If you love KFC coleslaw over any other, grab these easy to access ingredients and make your own! While you can whip up this homemade coleslaw in a short amount of time, chill time is key so be sure to start early in the day.
Why this recipe works
My favorite coleslaw has always been from KFC. Making it at home is easy and it makes a great take-along to potlucks and backyard barbecues.
The results, at first taste were pretty close to KFC’s, but there seemed to be an overwhelming fresh cabbage flavor right after making it. However, after this sat in the refrigerator for several hours, the cabbage had time to soak up the flavor of the dressing, and that did it! Just like KFC!
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
SLAW – We are using green cabbage, not red/purple. Fresh carrot should be grated fine, and if you don’t want a pink tint to you slaw, squeeze out the excess moisture before combining it with the other slaw ingredients.
DRESSING – Some have said that tarragon vinegar is used in the original KFC coleslaw recipe. Tarragon vinegar has a mild flavor and can definitely be used instead of the white vinegar we suggest. We’ve included some tips below for replacing the buttermilk if needed, and have answered the question regarding Miracle Whip vs. mayonnaise in this recipe.
How to Make KFC Coleslaw
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Chop cabbage into chunks and run through your food processor, or chop finely. It’s up to you to decide the size you’d like your cabbage slaw to be.
- Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a large bowl and whisk well.
- Combine cabbage, carrots, and onion and toss well. Pour dressing over the slaw and turn to coat until fully incorporated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the cabbage to soak up the marinade. Overnight is best.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Using a food processor makes quick work of creating the slaw. However, if you don’t have a food processor, you can use a box grater.
If you insist on using Miracle Whip to make this coleslaw instead of mayonnaise, be sure to reduce the sugar by half. I cannot guarantee your results as I have not made it with Miracle Whip and the flavor of each item is very different.
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own. Add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/4 cup of milk to replace the buttermilk.
This recipe for KFC coleslaw uses white vinegar. However, many have commented that when working at KFC back in the day, tarragon vinegar was used. Substituting tarragon for the white is absolutely acceptable.
When you first make this KFC coleslaw, there will be an overwhelming flavor of cabbage. Do not despair! Allow the finished coleslaw to sit for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to soak into the cabbage. Eating it too soon will result in a heavy cabbage flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe for homemade KFC coleslaw goes well with many dishes. Be sure to try it with our Crispy Fried Chicken, Oven Fried Chicken, Oven Fried Chicken Breasts, or Oven Fried Chicken Legs. Make a KFC copycat meal by baking up our favorite homemade biscuits and making our grilled corn on the cob!
More Potluck Recipes
If you’re looking for more food processor recipes, try these!
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KFC Coleslaw recipe
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
DRESSING:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 2 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 ½ tablespoons white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- â…› teaspoon pepper
SLAW:
- 2 pounds cabbage (medium head)
- 2 ounces carrot about 1/4 cup, or one medium carrot
- 2 tablespoons minced onion
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- Fresh carrot should be grated fine, and if you don’t want a pink tint to you slaw, squeeze out the excess moisture before combining it with the other slaw ingredients.
- When you first make this KFC coleslaw, there will be an overwhelming flavor of cabbage. Do not despair! Allow the finished coleslaw to sit for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to soak into the cabbage. Eating it too soon will result in a heavy cabbage flavor.
- If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own. Add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/4 cup of milk to replace the buttermilk.
- If you insist on using Miracle Whip to make this coleslaw instead of mayonnaise, be sure to reduce the sugar by half. I cannot guarantee your results as I have not made it with Miracle Whip and the flavor of each item is very different.
Instructions
- Chop cabbage into chunks and run through your food processor, or chop fine. It’s up to you to decide the size you’d like your cabbage to be.
- Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a large bowl, whisk well.
- Combine cabbage, carrots, and onion and toss well. Pour dressing over the slaw and turn to coat well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the cabbage to soak up the marinade. Overnight is best.
Nutrition
This post was originally published on this blog on June 27, 2010 and has since been updated with tips and new photos.
Amanda Davis
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kathy cooper says
can this recipe be made without the buttermilk? any substitutions?
Amanda says
I have never tried it without the buttermilk. You can make your own buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk.
Mario Monroy says
Dianne Demers says:
I use to work for KFC about, believe it or not, 50 years ago. I made the cole slaw. We ground fresh cabbage, carrots, and onion. The mix was made with mayo, (equal parts of white sugar and salad oil) salt and white pepper. Thats all. No milk! The mix was added to the cabbage, carrots, and onion,and was packaged into container for sale. The cole slaw was best after it sat overnight. It was good for three days.
Amanda Formaro says
Fun to hear the history of it! I wonder if they’ve changed it over the years?
nick says
One head cabbage? C’mon, here in Michigan a head of cabbage can be anywhere from 1 1/2 pounds to 8 pounds. Can you be a little more specific?
Amanda Formaro says
I had no idea a head of cabbage came in so many different sizes in Michigan. A head of cabbage as referred to in the recipe is roughly to same size (not weight) as a head of lettuce.
Amanda says
Yes, mayo. :)
Anonymous says
Mayo or miracle whip? Must be mayo I should use? Thanks
Kathy says
Anonymous inquired Miracle Whip or Mayo? Two different animals here- Miracle Whip is loaded with sugar (very sweet-ruins egg/tuna/chicken salad IMHO) and the recipe already calls for sugar :)
Lola says
That looks delicious! Thanks for the recipe.
Amanda says
Thanks everyone! This is definitely one of our favorites :)
Mary J says
I & the family totally miss our KFC, especially the coleslaw. Maybe, now, I might get a compliment on my slaw ventures. Thanks for posting this copycat recipe.
Culinary Cory says
I had found a version of KFC's coleslaw recipe in an old spiral bound fundraiser cookbook. I agree, it needs to rest to let the cabbage soak up the flavor a bit. Yours looks lovely.
Dianne Demers says
I use to work for KFC about, believe it or not, 50 years ago. I made the cole slaw. We ground fresh cabbage, carrots, and onion. The mix was made with mayo, (equal parts of white sugar and salad oil) salt and white pepper. Thats all. No milk! The mix was added to the cabbage, carrots, and onion,and was packaged into container for sale. The cole slaw was best after it sat overnight. It was good for three days.
Carol Darnell says
Dianne, I get u didn’t use milk or buttermilk, & equal parts mayo & sugar, but you said salad dressing and left off vinager & lemon. What salad dressing? What ingredients in that salad dressing?
Thanks
JJ says
I also worked at KFC as a teenager about 50 yrs ago as their salad maker…all our salads including their dressings were made from scratch…for the cole slaw the carrots,onions,and cabbage was put into a bull chopper and chopped….the mixed it with the dressing which consist of miracle whip,sugar,vinegar,salt and pepper..I still use this recipe today
Megan says
What a menu, I'm impressed. Your gonna be working your tail off. Hope you have a great holiday weekend!
Anonymous says
This recipe is exactly the same one listed on TopSecret Recipes (http://www.topsecretrecipes.com). I have yet to make it, but after seeing it on TWO sites (theirs and yours), I'm going to throw it together for a weekend party. Thanks!
Mags says
My hubby adores KFC's cole slaw too. I'm going to definitely give this copycat recipe a try!
Ingrid says
I love cole slaw, which is to say I'm not picky at all when it comes to it. Okay, wait I guess I am 'cause I won't eat it if there's onions in it. Anyway, I need to give this a try. KFC & Chic-fil-a cole slaws are my fave.
~ingrid
Tami says
I'm right up there with your hubby with liking KFC's cole slaw. I'm sure this recipe would be a winner with me! MMM!
cookies and cups says
Awesome! My husband's favorite all-time cole slaw! I can't wait to make this for him :)
Kayte says
I'm telling the Colonel! Just kidding, the Colonel isn't in a position to care these days. Here I thought all those KFC recipes were locked into some sort of vault impervious to nuclear disaster, etc. Looks just like it to me…stealing this one.
Von says
OOh! I love KFC coleslaw…
it was the first coleslaw I ever had and so fsr my fsvourite (I've only had about two others though)
Definitely making this one day!!
Marie says
I love KFC coleslaw and make this often. It's always delicious. I hate coleslaw's that are all gloopy with too much mayo. This recipe is just perfect. Yours looks fantastic! xxoo
jose manuel says
Que receta más interesante. Gracias y Saludos
Sharon says
Love this recipe I make it all the time.. One tip is I use Napa Cabbage instead of regular cabbage its a much milder cabbage taste, and I usually let it sit in the fridge for a few hours too. I'm actually going to make it next weekend for a 4th party we are having!! : )
Nutmeg Nanny says
Delicious! I'm sure your hubby will be happy this is on the menu :)
Phyllis says
KFC coleslaw does not have mayonnaise, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, salt or pepper in it. This may taste like it but I would think you could taste the lemon juice. I like lemons but I don’t know about lemon in that.
Amanda Formaro says
You can’t taste the lemon in it Phyllis. You say it doesn’t have mayo and other ingredients, but I don’t think you are entirely correct. The official ingredients from KFC are as follows (there is mayo for sure, they just give the individual ingredients that make up the mayo). As for the lemon, that’s used in place of vinegar. So while this is not the exact KFC recipe, it does taste just like it WITHOUT all the preservatives:
Cole Slaw
Vegetables: Chopped Cabbage, Carrots, and Onions. Sauce: Sugar, Soybean Oil, Vinegar (Distilled Vinegar, Corn and Cider Vinegar, Malt Vinegar, And Natural Flavors), Water, Salt, Whole Eggs, Modified Corn Starch, Mustard Flour, Xanthan Gum, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Paprika Extractives, Paprika, And Caramel Color.
Contains Egg.
OR
Vegetables: Chopped Cabbage, Carrots, and Onions. Sauce: Sugar, Soybean Oil, Water, Vinegar (Distilled Vinegar, Corn and Cider Vinegar), Contains less than 2% of the following: Salt, Whole Eggs, Food Starch Modified, Mustard Flour, Xanthan Gum, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Paprika Extractives, Paprika, And Caramel Color.
Contains Egg.
*Will contain one of the Ingredient statements above, depending upon regional suppliers
Colonel’s Mayo
Soybean Oil, Water, Egg Yolks and Eggs, Distilled Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Spices, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Calcium Disodium EDTA (Protect Flavor).
Contains Egg
Stacie A says
KFC coleslaw does have those ingredients. Salt…almost everything has salt…it would be flavorless without it. The ingredients aren’t printed on the packaging or website like a recipe…they are broken down into all the ingredients it takes to make mayo & whatnot. It’s not going to give you each specific spice by name either.
Cookie says
Exactly! I thought that was odd when she wrote that KFC Coleslaw didn’t have any of those ingredients.