Crunchy and Creamy KFC Coleslaw Recipe

Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of the Famous KFC Coleslaw Classic – a recipe that has graced countless tables and potlucks with its creamy tangy goodness. Recreating this iconic dish at home brings that familiar KFC taste right to your fingertips, ensuring it will be the first to disappear at any gathering.

I can still remember the rush to grab a spoonful of this classic coleslaw before it vanished at our family picnics. The blend of buttermilk, lemon juice, and crunchy veggies creates a harmony of flavors that keeps everyone coming back for more. Even my grandma, usually selective with her veggies, couldn’t resist the vibrant pops of carrot in every bite.

Whether paired with fried chicken, barbecue, or even tucked into a taco, this Famous KFC Coleslaw Classic is a versatile side dish that adds a delightful crunch to any meal. So, whip up a batch, savor the creamy textures, and watch as it becomes the star of your next gathering.

Quick Benefits

• Creamy tangy dressing with a signature sweet-tangy flavor
• Crunchy texture from finely chopped cabbage and carrots
• A versatile side that pairs well with fried chicken, barbecue sandwiches, fish tacos, pulled pork sliders, or even as a topping on baked potatoes
• Easy to make at home with simple ingredients and customizable variations

Why You’ll Love This Crunchy and Creamy KFC Coleslaw Recipe Recipe

• Classic Flavor: This recipe perfectly replicates the famous KFC coleslaw, making it a hit at any gathering.
• Creamy and Tangy Dressing: The combination of mayo, buttermilk, lemon juice, and vinegar creates a creamy, tangy flavor that is addictive.
• Quick and Easy: Whip up this coleslaw in no time, perfect for last-minute gatherings or potlucks.
• Versatile: Enjoy this coleslaw as a side dish for fried chicken, BBQ sandwiches, or as a crunchy topping for tacos and sliders.
• Family Favorite: Loved by all generations, this coleslaw will have everyone asking for the recipe, just like the author’s mom.
• Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients like buttermilk or add colorful veggies like purple cabbage or carrots for a personal twist.
• Nostalgic Twist: Enjoy the nostalgic taste of classic coleslaw with a homemade touch that sets it apart from store-bought versions.
• Crunchy Texture: Finely chopped veggies ensure a satisfying crunch in every bite, reminiscent of traditional Dutch cabbage salads.
• Perfect Make-Ahead Dish: Prepare this coleslaw ahead of time and chill for optimal flavor melding, keeping it fresh for up to three days.

Ingredients for Crunchy and Creamy KFC Coleslaw Recipe

Dressing

• 3 g fine sea salt
• 60 ml buttermilk
• 38 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 0.5 g ground black pepper
• 65 g granulated sugar
• 22 ml distilled white vinegar
• 60 ml whole milk
• 120 ml mayonnaise

Vegetables

• 20 g minced white onion
• 800 g finely chopped green cabbage
• 30 g shredded carrot

Pro Tips for Crunchy and Creamy KFC Coleslaw Recipe

For the perfect Famous KFC Coleslaw Classic, aim for finely chopped cabbage and carrots to achieve an authentic crunch. Buttermilk is ideal for its tangy flavor, but you can create a similar effect with a blend of milk and extra lemon juice if needed. Remember, chilling the coleslaw allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a creamier and tastier dish.

To give your coleslaw that signature sweet-tangy flavor, don’t skimp on the combination of mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, buttermilk, and lemon juice. Store the finished coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days to maintain the best texture and freshness. Try experimenting with red cabbage or purple carrots for a colorful twist, and feel free to enjoy this classic side dish with a variety of main courses, from fried chicken to fish tacos.

How to Make Crunchy and Creamy KFC Coleslaw Recipe

Step 1: Chop the Vegetables

Dice the cabbage and carrots into small, rice-sized pieces for an authentic texture. Finely chop the white onion.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 3: Combine and Coat

Combine chopped cabbage, shredded carrot, and minced onion in a bowl. Mix well until vegetables are evenly coated with dressing.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Chill for at least 2 hours to blend flavors, for best results refrigerate overnight.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Famous KFC Coleslaw Classic, it is best to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The coleslaw can be stored for up to three days, but note that the cabbage will become softer each day. For optimal texture and freshness, it is recommended to dress only the portion you intend to consume within a couple of days to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.

If you do not have buttermilk on hand, you can create a substitute by mixing a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into a quarter cup of milk and allowing it to sit for five minutes to sour. Additionally, for a lighter taste, you can replace some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. To add a colorful twist to the coleslaw, consider incorporating red cabbage or purple carrots if available, as they will enhance the visual appeal of the dish.

The coleslaw is a versatile accompaniment that pairs well with various dishes, such as fried chicken, barbecue sandwiches, fish tacos, or pulled pork sliders. It can even be used as a crunchy topping for baked potatoes. By following these storage tips and flavor variations, you can enjoy this creamy and tangy coleslaw with a personal touch at your next gathering, ensuring it will be a favorite side dish among your guests.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a quarter cup of milk and letting it sit for about five minutes to sour. For a lighter dressing, you can replace some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, which will also add a tangy flavor to the coleslaw.

Feel free to get creative with the vegetables in this coleslaw. You can add red cabbage or purple carrots for a pop of color and additional nutrients. Experiment with different veggies to customize the coleslaw to your liking and make it visually appealing.

To enhance the tangy flavor of the coleslaw, consider adding a bit more lemon juice or vinegar to the dressing, adjusting to your taste preference. Remember to chill the coleslaw for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the texture to set, resulting in a creamier and tastier dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a unique twist on serving this Famous KFC Coleslaw Classic, try using it as a flavorful topping for your next batch of loaded baked potatoes. The creamy texture and tangy flavor of the slaw will add a refreshing crunch to each bite, creating a delicious contrast to the soft potato base. You can also mix it into mashed potatoes for a creamy and zesty side dish that will elevate any meal.

Another creative serving suggestion is to use this coleslaw as a filling for tacos or wraps. Whether you’re enjoying fish tacos, pulled pork wraps, or even vegetarian options, adding a generous scoop of this coleslaw will provide a burst of flavor and crunch to your meal. The combination of the sweet and tangy dressing with the crispy cabbage and carrot pieces will take your tacos or wraps to the next level, making them a hit at any gathering or weeknight dinner.

FAQs for Crunchy and Creamy KFC Coleslaw Recipe

Can I substitute buttermilk in this recipe?

Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into a quarter cup of milk and letting it sit for five minutes to sour it up.

How long can I store the finished coleslaw?

You can store the finished coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. However, keep in mind that the cabbage will get softer each day. It’s best to dress only what you will use within a couple of days to maintain the crisp texture.

Why is it important to finely chop the cabbage and carrot?

Finely chopping the cabbage and carrot, aiming for pieces just slightly larger than rice, helps achieve an authentic crunch in the coleslaw. This texture is essential for the overall enjoyment of the dish.

What makes the coleslaw dressing sweet and tangy?

The combination of mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, buttermilk, and lemon juice creates the signature sweet-tangy flavor of this coleslaw. The balance of these ingredients gives the dressing its unique and addictive taste.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Famous KFC Coleslaw Classic recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether it’s for a summer barbecue, a family picnic, or just a casual dinner at home, this creamy and tangy coleslaw will perfectly complement any meal.

So, next time you’re looking for a delicious side dish that’s quick and easy to make, give this Famous KFC Coleslaw Classic recipe a try. With its simple ingredients and unforgettable taste, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the nostalgia of this iconic coleslaw with a personal touch, and watch as it disappears before your eyes at your next gathering!

Crunchy and Creamy KFC Coleslaw Recipe

“Recreate the iconic KFC coleslaw at home with this creamy, tangy classic that’s a potluck favorite and perfect for any occasion.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time~ undefined

Total Time20 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings8 Servings (One large bowl of coleslaw)

Ingredients

Dressing

• 3 g fine sea salt
• 60 ml buttermilk
• 38 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 0.5 g ground black pepper
• 65 g granulated sugar
• 22 ml distilled white vinegar
• 60 ml whole milk
• 120 ml mayonnaise

Vegetables

• 20 g minced white onion
• 800 g finely chopped green cabbage
• 30 g shredded carrot

Instructions

1. Chop the Vegetables: Dice the cabbage and carrots into small, rice-sized pieces for an authentic texture. Finely chop the white onion.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Combine and Coat: Combine chopped cabbage, shredded carrot, and minced onion in a bowl. Mix well until vegetables are evenly coated with dressing.
4. Chill Before Serving: Chill for at least 2 hours to blend flavors, for best results refrigerate overnight.