If you love KFC’s crispy chicken, you know their coleslaw is a huge part of what makes the meal complete! Sweet, creamy, and wonderfully tangy, this KFC-style coleslaw is a perfect match for all your barbecue, picnic, or dinner plate needs. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home with simple ingredients. Trust me, you’re going to love this it’s a spot-on copycat of the original that adds a fresh, crispy twist to any meal.

Why You’ll Love KFC-Style Coleslaw

This coleslaw isn’t just about veggies it’s a creamy, sweet, and tangy masterpiece that brings balance to rich, savory foods. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue or alongside crispy chicken, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Versatile: Pair it with nearly anything grilled meats, seafood, or a hearty burger.
Budget-Friendly: Few ingredients, big flavor without putting a dent in your wallet.
Quick and Easy: It comes together in minutes with simple components.
Customizable: Tweak the ingredients to match your preferences more sweet or more tang.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed win with both kids and adults. It adds a fresh, crispy texture that everyone enjoys.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this KFC-style coleslaw made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is pure creamy, crispy happiness. Let’s break it down:

Cabbage: The base crispy and fresh, perfect for absorbing the creamy dressing.
Carrot: Adds a nice color and a touch of natural sweetness.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base that brings it all together.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and richness.
Vinegar, Lemon juice, and Sugar: The perfect blend to balance sweet and tangy.
Onion (optional): Gives it a slight bite and depth of flavor.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, adding just the right amount of savory notes.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below).

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this crispy, creamy side:

Combine Ingredients

Wash and finely shred the cabbage and carrot.
If you’re adding onion, mince it finely.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Add the shredded veggies to a large bowl.

Assemble the Dish

In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, buttermilk, vinegar, lemon juice, and sugar. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Finishing Touches

Pour the creamy mixture over the veggies and fold together until everything is evenly tossed.

Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour this lets the flavors blend and the coleslaw become nice and chilled.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve chilled alongside your favorite meal crispy chicken, barbecue, or a rich burger for a perfect side every time.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 150

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chill time)

How to Serve KFC-Style Coleslaw

This creamy, crispy side pairs wonderfully with a range of main dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Pair it with crispy chicken, barbecue ribs, or grilled fish.
Serve it alongside a rich, hearty burger or a savory pulled pork sandwich.
Add it to tacos or a crispy chicken wrap for texture and flavor.
Bring it to a picnic or potluck it’s a perfect side for a crowd.
Pair it with potato salad or macaroni salad for a classic cookout plate.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
For finer texture, use a food processor to pulse the veggies.
Adjust the amount of sugar or vinegar to suit your taste.
Let it chill for at least 1 hour it develops more flavor as it sits.
Make it a day in advance for maximum creamy goodness.
For a bit of color, add purple cabbage or shredded apple.

FAQ’s

1 Why does it taste just like KFC coleslaw?
The combination of sweet, creamy, and tangy ingredients closely replicates their signature flavor.

2 Can I use a bag of coleslaw mix instead of fresh veggies?
Yes it’s a convenient shortcut. Just adjust the amounts of dressing to match.

3 How long can I refrigerate it for?
Coleslaw can stay fresh for 3–5 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container.

4 Can I omit the buttermilk?
You can substitute plain yogurt or a mixture of milk and lemon juice if you prefer.

5 Is this coleslaw gluten-free?
Yes all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

6 How can I make it less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar or omit it altogether for a more tangy flavor.

7 Will freezing affect its texture?
Coleslaw doesn’t freeze well; freezing makes it soggy and weak in texture.

8 Why should I chill it before serving?
Chilling lets the flavors blend and results in a more crispy, creamy texture.

9 Can I use light mayonnaise or yogurt instead of regular mayonnaise?
Yes this can lighten it up while retaining its creamy texture.

10 Do I need to drain excess water from the veggies first?
It’s a good practice if your veggies are very wet; draining prevents the coleslaw from becoming soupy.

Conclusion

Now you know how to bring home the creamy, crispy magic of KFC-style coleslaw! It’s a perfect side for barbecue, crispy chicken, or nearly any meal that needs a fresh, tangy counterpart. So grab a bowl, mix it up, and enjoy a taste of your favorite restaurant side without having to leave home!

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