully with rich, savory foods like fried chicken or grilled meats.
KFC first introduced its coleslaw as the cool, creamy counterpart to their signature crispy chicken. It quickly became a staple on the menu — a dish that perfectly complements fried comfort food with its crunch, tang, and sweetness. Today, home cooks around the world recreate it to bring that same Southern-style flavor to their own tables.
🥬 Ingredients
For the Coleslaw
- 8 cups shredded green cabbage (about half a medium head)
- 1 cup shredded carrot (about 1 large carrot)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional but adds depth)
Optional Additions
- Red cabbage — for a pop of color
- Celery seed — adds a subtle aromatic flavor
- A pinch of garlic or onion powder — for extra savoriness
- 1 tablespoon honey — to adjust sweetness
- Fresh parsley or cilantro — for garnish and freshness
🥣 Instructions
1. Prep the Vegetables
Finely shred the green cabbage and carrot using a sharp knife, box grater, or food processor. Place them in a large mixing bowl. Fine, uniform shreds help the dressing coat every piece evenly and create that signature KFC-style texture.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard (if using). Whisk until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and slightly glossy.
3. Combine Everything
Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and carrots. Mix thoroughly until all the vegetables are evenly coated and glossy.
4. Adjust the Flavor
Taste and tweak — add a touch more sugar for sweetness, vinegar or lemon juice for tang, or salt for balance.
5. Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving. The chilling process allows the flavors to meld and gives the coleslaw its signature creamy consistency.
Serve chilled alongside fried chicken, barbecue ribs, or grilled fish — or enjoy it as a refreshing topping on sandwiches and pulled-pork sliders.
💡 Tips for Success
- Shred Finely: Thin, uniform cabbage ensures a creamy texture and balanced flavor in every bite.
- Let It Rest: Coleslaw tastes best after a few hours in the fridge — overnight is even better.
- Use Full-Fat Ingredients: Full-fat mayo and buttermilk create that authentic, rich KFC creaminess.
- Balance Sweet and Tangy: Don’t be afraid to adjust sugar or vinegar — the perfect coleslaw strikes a delicious equilibrium.
- Make Ahead: This recipe stores beautifully and often tastes better the next day, making it ideal for gatherings and meal prep.
🥗 Description
This KFC-style coleslaw is irresistibly creamy and bursting with flavor. The crunch of finely shredded cabbage and carrot pairs beautifully with the smooth, tangy dressing. It’s sweet without being overpowering, tangy without being harsh, and creamy without feeling heavy.
The result? A perfectly balanced side dish that adds freshness to fried foods, BBQ meats, or sandwiches — truly a staple for comfort food lovers.
🔢 Nutritional Information (Per ¼-Cup Serving)
- Calories: 120–150 kcal
- Total Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 8 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Vitamin A: 70% DV
- Vitamin C: 15% DV
- Calcium: 4% DV
- Iron: 2% DV
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
🌿 Healthy Twists & Variations
If you love the flavor but want to lighten it up, try these simple tweaks:
- Lighten the Dressing: Use light mayo or Greek yogurt instead of full-fat mayo.
- Boost the Veggies: Add red cabbage, kale, or even finely diced apples for color and crunch.
- Less Sugar: Replace some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use vegan mayo and skip the buttermilk — add a splash of almond milk or coconut milk for creaminess.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
KFC’s famous coleslaw shines when served with classic comfort foods such as:
- Fried chicken or crispy tenders
- BBQ ribs, pulled pork, or brisket
- Fried fish or shrimp
- Burgers and sandwiches
- Grilled vegetables or corn on the cob
It also works beautifully as a topping for tacos, sliders, or wraps, adding crunch and freshness.
🕒 Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Do Not Freeze: Coleslaw’s creamy dressing and cabbage texture don’t freeze well.
- Stir Before Serving: If liquid separates after chilling, just stir it to recombine.
💭 Conclusion
KFC’s famous coleslaw has earned its legendary status for a reason — it’s creamy, tangy, sweet, and irresistibly satisfying. This homemade version captures all the charm of the original while allowing you to tweak the sweetness, tang, and texture to your own taste.
Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ, a Sunday dinner, or alongside crispy fried chicken, this coleslaw brings refreshing balance to any meal. Simple, nostalgic, and always a crowd favorite — it’s no wonder this classic side dish has become a household staple.
Enjoy every creamy, crunchy bite of this Famous KFC Coleslaw, and bring a taste of comfort and nostalgia to your table. 🥬✨
