Recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home has an irresistible appeal, and KFC’s famous coleslaw is no different. This creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet salad has been a favorite side dish for many, pairing perfectly with fried chicken and other comfort foods. I distinctly remember going to KFC several times where I always wanted some of their coleslaw with my meal. The crisp cabbage, sweet and tangy dressing, and the subtle hint of onions made every bite enjoyable.
Then one day, a friend shared an original copycat recipe with me, and it changed everything. Preparing this at home, modifying the flavors to match my taste buds, and enjoying it with my homemade fried fish was unbeatable. Today, I’m sharing this recipe with you so that you can have the same pleasure at home.
Ingredients
1 tbsp finely grated onion
⅓ cup sugar
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup buttermilk
¼ cup whole milk
1 ½ tbsps white vinegar
2 ½ tbsps fresh lemon juice
½ tsp salt
⅛ tsp black pepper
8 cups finely diced cabbage
¼ cup shredded carrot
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Grate the Onion:
Finely grate 1 tablespoon of onion. This ensures the onion integrates smoothly into the dressing, providing flavor without any large chunks.
Mix the Dressing Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated onion, ⅓ cup of sugar, ½ cup of mayonnaise, ¼ cup of buttermilk, ¼ cup of whole milk, 1 ½ tablespoons of white vinegar, 2 ½ tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper.
Whisk Until Smooth:
Use a whisk to blend all the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth, well-combined mixture. This step ensures that the sugar dissolves completely and the dressing is homogeneous.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Dice the Cabbage:
Chop 8 cups of cabbage into small pieces. This will give the coleslaw the perfect texture and consistency.
Shred the Carrot:
Shred ¼ cup of carrot using a shredder or food processor, depending on your preference. Fine carrot strands mix well with the cabbage and make the mixture visually appealing.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Mix the Vegetables with the Dressing:
Add the diced cabbage and shredded carrot to the bowl with the dressing. Using a large spoon or spatula, stir the mixture to ensure that all pieces of cabbage and carrot are well coated with the creamy dressing.
Place in Refrigerator:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and to slightly soften the cabbage, which should still maintain its crunchiness.
Step 4: Serve
Stir Before Serving:
Before serving, give the coleslaw a good stir to redistribute the dressing that may have settled at the bottom.
Enjoy:
Serve this coleslaw chilled alongside fried chicken, grilled meats, or any other main dish you love. It’s also great as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches and perfect for BBQ gatherings.
Variations and Substitutions
To suit various tastes and dietary needs, you can easily customize this versatile coleslaw recipe:
Lighter Version:
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version with added protein.
Different Vegetables:
Add finely chopped red cabbage for color variation or include thinly sliced bell peppers for an extra crunch.
Sugar Alternatives:
Substitute the sugar with honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetness.
Vegan Option:
Use vegan mayonnaise and plant-based milk alternatives like almond or soy milk. Instead of buttermilk, mix plant yogurt with a little lemon juice.
Herbs:
Add fresh herbs such as dill or parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
Spicy Twist:
For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing.
Conclusion
This homemade KFC-style coleslaw not only brings back the nostalgia of our beloved fast-food salad but also offers a fresher take on it. The creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing pairs beautifully with crunchy cabbage and sweet carrots for a side dish that complements a variety of meals. Whether served with fried chicken, BBQ ribs, or as a topping on sandwiches, this coleslaw is sure to be a hit with everyone in your household. Enjoy preparing and serving this tasty salad that will surely bring excitement to your dining table.
THE FAMOUS KFC COLESLAW RECIPE
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp finely grated onion Adds a subtle onion flavor to the dressing without overpowering it.
- ⅓ cup sugar Sweetens the dressing, balancing the tangy and creamy elements.
- ½ cup mayonnaise The base of the creamy dressing, providing richness.
- ¼ cup buttermilk Adds a tangy flavor and helps create a smooth consistency in the dressing.
- ¼ cup whole milk Lightens the dressing and enhances its creaminess.
- 1 ½ tbsps white vinegar Provides acidity, balancing the sweetness and adding a slight tang.
- 2 ½ tbsps fresh lemon juice Adds fresh acidity and brightness to the dressing.
- ½ tsp salt Enhances the overall flavor of the coleslaw.
- ⅛ tsp black pepper Adds a mild spice to the dressing.
- 8 cups finely diced cabbage The main vegetable in the coleslaw, providing crunch and freshness.
- ¼ cup shredded carrot Adds color and slight sweetness to the coleslaw.
Instructions
- Grate the Onion: Finely grate 1 tablespoon of onion to ensure it integrates smoothly into the dressing.
- Mix the Dressing Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated onion, ⅓ cup sugar, ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup buttermilk, ¼ cup whole milk, 1 ½ tablespoons white vinegar, 2 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper.
- Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk the dressing ingredients together until smooth and well-combined.
- Dice the Cabbage: Finely chop 8 cups of cabbage into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Shred the Carrot: Shred ¼ cup of carrot finely.
- Mix the Vegetables with the Dressing: Add the diced cabbage and shredded carrot to the bowl with the dressing, and stir to coat all the vegetables evenly.
- Place in Refrigerator: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to slightly soften.
- Stir Before Serving: Give the coleslaw a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Enjoy: Serve chilled alongside your favorite main dishes, such as fried chicken or BBQ, or as a topping for sandwiches.
