KFC Cole Slaw Copycat Recipe – Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen (2024)

Teresa Ambra

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

KFC Cole Slaw Copycat Recipe tastes like the real thing. It’s really fantastic. On top of that, it is super simple and easy to make up. I started with a bag of shredded cabbage, carrots and red cabbage (which is a lot easier than shredding in the food processor), then just whisk the dressing ingredients and combine.

Follow Me On Instagram!

I actually made this a day ahead of when I was going to serve it so the dressing had a chance to really permeate the cabbage for enhanced flavor. Everyone loved this side salad.

Years ago, back when the Internet was just getting started in the early 90s (way before there was such a thing as food blogs), I came across a website that had hundreds of copycat recipes for major restaurant foods.

I clipped recipes for everything from Hellmann’s mayonnaise to Olive Garden’s Fettucini Alfredo. I also clipped this one and it has been sitting in my recipe book waiting for a try for over 20 years!

A couple of weeks ago, I had our Sunday school class over for a backyard barbecue. I made three different salads: a Mediterranean Pasta Salad, a Frozen Tropical Cranberry Salad and this delicious cole slaw. It was a hit with even the pickiest eaters. I ate a couple of bowls of the stuff myself.

I love cole slaw. I know some people aren’t big cabbage eaters, but I really enjoy itso I like to put it on the menu a lot during the summer when we have cook outs. It takes very little work and you don’t have to heat your kitchen.

If you enjoy Kentucky Fried Chicken’s Cole Slaw then this copycat recipe can’t be beat. It is incredibly good and so easy to whip up for picnics and summer holiday fare. While this recipe is gluten free, it does have sugar so it can’t really be considered healthy. Even still, it’s one of the best cole slaw recipes you’ll ever eat.

And if you don’t mind having pineapple or marshmallows in your cole slaw, then you should also try this recipe some time. Either choice will be a hit with your company. Guaranteed!

KFC Cole Slaw Copycat Recipe tastes just like the stuff you get at Kentucky Fried Chicken.

If you’re in need of a good cole slaw recipe for your next backyard barbecue or cook out, this one is terrific.

KFC Cole Slaw Copycat Recipe will have you licking your chops. Even picky eaters who don’t normally eat Cole Slaw will love this recipe.

Here’s what I did.

I used these ingredients.

Place cole slaw mix in a large salad bowl. Meanwhile, combine salad dressing ingredients.

Whisk salad dressing ingredients to combine.

Pour dressing over top of cabbage in bowl and stir well to combine. Refrigerate at least a couple of hours so the dressing can permeate the cabbage. I refrigerated the salad over night.

While you can shred your own cabbage and carrots, it’s so much easier to buy pre-shredded cabbage in bags these days.

KFC Cole Slaw Copycat Recipe is gluten free for those with gluten intolerance.

Here’s the recipe.

(Recipe adapted from an Internet recipe, circa early 1990s)

KFC Cole Slaw Copycat Recipe – Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen (10)

KFC Cole Slaw Copycat Recipe

KFC Cole Slaw Copycat Recipe – Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen (11)Teresa Ambra

This fabulous copycat recipe is a delicious take on Kentucky Fried Chicken's famous Cole Slaw. It's the perfect side dish for potlucks, summer holidays, grilling out with friends or Family Reunions. Quick, easy and gluten free.

4 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Salads and Salad Dressings, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 102 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large serving bowl

  • 1 whisk

  • 1 small mixing bowl

  • measuring cups

  • measuring spoons

  • 1 wooden spoon

  • 1 food processor (if you wish to grate/shred your own cabbage and carrots)

Ingredients

  • 16 oz. bag shredded cole slaw mix including carrots & red cabbage
  • 1/2 cup Hellmann's mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup 2% milk
  • 1 1/2 tbsp. white vinegar
  • 2 1/2 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt
  • 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. celery seed

Instructions

  • Place cole slaw mix in a bowl.

  • Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl with a whisk.

  • Pour over cole slaw.

  • Refrigerate several hours before serving.

Notes

NOTE:The original recipe called for 8 cups shredded cabbage and ¼ cup shredded carrots.

NOTE: You may initially think that this will not be enough dressing for the amount of Cole slaw. I assure you it is plenty. Keep stirring occasionally and the cabbage will continue to absorb more and more of the dressing.

NOTE: I allowed the Cole slaw to refrigerate over night before serving.

© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 102kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 154mgPotassium: 87mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 57IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 0.3mg

Keyword cabbage, carrots, cole slaw, gluten free, salad, side dish

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

[b]KFC Cole Slaw Copycat Recipe[/b]

Recipe Type: Salads and Salad Dressings

Cuisine: American

Author: Teresa Ambra adapted from an Internet recipe, circa early 1990s

Prep time:

Total time:

Serves: 8

This fabulous copycat recipe is a delicious take on Kentucky Fried Chicken’s famous Cole Slaw. Quick, easy and gluten free.

Ingredients

  • 16-oz. bag shredded cole slaw mix (including carrots & red cabbage)
  • ½ cup Hellmann’s mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup buttermilk
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 ½ tbsp. white vinegar
  • 2 ½ tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 1/8 tsp. pepper
  • ½ tsp. celery seed

Instructions

  1. Place cole slaw mix in a bowl.
  2. Combine remaining ingredients with a whisk.
  3. Pour over cole slaw.
  4. Refrigerate several hours before serving.

Notes

The original recipe called for 8 cups shredded cabbage and ¼ cup shredded carrots.[br][br]You may initially think that this will not be enough dressing for the amount of cole slaw. I assure you it is plenty. Keep stirring occasionally and the cabbage will continue to absorb more and more of the dressing.[br][br]I allowed the cole slaw to refrigerate over night before serving.

Give KFC Cole Slaw Copycat Recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Every bite is finger lickin’ good. 🙂

While Cole Slaw is great served with Fried Chicken, it’s an excellent side dishforany barbecue or cook out.

Heavenly Cole Slaw

Carrot Raisin Salad

Apricot Gelatin Salad

KFC Cole Slaw Copycat Recipe – Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen (18)

KFC Cole Slaw Copycat Recipe

KFC Cole Slaw Copycat Recipe – Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen (19)Teresa Ambra

This fabulous copycat recipe is a delicious take on Kentucky Fried Chicken's famous Cole Slaw. It's the perfect side dish for potlucks, summer holidays, grilling out with friends or Family Reunions. Quick, easy and gluten free.

4 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Salads and Salad Dressings, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 102 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large serving bowl

  • 1 whisk

  • 1 small mixing bowl

  • measuring cups

  • measuring spoons

  • 1 wooden spoon

  • 1 food processor (if you wish to grate/shred your own cabbage and carrots)

Ingredients

  • 16 oz. bag shredded cole slaw mix including carrots & red cabbage
  • 1/2 cup Hellmann’s mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup 2% milk
  • 1 1/2 tbsp. white vinegar
  • 2 1/2 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt
  • 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. celery seed

Instructions

  • Place cole slaw mix in a bowl.

  • Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl with a whisk.

  • Pour over cole slaw.

  • Refrigerate several hours before serving.

Notes

NOTE:The original recipe called for 8 cups shredded cabbage and ¼ cup shredded carrots.

NOTE: You may initially think that this will not be enough dressing for the amount of Cole slaw. I assure you it is plenty. Keep stirring occasionally and the cabbage will continue to absorb more and more of the dressing.

NOTE: I allowed the Cole slaw to refrigerate over night before serving.

© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 102kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 154mgPotassium: 87mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 57IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 0.3mg

Keyword cabbage, carrots, cole slaw, gluten free, salad, side dish

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

KFC Cole Slaw Copycat Recipe – Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

Why is KFC coleslaw so good? ›

KFC coleslaw has a sweet and tangy taste, with a creamy texture. The dressing is made with a blend of mayonnaise, buttermilk, vinegar, sugar, and spices, which gives it its distinct flavor. The coleslaw also contains shredded cabbage and carrots, which add a crisp and fresh texture to the dish.

Why did KFC stop selling coleslaw? ›

The fast food chain was forced to stop selling its coleslaw tubs when a supply issue meant the slaw would have to be served up without the dressing. “We are currently experiencing a supply issue with our KFC coleslaw dressing,” a KFC spokesperson said. The slaw is made up of cabbage and carrots coated in mayonnaise.

Does KFC slaw have onions in it? ›

The KFC website lists all ingredients for its cole slaw. They include chopped cabbage; carrots; onions; sugar; water; soybean oil; distilled vinegar; corn syrup; food starch; whole eggs; salt; corn vinegar; spice; apple cider; vinegar; and paprika. It also contains natural and artificial flavors.

What is the dressing made of in coleslaw? ›

What Is Coleslaw Dressing Made Of? This creamy, mayo-based dressing uses ingredients you likely have on hand: sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, and of course, mayonnaise. The resulting dressing is just the right balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and peppery!

What is the most unhealthy thing from KFC? ›

Worst: Extra Crispy Tenders

It's no surprise that the extra crispy tenders don't top the list of healthiest items at KFC. As a battered, deep-fried food, they could contribute to increased health risks like cardiovascular disease.

What is the most unhealthy thing at KFC? ›

13 Of The Unhealthiest Items At KFC
  • KFC Crispy Twister. ...
  • KFC Spicy Chicken Sandwich. ...
  • KFC Famous Bowl. ...
  • KFC Original Recipe Chicken Breast. ...
  • KFC Secret Recipe Fries. KFC. ...
  • KFC Extra Crispy Tenders. KFC. ...
  • KFC Buffalo Ranch Dipping Sauce. KFC. ...
  • KFC Chocolate Chip Cake. KFC.
Sep 26, 2023

What is KFC discontinuing? ›

Yahoo Finance reports, the soon-to-be discontinued items include Kentucky Fried Chicken Wings, Popcorn Chicken Combo, Nashville Hot Sauce, Strawberry Lemonade, and Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Has KFC got a secret menu? ›

The Triple Stacker Burger, the Zinger Chipster, and the Fave Crave box have been 'secretly' made available to customers. The menu is only visible on the KFC app - and the food chain has altered the way you can access it.

How good is KFC coleslaw? ›

I reviewed each side order from Kentucky Fried Chicken and ranked them all. The chain's green beans and coleslaw were unsurprisingly lackluster. The mac and cheese and biscuits were the best KFC sides I tasted. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Does KFC coleslaw contain horseradish? ›

Does KFC Coleslaw Contain Horseradish? The answer is yes, and no. The original recipe had a touch of horseradish in it, and many people remember that version well. If that flavor is something you're looking for, try about one teaspoon of prepared horseradish in this recipe.

Why did KFC get rid of lettuce? ›

Some of KFC's biggest fans have blasted the iconic fast food chain after it admitted it was supplementing cabbage for lettuce in its burgers due to supply demands. The iconic chain alerted customers to its lettuce shortage this week by posting a menu update on its website.

Does KFC coleslaw contain milk? ›

The coleslaw is made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions, and is dressed with a sweet and tangy dressing that includes vinegar, sugar, and a blend of spices. The dressing also includes mayonnaise and buttermilk, which gives the coleslaw its creamy texture.

What is the best premade coleslaw? ›

Freshness Guaranteed Coleslaw

With its nice, thick dressing, Walmart's deli coleslaw is the best creamy coleslaw of the bunch. The dressing is heavy on the mayo, which makes it the best coleslaw to slather on a burger or pulled pork sandwich, and the copious amounts of shredded carrot will contribute some crunch, too.

What's the difference between coleslaw and slaw? ›

Or coleslaws — what's the difference? Really nothing. Technically, coleslaw involves cabbage, whether green, red or napa, while the category of slaws can include all kinds of chopped or shredded crunchy vegetables. The two words are used interchangeably for the most part however.

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar in coleslaw? ›

Apple cider or white wine vinegars would also be acceptable as there would only be a slight change to the sauce's flavor. A dark vinegar like red wine or sherry might taste good but you couldn't expect the sauce to have the same flavor as the real version.

Is KFC coleslaw any good? ›

Review: This coleslaw was too sweet and had too much mayo, so I would have doubled down on the vinegar base instead. Even though I liked it well enough, the more I ate, the worse it got. There weren't enough of the other vegetables to add flavor to the cabbage.

Why does KFC taste better cold? ›

Those who eschewed heating up their chilled chicken in favor of chowing down right away would have seen how the chicken's breading remained crisp while the interior deepened in flavor. When fried chicken starts to cool down, the skin contracts and bonds itself to the meat.

Is KFC's coleslaw healthy? ›

KFC coleslaw contains a moderate amount of calories, fat, and carbohydrates. It also provides some vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and vitamin K. However, it is important to note that KFC coleslaw is high in sodium and sugar, which can be a concern for those on a restricted diet.

What makes KFC so tasty? ›

KFC Uses A Special Signature Blend Of Herbs And Spices

A big part of what makes KFC's chicken so tasty is its highly coveted blend of herbs and spices. The restaurant's chicken is savory and herbaceous with lingering notes of pepper. The flavoring is simple but it hits all the right notes.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Reed Wilderman

Last Updated:

Views: 6059

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Reed Wilderman

Birthday: 1992-06-14

Address: 998 Estell Village, Lake Oscarberg, SD 48713-6877

Phone: +21813267449721

Job: Technology Engineer

Hobby: Swimming, Do it yourself, Beekeeping, Lapidary, Cosplaying, Hiking, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Reed Wilderman, I am a faithful, bright, lucky, adventurous, lively, rich, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.