Side Dish

Copycat Kfc Coleslaw Recipe – Easy Comfort Food Recipes

Name: Copycat Kfc Coleslaw Recipe – Easy Comfort Food Recipes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1/2 cup creamy mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons organic cane sugar; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon flaky kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 pinch smoked paprika; 1 medium carrot, finely shredded; 1/2 medium green cabbage, finely sliced; 1/2 small yellow onion, thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley

Kathleen Looney August 7, 2025

Servings: 6 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Before we dive into the juicy details of whipping up a tantalizing Copycat KFC Coleslaw at home, let’s chat about what to serve alongside this creamy, refreshing dish. The classic pairing is, of course, fried chicken. A golden, crispy piece of fried chicken alongside that cool coleslaw is pure bliss. But don’t stop there!

1. Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches – The sweet, smoky flavors of the pulled pork harmonize beautifully with the crunchy tang of coleslaw.
2. Grilled Veggie Burgers – Trust me, the freshness of coleslaw elevates a veggie burger into a whole new experience.
3. Fish Tacos – A scoop of coleslaw adds that necessary crisp texture and zing to any taco.
4. Potato Salad – For a picnic-style meal, both salads can shine together.
5. Smoked Sausage – The richness of smoky sausage plays off the brightness of coleslaw perfectly.

Now that we’ve got that covered, welcome to the delightful world of Copycat KFC Coleslaw!

You know how sometimes you take a bite of something at a restaurant, and it’s so good that you spend the next week trying to recreate it in your kitchen? Yeah, that’s my story with KFC coleslaw. It’s creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-addictive. After multiple attempts (and more than a few kitchen shenanigans), I’ve finally cracked the code to replicate this iconic side dish. Preparing coleslaw at home means I can control the flavors and tweak them to my taste. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about making restaurant favorites at home.

What is Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe?

Copycat KFC coleslaw is a homemade version of the creamy side dish served by Kentucky Fried Chicken. This recipe features crisp cabbage, carrots, and a dressing that combines mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar for a sweet and tangy flavor. The best part? You can whip it up in under twenty minutes, and it can chill while you focus on the main dish.

What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipes?

Many copycat recipes exist, but what makes this one special is the balance of flavors and texture. Some coleslaws can lean too sweet or too tangy, but I’ve found the right proportions to make it well-rounded. The addition of fresh parsley adds a slight earthiness that elevates the dish. Plus, I’ve made sure to keep the ingredient list straightforward and accessible. No fancy items you can’t find at your local store; just simple, fresh ingredients that truly make a difference.

How Does It Taste Like?

Imagine taking a forkful of coleslaw and feeling the crunch of fresh cabbage mixed with the sweetness of carrots all wrapped up in a creamy dressing. It’s a textural contrast that’s incredibly enjoyable. The tanginess from the cider vinegar cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise, creating a well-balanced bite that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need:

1/2 cup creamy mayonnaise – For that classic, rich base.
2 tablespoons organic cane sugar – A touch of sweetness that balances the acidity.
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice – Brightness and acidity that elevates the flavor.
2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar – A tangy kick that is essential.
1 teaspoon flaky kosher salt – To bring everything together.
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – For a bit of warmth.
1 pinch smoked paprika – A hint of smoke adds depth.
1 medium carrot, finely shredded – For sweetness and color.
1/2 medium green cabbage, finely sliced – The main component that gives crunch.
1/2 small yellow onion, thinly sliced – For an added layer of flavor.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – A gentle kick that enhances flavor complexity.
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley – Freshness that brightens up every bite.

Step by Step Instructions

Making this coleslaw is straightforward. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the process.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by finely slicing your cabbage. Make sure the pieces are small enough to blend well with the other ingredients. Then, shred the carrot. A box grater works wonders here, producing perfectly fine shreds. Next up, slice the onion thinly. The goal is to make sure everything is uniform in size for the best texture.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, organic cane sugar, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard. Whisk together until smooth. This creamy concoction is the heart of your coleslaw, so ensure it’s mixed thoroughly.

Step 3: Combine

Add the sliced cabbage, shredded carrot, and onion to the dressing. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly until the vegetables are well coated. The dressing should hug each slice of cabbage and carrot.

Step 4: Chill

Transfer your coleslaw to an airtight container. Let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This waiting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Step 5: Serve

Once chilled, give the coleslaw a quick toss. If it seems a bit thick, you can add a dash of water to loosen it up. Serve along with your main dish and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks On Making Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe

1. Use fresh veggies – Older cabbage and carrots can lose their crunch. Fresh ingredients yield the best texture.
2. Don’t skip the chilling time – The flavors develop the longer it sits. Plan to make this a few hours ahead of time for the best result.
3. Adjust the sweetness – If you want it less sweet, reduce the sugar. Taste as you go.
4. Add a crunch – Consider tossing in some chopped nuts or sunflower seeds for added texture and flavor.
5. Make it healthier – Swap out half of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter option that retains creaminess.

Nutrition Information

This coleslaw recipe serves about six people. Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 150
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Sodium: 280mg
Total Carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 1g

These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

How Do I Store This Dish?

To store your coleslaw, place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for about 3-5 days. Note that the coleslaw may become watery as time passes because the vegetables release moisture. If this happens, just give it a good stir before serving.

What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe?

There are plenty of options to customize your coleslaw. Here are some ideas:

Red Cabbage – Substituting half of the green cabbage with red adds a pop of color and slight sweetness.
Ranch Dressing – For a twist, replace the mayonnaise with ranch for a rich, herby flavor.
Vegan Mayonnaise – For a dairy-free version, use vegan mayo instead of traditional mayo.
Honey – Swap the sugar for honey for a natural sweetener that adds flavor.
Cabbage Variations – Try adding Napa cabbage or even Brussels sprouts for a different texture and taste.

Conclusion

Making Copycat KFC Coleslaw at home is one of the best ways to enjoy a favorite dish without any compromise. You get to control the flavors, the freshness, and—let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a crunch with their meals?

With just a few straightforward steps and some readily available ingredients, this coleslaw can be a stellar addition to your dining table. Whether you serve it with fried chicken, on tacos, or as a standalone salad, it promises to please.

So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and make this delightful coleslaw. You might just find that it becomes a regular feature in your kitchen, finding its way to all your summer barbecues and family dinners!

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Print Recipe

Copycat Kfc Coleslaw Recipe – Easy Comfort Food Recipes

Author: Kathleen Looney Cuisine: American Courses: Side Dish

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 150

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

You know how sometimes you take a bite of something at a restaurant, and it’s so good that you spend the next week trying to recreate it in your kitchen? Yeah, that’s my story with KFC coleslaw. It's creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-addictive. After multiple attempts (and more than a few kitchen shenanigans), I’ve finally cracked the code to replicate this iconic side dish. Preparing coleslaw at home means I can control the flavors and tweak them to my taste. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about making restaurant favorites at home.