KFC Copycat Coleslaw
This KFC Copycat Coleslaw is creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy, with finely chopped cabbage and carrots coated in a smooth buttermilk dressing. Fresh lemon juice and vinegar add a bright tang, while a touch of sugar balances the creamy dressing. It is an easy make-ahead side for fried chicken, burgers, barbecue, and gatherings.
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Servings: 12
Equipment
- Food processor, optional
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Chef's Knife
- Rubber spatula
Ingredients
Coleslaw
- 8 cups finely chopped green cabbage about 1 head
- ¼ cup finely shredded carrot about 1 carrot
- 2 tbsp finely minced onion
Dressing
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup milk
- 2½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1½ tbsp white vinegar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Finely chop the cabbage and carrot into very small pieces, roughly rice-sized. Finely mince the onion. A food processor can help achieve the fine texture, but a sharp knife works well too.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, milk, sugar, lemon juice, and white vinegar until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Add the salt and black pepper and whisk again.
- Place the chopped cabbage, carrot, and onion in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours, before serving. This gives the flavors time to blend and allows the dressing to soak into the finely chopped vegetables.
- Stir the coleslaw before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Notes
- The vegetables should be chopped very finely for the characteristic KFC-style texture.
- Don't skip the chilling time. The flavor improves as the dressing has time to mingle with the cabbage and carrots.
- You can prepare the coleslaw up to a day ahead for a gathering.
- For a slightly less sweet slaw, reduce the sugar to taste.
- The recipe can be halved easily for a smaller batch.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2 days.