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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Peggy says
My father worked at a KFC in the seventies and he always used tarragon vinegar for the coleslaw. The recipe called for that particular vinegar.
Allison says
Is 1/3 cup sugar correct? Seems like a lot. Type 2 diabetic, but I love Cole slaw. Just checking.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi, Allison. You can certainly experiment with the measurement of the sugar and reduce it. However, if you do reduce the sugar and it doesn’t taste like KFC’s, that’s likely the culprit :)
Sandy says
I make a similar dressing with mayo, sugar, lemon juice, and a little salt. Also, do not add onions, but do add chopped green peppers (bell). A friend of mine uses seeded jalapenos for a little kick.
David says
Thanks Beckie Todd, yours sounds great.
pete says
I made this recipe for the first time this summer for our cookout. It was fantastic and everyone wanted the recipe. I have made it at least ten times since.
Beckie Todd says
I worked at KFC while in high school in the early 70’s, before the premixed dressing. We used 1 C Miracle Whip, 1 C sugar, 1/4 C cider vinegar, 1/4 C oil and salt and pepper. I double it and it makes enough for 3 good sized cabbages, 1 med to large onion and 3/4 to 1 bag baby carrots, all finely shredded. This makes enough for my now all grown up family with leftovers for snacking at all hours. My kids are not picky and would eat anything that didn’t walk off their plates and would practically inhale this, even when they were still in highchairs!
Shauna says
Many many MANY moons ago I worked for the Coronel. I discovered the “secret” dressing for his cole slaw: MIRACLE WHIP! It’s Miracle Whip with a little extra sugar and a little extra vinegar.
Again, that was many years ago. I haven’t seen a KFC kitchen in quite some time.
marjorie says
I love kfc but they don’t cut there cabbage like they use to
Pete says
I made this recipe. It is great!
Amanda Formaro says
So glad you liked it Pete!
Bonnie says
I use Hallmanns
Judi Johnson says
I was just wondering why when we scroll down to get the printable recipe it shows a small picture of the product. But when it prints the picture is not there. I like having the picture so I can compare that what I make looks like it is supposed to. Just wondering why that happens
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Judi. The printable version is designed to remove all photos and advertisements so that there is only black and white text left to print so as to save you on ink. Sorry about that.
Sharon Bugar says
I was looking for a coleslaw recipe that I could make for a side dish with pulled pork. I frankly never liked the coleslaw they sell at the grocery store and KFC was the only kind that I really ever liked. I am so glad I found this “Copy Cat” recipe! I feel confident about this one, especially after reading the reviews from others. Can’t wait to try it!
Amanda Formaro says
Hope you like it Sharon! We love it here :)
Karen McMillen says
My stepdad was a chef in a huge hospital and also really liked KFC cole slaw. He puttered around in the kitchen until he came up with a recipe that is so close you cannot tell the difference. His secret ingredient?
7 Up!
Amanda Formaro says
Interesting!
Wanda Stuart says
Has anyone else noticed a change in KFC’s coleslaw? I ate there with my adult son last Sat. Our favorite coleslaw has been KFC’s, for years. But it seems to me that there has been a change in their recipe. And it is not for the better.
Amanda Formaro says
I hadn’t noticed that Wanda, and we just had KFC a few nights ago.
Carol Hicks says
The KFC coleslaw is one of the best tasting I have had next to LJS.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Carol. I’m not sure what LJS is, but I’m glad you liked it!
Debbie says
LJS is Long John Silvers
Vicki says
I use Miracle Whip instead of mayo, with a little milk to thin it out. No need to add sugar, vinegar, etc.
Grace Lee says
Can I not to put onion as my husband doesn’t like onion taste. Anyone has try not to put onion?
Jackie says
I lov3e KFC cole slaw, & so does my ASon In law. Can’t wait to try this.
Jackie says
OOPS! Made a BOO Boo. This should be spelled Love KFC Cole Slaw. Can’t wait to try this. Sorry about that.
Amanda Formaro says
Hope you like it Jackie!
Kingfrog says
Only problem it only makes 2 servings, well 2 of my servings.
Amanda Formaro says
Wow, that would be really big servings! LOL
cindy schmitt says
ive had this same rfecipe for 20 years i made it like it said the first time… putting vinegar in milk the 2nd time did not taste the same always use real buttermilk if you add 1/2 of a drained small can of pineapple(crushed) makes it even better hubby worked at kfc when he was 16 and made the slaw by hand in big trash cans…glad they quit mixing it like that he was elbow deep mixing it he said back then there was pineapple in it…im going to try the mayo sugar tarragon vinegar recipe hadnt heard that one before but sounds a lot easier
Amanda Formaro says
That’s the first time I’ve heard pineapple! It’s funny, several people have commented on this post about working for KFC years ago and making the coleslaw. There have been several different versions as well. :)
julie says
Hi,
i am wondering if there is an alternate to using mayo without sacrificing the taste?? Will greek yogurt be ok? Thanks.
Amanda Formaro says
I’m afraid I haven’t tried substituting anything else for the mayo. My guess is that it would change the flavor.