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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Joann says
I absolutely love KFC coleslaw. It is my favorite slaw. I will put this recipe to work. YEAH!!!!!
Amanda Formaro says
Hope you like it Joann!
Pat says
Can a bag of shredded cabbage be used in place of a head of cabbage? The onion can be added.
Amanda Formaro says
I don’t see why not!
Peg says
I use to work at KFC back in the 70’s and we got the dressing in large boxes already made so all we had to do was mix it with shredded cabbage. I’m glad I now know all of the “secret” ingredients so I can make my own. That Colonel was a sneaky guy!
Kathleen Mitchell says
One tip… We lived near a KFC in Arizona and the manager told me THEIR secret.. It is just the usual sugar, mayonnaise (real) and pepper, but instead of lemon juice and/or vinegar, try tarragon vinegar! It’s delish!
Amy says
I made this recipe last weekend. YUMMY!!! The only thing I did different was I bought an already made bag of cole slaw and put it through the processer to make it the right texture. Easy peasy.. Next time i make it I dont think I will put onions in it. Seemed to make it too strong. Thank you for posting this yummy addicting recipe!
Amanda Formaro says
So glad you liked it!
Doris says
I have a family recipe similuar to this.The KFC recipe and my family recipe are the only ones I will ever eat.The others are always lacking something.
Shiloh Barkley says
Made this yesterday and gave you a shout out!! http://www.shilohstaste.com/2013/02/eastern-nc-bbq.html
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks so much for the mention!
wayne says
I have not tried this recipe however I worked at KFC for several years back when we made coleslaw in store and this does not sound like what I remember only 3 ingredients Mayo, sugar, Tarragon vinegar
hope this is not rude just what i remember
nessi says
I have made this recipe several times since finding it on Pinterest and I love it! Sometimes I add cilantro, diced tomatoes and some red cabbage. Also I substitute lime juice for the lemon juice and garlic salt for table salt. Thanks for the awesome recipe!
Amanda says
So glad you enjoy it Nessi!
Leenie says
I make this all of the time! Delicious!!!! Even better after it sits. I always omit the buttermilk and use more milk and it comes out great.
Brenda says
Actually it is made with tarragon vinegar, no milk or buttermilk or lemon jucie,add oil, miracle whip not mayo. I use to work for KFC way back before they got the pre made dressing.
ragg2 says
What size head of cabbage are you talking about here?
We have here ones of 3 inches diameter to about 15 inches diameter????
Thanks a lot,
Regina
Amanda says
About the size of a head of lettuce, roughly 6 inches in diameter :)
Frank says
Good recipe, I will use it frequently. I love coleslaw on sandwiches and this is just rite. Inexpensive also!
steph says
This is so awesome i will not buy kfc coleslaw if i dont have to thanks and it is wonderful a hit with all my family they thought i spent alot to bring it to the family party
Amanda says
That’s awesome! I love it too, so glad you enjoyed it!
Veronica says
Thanks Amanda, I made this for our July 4th barbecue and again today just to have in the fridge since it is the perfect side dish for many summer meals. We love it!! It also got RAVE reviews from all of my family. Thanks again!
Kathleen says
Love this recipe, KFC slaw has always been a favorite! I used light mayo, splenda (used less than sugar called for) and only had skim milk, no buttermilk. I also added a bit of tarragon to the vinegar, I have read that KFC uses tarragon vinegar, but am not sure if that is true. At first I thought it was too sweet, but after a couple of hours it is perfect, even without the layers of flavor that I am sure the buttermilk adds! Will be a nice addition to my Independence Day celebration.
Catherine says
I’ve been making this recipe for a few years and have always had to pour out leftover buttermilk. I found powdered buttermilk in the baking section-and it’s wonderful. I have used it in this recipe, used it with Bisquick, etc, it always works fine and gives that tangy taste. I wouldn’t recommend drinking it though. It doesn’t have the thick texture of regular buttermilk.
Amanda says
I use powdered buttermilk in baking. Never had the problem if excess buttermilk in this recipe. Glad you found a solution that works for you though!
Troyce says
Love me some Miracle Whip…..on everything …..deviled eggs…potato salad…sandwiches ..BLT…I could go on and on. But if I make this cole slaw I will you mayonnaise .
Thanks for sharing the recipe , oh and I love to drink buttermilk.
Spice Up Your Life says
Thanks for this recipe, I will definitely try this as I love coleslaw. Mind if I copy the recipe? Thanks.
Rose
Amanda says
Enjoy!
Kara says
This recipe is excellent :)
But I would just like to comment that adding vinegar to milk does NOT make buttermilk, it makes sour milk. Buttermilk is the residual liquid left over when making butter from whole milk. In the amount does recipe calls for it is not that big of a deal, is something like buttermilk pancakes using sour milk would be disgusting.
Amanda says
Hi Kara ;) So glad you liked the recipe! You are correct, it doesn’t actually MAKE buttermilk, just a useable substitute :) Lemon can also be used in place of vinegar, but vinegar is better for this particular recipe.
Wendy Little says
I use tarragon flavored vinegar and miracle whip instead of mayo.
Amanda Formaro says
Good choice!
Paula says
Kara, I’ve used lemon or vinegar in milk as a substitute for buttermilk many times and I cannot tell the difference. I have used it in both pancakes and waffles.
twyla abels says
i made this today….awesomeness!!!! thanks for the recipe:)
Amanda says
So glad you liked it! :)