Creamy KFC Coleslaw Copycat: Sweet & Tangy Side (Print Version)

Creamy KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe. Get that sweet, tangy flavor at home with my simple, tried-and-true version. Perfect for BBQs!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Crisp Veggie Base

01 - 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 lbs), finely chopped
02 - 2 medium carrots, finely grated

→ Creamy Dressing Essentials

03 - 1 cup good quality mayonnaise
04 - 1/4 cup whole milk

→ Sweet & Tangy Accents

05 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 tablespoons white vinegar

→ Flavor Boosters

07 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, let's get those veggies ready! Finely chop your green cabbage. I usually quarter the head, remove the core, and then slice it super thin, almost like confetti. Then, grate your carrots. I like to use the fine side of a box grater for this. You want them almost pulverized, not chunky. This step is key for that classic KFC Coleslaw Copycat texture, so don't rush it!
02 - Now for the good stuff – the dressing! In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, white vinegar, and whole milk. I always make sure to get all the sugar dissolved here; nobody wants gritty slaw. Add the onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it another good whisk until everything is smooth and looks, honestly, pretty tempting to just eat with a spoon. Taste it! Does it need a tiny bit more salt? A dash more sugar? This is where you make it *yours*.
03 - Once your dressing is perfect, add the chopped cabbage and grated carrots to the bowl. Grab a big spoon or spatula and mix, mix, mix! You want every single piece of cabbage and carrot to be coated in that glorious, creamy dressing. This is where the magic happens and it starts to smell like the real deal. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. This is crucial for the flavors to meld and for the cabbage to soften just a touch.
04 - Resist the urge to dig in immediately! This KFC Coleslaw Copycat needs at least 2 hours in the fridge, but honestly, 4 hours or even overnight is where it truly shines. I've made the mistake of serving it too soon, and it just wasn't the same. The chilling time allows the cabbage to absorb all that tangy-sweet goodness, softening it perfectly without making it soggy. Give it a good stir before serving.
05 - Before serving, give your slaw one last taste. Sometimes, after chilling, the flavors mellow out or intensify. Does it need a pinch more salt? A little more pepper? Maybe a tiny splash of vinegar if you like it extra zippy? This is your last chance to tweak it to perfection. I often find it needs just a tiny bit more salt after chilling, but that's just me!
06 - Once you're happy with the flavor, spoon your amazing coleslaw into a serving bowl. It should be creamy, vibrant, and smell absolutely irresistible. It's ready to be the star side dish at your next barbecue, picnic, or just a Tuesday night dinner. The texture should be tender-crisp, and the dressing should cling beautifully to every shred. Enjoy!

# Notes:

01 - Finely chopping the cabbage is critical for the texture; chunky cabbage just isn't the same, trust me.
02 - This coleslaw gets better after chilling for at least 2 hours, even overnight. I store mine in a glass container for up to 3-4 days.
03 - If you're out of white vinegar, apple cider vinegar works in a pinch, but the flavor will be a bit different.
04 - Serve this creamy slaw with grilled chicken or pulled pork for an amazing flavor combo!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - Whisk
03 - Sharp knife
04 - Box grater (or food processor)
05 - Airtight container

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 1g

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