Easy Coleslaw recipe tastes just like KFC’s & comes together in minutes! Best ever coleslaw dressing and learn my secret tip that takes your coleslaw from good to GREAT!
There’s nothing like some delicious coleslaw to eat alongside your favorite grilled recipes, right?! This KFC coleslaw recipe is super simple and perfectly sweet. Don’t miss the simple trick that makes this coleslaw taste JUST LIKE KFC’s!
After making homemade coleslaw a few times I’ve discovered there is a trick to getting it to taste right. When I realized how one simple step affects the taste, I made note to do that every time. This recipe tastes exactly like KFC’s coleslaw! It’s easy to make and goes well with my Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches. {My family even puts it ON their sandwiches! yum!}
Ingredients for Coleslaw Dressing recipe
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this easy Coleslaw Recipe:
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or substitute 1/4 cup of milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 TBSP apple cider vinegar
- 2 TBSP lemon juice
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp celery seed
- 16 oz shredded bagged coleslaw mix
How to Make Coleslaw recipe:
Whisk together all the ingredients except for the shredded coleslaw mix. Add the coleslaw mix and stir it with the dressing until nicely blended.
One of the tips to getting the taste right is to mix it a few times over the course of about 6-8 hours (overnight is best!) before serving. So to do this easily, I put the coleslaw mix in a gallon sized Ziploc bag, then pour the dressing mixture in.
Close the bag and gently shake the bag/ massage it/ turn it over and around until it’s well mixed. Store in the fridge, but periodically take it out give it another gently shake, then store it flipped over on the other side.
NOT-SO-SECRET COLESLAW TIP: If you let it sit for the designated 6-8 hours, mixing the salad up a few times throughout, it really does taste just like KFC’s! The cabbage softens a bit and the flavors of the dressing meld and the results are so delicious!
Make your own Coleslaw Mix
You can make your own cabbage/ carrot blend for coleslaw instead of buying it from the produce section! Thinly slice 1 head of green cabbage. You can also use a mix of red and green cabbage if you’d like! You’ll need about 4 cups for this recipe. Add in 3 thinly sliced radishes and 1 cup of thinly sliced carrots. Then proceed with the coleslaw dressing recipe.
What do you serve with coleslaw?
We love serving coleslaw alongside fried chicken tenders, on top of BBQ chicken sandwiches and with just about any grilled meat recipe!
BEST KFC COLESLAW RECIPE
Ingredients
Coleslaw Dressing recipe
- 1/4 cup buttermilk or substitute 1/4 cup of milk + 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 TBSP apple cider vinegar
- 2 TBSP lemon juice
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp celery seed
Store-bought Coleslaw Mix (Found in Produce Section)
- 16 oz pre-shredded bagged coleslaw mix
Instructions
- Whisk together all the ingredients for the coleslaw dressing. Add the coleslaw mix to a large bowl and pour the dressing on top, stirring until well combined.
- Transfer the coleslaw to a gallon sized ziplock bag. Store in the fridge, but periodically take it out give it another gently shake, then store it flipped over on the other side.
- One of the tips to getting the coleslaw to taste just like KFC’s is to let the coleslaw recipe sit overnight before serving. I recommend making the salad at least 6-8 hours ahead of time!
Video
Nutrition
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Can you make coleslaw the day before?
Properly stored, coleslaw will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator if kept in an air tight container. I personally think coleslaw is a million times better served the 2nd or 3rd day after you make it!
Can You freeze Coleslaw dressing?
You can freeze coleslaw dressing as long as it doesn’t have mayonnaise. Coleslaw which has oil and vinegar-based dressing is the best suited to freezing. Mayonnaise tends to separate after being frozen and you will end up with a dressing that is watery when you unfreeze coleslaw with mayonnaise. So prepare the dressing then add your mayo once you’re ready to serve!
Can You Freeze Shredded Cabbage?
Freezing shredded cabbage is another simple option, and you can achieve it with or without blanching. Many chefs use boil-able bags for this method. For example, fill your shredded cabbage into boiling bags, press out the air, and seal them. Pop the bags into boiling water for about 1 1/2 minutes for blanching. Cool the bags in ice water, pat dry and freeze.
If you’re lazy, and sometimes we all are, shredded cabbage can put in boil-able bags without blanching. Just place the bags in the freezer.
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Best Coleslaw recipe tastes just like KFC’s & comes together in minutes! Learn how to make easy coleslaw dressing and my secret tip that takes your coleslaw from good to GREAT!
There’s nothing like some delicious coleslaw to eat alongside your favorite grilled recipes, right?! This KFC coleslaw recipe is super simple and perfectly sweet. Don’t miss the simple trick that makes this coleslaw taste JUST LIKE KFC’s!
Charlene Asay says
I love Coleslaw! This recipe looks awesome Thanks for sharing your link at #PinIt Pin Party.
Daryl says
This is the recipe I use to make coleslaw except, I grate a Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples to put in mine.
Jessica says
That is SUCH a great idea! Thanks Daryl!
Ashlynn says
I am confused on how this could possible be a KFC copycat recipe when KFC coleslaw has onion in it and this one does not. That’s a pretty big ingredient to be missing.
Jessica says
Did you try it Ashlynn? Tastes just like KFC!
Sarah says
Terrible recipe. Followed it exactly. So disappointing. Heaps of runny oversugared dressing. Yuck. I would not recommend it at all.
Nellie says
So sorry that you didn’t like the recipe Sarah. Many people have made it multiple times and have loved it, so it sounds like something went wrong.
Julie says
Made with using the milk and tsp. of lemon juice as I didn’t have the buttermilk. Had a great lemon fresh taste! We had coleslaw with pulled pork sandwiches and it was delicious!
Kaylie says
Thank you, Julie!
Denise Smark says
Just like KFC! But you absolutely MUST marinate for the 6-8 hours. Love it!
Jessica says
YES! I’m so glad you liked it. And yes- you have to marinate it! Makes all the difference. Glad you liked it Denise!
Diana says
OMG!! This recipe is the best!!!! Very quick and easy!
A definite keeper!
Jessica says
So glad you liked it Diana!
Eric says
Tasted great