Coleslaw is a timeless side dish that is simple yet delish. It’s a great side to take to a picnic, potluck or other get together especially as the summer nears. I find this KFC copycat recipe to be so refreshing during the summer. The coldness, crispness of the fresh veggies and crunchiness is so refreshing on a hot, summer day! This coleslaw recipe is perfect paired with our Copycat Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Smokehouse BBQ Bacon Sandwich. So, so good! Add our Copycat Chick Fil A Watermelon Mint Lemonade Recipe to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a winner dinner. Yum!
If you’ve had KFC‘s coleslaw, you know that it is right on with flavor! Let’s see how to make this great copycat recipe. 🙂
Why is KFC’s coleslaw recipe SO good?
KFC’s coleslaw has a few characteristics that make it stand out to many people.
Firstly, it’s creamy and slightly sweet, which appeals to a wide range of tastes. The combination of mayonnaise, milk, sugar, and vinegar gives it a tangy yet smooth flavor profile.
Secondly, the texture is often appreciated – it’s finely chopped, which creates a consistent and satisfying mouthfeel.
Finally, it’s a classic side dish that many people grew up enjoying with their meals at KFC, which can evoke nostalgia and positive memories, further enhancing its appeal. Overall, it’s the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nostalgia that makes KFC’s coleslaw so beloved by many.
Coleslaw is a fantastic side dish for several reasons:
- Versatility: Coleslaw can be made in various ways, allowing for versatility in flavors and ingredients. You can add different vegetables, fruits, nuts, or dressings to suit your taste preferences or complement the main dish.
- Texture Contrast: Its crunchy texture provides a satisfying contrast to many main dishes, especially those that are soft or tender. This textural interplay adds excitement to the meal.
- Refreshing: Coleslaw often contains ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and vinegar-based dressings, which provide a refreshing and tangy flavor profile. This freshness can balance out richer or heavier main dishes.
- Nutritional Value: Coleslaw typically contains vegetables that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a nutritious addition to your meal.
- Pairs Well: It pairs well with a wide range of dishes, including barbecue, fried chicken, sandwiches, fish tacos, and more. Its versatility makes it a go-to side dish for many cuisines and occasions.
- Make Ahead: Coleslaw can be prepared ahead of time, allowing flavors to meld together and saving you time on busy days or when hosting gatherings.
Overall, coleslaw’s combination of versatility, texture, refreshing flavor, and nutritional value makes it a beloved side dish for many people.
Traditional Coleslaw Recipe- KFC Copycat
(scroll down for the entire printable recipe card)
the basic steps to making coleslaw:
-Shred the cabbage and carrots using the shred blade on a food processor or slice thinly with a knife or box grater.
-Whisk together the dressing ingredients.
-Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots and mix thoroughly. Allow it to sit in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving.
This is the Hamilton Beach food processor I have, and it’s been great! I would definitely recommend this make and model. If you don’t own a food processor and are debating about getting one, let me tell you that this kitchen tool makes things so easy! I can make a batch of homemade hummus in nearly minutes by throwing everything in here and letting it do its thing! And, when it comes to slicing or shredding veggies, it does the job well and in minutes!
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KFC Copycat Coleslaw Recipe
This traditional coleslaw recipe is an easy KFC copycat! The crunchy cabbage and carrots are chopped into small pieces, and then tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing making the perfect side dish to compliment your meal!
Ingredients
- 8 cups chopped cabbage (1 medium head approximately)
- 1/2-3/4 cup shredded carrots (more or less depending on your preference)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 T. apple cider vinegar
- 1.5 T. lemon juice
- 2 T. finely diced onion
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
Instructions
- Using a food processor with the shred disc blade, shred the cabbage and carrots. You can do this by first removing the outer leaves of the cabbage and removing the core; then cut into wedges that fit through the food processor. If you don't have a food processor, you can use a box grater or a knife and cut into thin shreds.
- Peel the carrots and shred in the same way as the cabbage.
- Toss the cabbage and carrots together in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk together the mayo, sugar, whole milk, buttermilk, vinegar, lemon juice, grated onion, salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots and toss to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours.
- Store the leftovers for up to 3-4 days, although it is best enjoyed in the first 1-2 days.
Notes
You can also substitute a bag of already prepared cabbage mix if you don't want to chop cabbage and carrots. The texture will be a little different than that of KFC's.
It's normal for this dressing to accumulate in the bottom of the bowl, especially the longer it sits. Just like KFC’s, this dressing is very thin so this is completely normal. Simply drain off the excess or use a slotted spoon for serving.
You can use a knife and chop finely, but the best option is to use the disc shredder on a food processor. The deli-like texture is just like that of KFC’s. When using the food processor, just remove the outer leaves, remove the core and cut into wedges that fit into the food processor. Simply shred and it’s done. You can do the carrots in the same way, just peel them first.
In an airtight container, this will store in the fridge for 3-4 days. But, the best time to eat this is within the first 1-2 days after making. Over time, it will “break down” and get more watery.
No, the vegetables will get soggy and mushy if frozen.
It’s normal for this dressing to accumulate in the bottom of the bowl, especially the longer it sits. Just like KFC’s, this dressing is very thin so this is completely normal. Simply drain off the excess or use a slotted spoon for serving.
This copycat salad is one of the most viewed recipes on our site!
