‘My Homemade KFC Coleslaw Recipe Is Even Better Than the Original'

Nothing beats KFC-style slaw.

1. Place coleslaw mix in a large bowl.
2. Add onions.
3. Mix well.
4. In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk, milk, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, pepper, vinegar and lemon juice.
5. Whisk well.
6. Pour over cabbage mix.
7. Stir well.
8. Sprinkle with dried parsley.
9. Chill for at least 2 hours until serving or overnight.

Copycat recipes are some of my favorites to experiment with and have fun in the kitchen making. I now make so many dishes in my home that began as a restaurant go-to. From fake-out, take-out dishes, to classics from restaurants like Wendy’s Chili’s, McDonald’s, Olive Garden, Bob Evans and more, copycat recipes have become a regular on our dinner table.

KFC coleslaw has been a beloved favorite for decades, so creating a make-at-home version was a no-brainer. You will love how easy and tasty this Copycat KFC Coleslaw is for your next burger night or backyard barbecue.

Related: Copycat KFC Famous Bowl Recipe

KFC Coleslaw Recipe (Copycat)

That’s right, now you can make the Colonel’s famous side dish (the KFC coleslaw dressing recipe) anytime you want! With a few key ingredients, you will get that KFC flavor generations have craved. Of course, it goes perfectly with fried chicken, but we love it on burger night too! It would even taste scrumptious next to a glazed ham.

Related: Copycat McDonald’s Chicken Snack Wraps

What Is KFC Coleslaw Made Of?

This simple coleslaw is a mix of shredded green cabbage and carrots, with chopped onion. Their version has all the veggies chopped super fine for the perfect bite.

Related: 30 Most-Saved Cabbage Recipes

What Is the Coleslaw Sauce Made Of?

The KFC coleslaw dressing is a mayo-based dressing that also has milk, buttermilk, vinegar, lemon juice, plus salt, pepper and sugar for just a hint of sweetness.

Related: Mango Coleslaw Recipe

Does KFC Coleslaw Contain Horseradish?

The answer is yes, and no. The original recipe had a touch of horseradish in it, and many people remember that version well. If that flavor is something you’re looking for, try about one teaspoon of prepared horseradish in this recipe.

The current recipe doesn’t have quite the same bit to it, but the finely chopped onion does help to give it a little extra zing.

Related: 60 Summertime Salads To Up Your Backyard Barbecue Game

My Take on the Original

I use a bagged coleslaw mix for convenience, but if you want both the flavor and the texture of the original, you will want to chop the cabbage into finer pieces. Simply pulse it in the food processor a few times to get that finely-cut texture Kentucky Fried Chicken has. For us, we care more about the flavor, so we don’t mind the bigger bites.

I have used both a tri-color coleslaw mix (shown here) and one with cabbage and carrots only. Both are delicious, but purists will want to find one without the purple cabbage since KFC slaw doesn’t have it.

Related: 16 Restaurant Copycat Recipes You Can Make At Home

Ingredients Needed:

• coleslaw mix with cabbage and carrots or tri-color
• minced white onion
• sugar
• salt
• pepper
• milk
• mayonnaise
• buttermilk
• white vinegar
• lemon juice
• dried parsley

Tools Needed:

• large and small bowls
• sharp knife
• food processor (if you want finer pieces)
• measuring cups/spoons
• wooden spoon
• whisk

How To Make Copycat KFC Coleslaw

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

1. In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, buttermilk, milk, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

2. In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, onions and dressing. Mix well.

3. Chill coleslaw at least 2 hours before serving, or overnight. Garnish with parsley when ready to serve.

How Long Does KFC Coleslaw Last?

It’s best to use up this mayo-based coleslaw within three days and refrigerate it in an airtight container when not eating it.

With this easy KFC coleslaw recipe, you can have restaurant-style, homemade coleslaw without leaving the house. Give it a try and consider adding this dish to your next cookout menu—I think your guests would be so surprised and happy.

What To Serve With KFC Coleslaw

• Fried Chicken
• Chicken Caesar Sandwich
• No-Boil Baked Macaroni and Cheese
• Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
• Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans
• Sheet Pan Macaroni and Cheese

More Copycat Recipes To Try Next

• Copycat Arby’s Loaded Fries
• Copycat Chick-Fil-A Watermelon Mint Lemonade
• Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
• Copycat Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Butter
• Copycat McDonald’s Strawberry McFlurry
• Copycat Dunkin’ Carrot Cake Muffins
• Copycat Chili’s Queso
• Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup
• Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits
• Copycat McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish
• Copycat Arby’s Pecan Chicken Salad