What is coleslaw? What is the sweet, creamy, perfectly textured side of that little paper container from KFC? I’ve tried to recreate it at home for years, and honestly, some attempts were… Is there a recipe for too much cabbage? What is a good KFC Coleslaw recipe? What is the coleslaw equivalent of finding the Holy Grail? What are some of the best mayonnaise recipes your grandma used to make? What is better than Chick-Fil-A coleslaw? Is that all I can say?
What is KFC Coleslaw?
What is KFC Coleslaw? What is a cabbage salad? Think of it as a slightly tangy, slightly sweet, incredibly refreshing counterpoint to all things. What’s not your typical mayo-drenched coleslaw? It’s lighter, has a distinct flavor profile, and is just…better. Is it that perfect blend of textures, that delicate balance of sweet and savory that makes it delicious? Is it irres What is a side dish? How do I get that creamy dressing right?
Why do I love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love about this KFC Coleslaw Recipe is that it tastes *exactly* like the original! No more settling for pale imitations. This recipe nails the flavor profile perfectly. I remember the first time I got it right; my family went absolutely bonkers for it.
Flavor explosion: WhyThe sweetness is balanced by a subtle tang, creating an addictive flavor that’s both refreshing and addictive. I tried it with a little bit of pineapple juice, and it was amazing. I’m sticking to the original KFC flavor. Is there a new flavor?
Super easy to make.What’s a good Salad Dressing to make? What is the hardest part of waiting for a food to chill in the fridge?
Budget friendlyCabbage is cheap, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. How do I feed a crowd without breaking the bank?
Versatile: Perfect with fried chicken (obviously!), but also amazing on pulled pork sandwiches, fish tacos, or even as a side for grilled burgers. I even snuck some into my veggie burger last week; it was a game changer.
How do I make KFC Coleslaw?
Quick Overview
Making this KFC Coleslaw Recipe is surprisingly simple. It involves finely chopping your veggies (or using a food processor – shhh, I won’t tell!), whisking together a sweet and tangy dressing, and then letting everything chill for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld. The real secret? Don’t skimp on the chilling time! It makes all the difference. The secret is to get the right balance of sweetness and tanginess with the dressing, and to finely shred the cabbage and carrots. Trust me, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to achieve that authentic KFC coleslaw taste.
Ingredients
What is Coleslaw?
* 1 small head of green cabbage, finely shredded (about 6 cups)
* 1/2 cup carrots, finely shredded
* 2 tablespoons minced onion (I use a sweet onion) (you can use an onion with sour or tangy flavor)
For the Dressing:
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I prefer Hellmann’s for the best flavor)
* 1/3 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup milk
If you don’t have buttermilk, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to regular milk. Is it okay to let it sit for 5 minutes?
* 2 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
* 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
How do I get
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
How do you shred cabbage and carrots? ), or a food processor with shredding attachment. What are some of the best KFC ingredients? I usually go with a food processor, but there’s something to be said for the knife-cut texture.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, milk, buttermilk, white vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved. This is where the magic happens. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Some people like it sweeter, some tangier; it’s up to you!
Step 3: Combine
In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, and minced onion. Set aside. What is the best dressing to serve with a salad? Make sure every piece is covered in that creamy goodness.
Step 4: Chill
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. How does coleslaw taste? I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Step 5: Stir and Serve
Before serving, give the coleslaw a good stir. The dressing tends to settle at the bottom. Serve cold and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What’s a good KFC Coleslaw recipe for fried chicken? What are some other ideas?
For a BBQ:Serve with pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, or grilled sausages. What is the best coleslaw flavor?
For Taco Night: What’sAdd a scoop to fish tacos or shrimp for crunch and flavor.
What is a quick lunch?What’s better than potato chips?
For a Potluck:What are some good ways to make coleslaw for a picnic? What’s your go-to side of the family BBQ?
What is your favorite way to serve fish and chips? What makes coleslaw so good? Is it the perfect combination of textures and flavors?
How do I perfect a KFC Coleslaw?
What are some tips for making KFC Coleslaw even better?
Cabbage Prep:What is the best way to make coleslaw? If you’re using a knife, make sure to slice it as thinly as possible. If you’re using a food processor, don’t over-process it, or it will become mushy. I always remove the outer leaves of cabbage and discard them before shredding.
Sugar dissolving: Make sure the sugar is completely dissolved in the dressing before adding it to the vegetables. This prevents a gritty texture.
Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/4 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Chilling Time: Don’t rush the chilling process! The longer the coleslaw sits, the better the flavors will meld. I prefer to chill it overnight for the best results.
Mayonnaise Choice: I find that Hellmann’s mayonnaise gives the coleslaw the most authentic KFC flavor. But feel free to experiment with other brands to find your favorite.
Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet coleslaw, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing. Taste and adjust to your liking.
I’ve also tried adding a pinch of celery seed to the dressing, which gives it a subtle, savory flavor. It’s a fun variation to experiment with!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing your KFC Coleslaw Recipe properly is essential to maintain its freshness and flavor. Here’s what you need to know:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-5 days. After that, the cabbage will start to wilt and the dressing will become watery.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing coleslaw, as the texture of the cabbage will change and it will become mushy when thawed. The dressing may also separate.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since you probably won’t have glaze, you don’t have to worry about any glaze timing. However, it is best eaten cold!
Make sure to stir the coleslaw before serving, as the dressing tends to settle at the bottom of the container. I also recommend making it a day ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, friends! My foolproof recipe for KFC Coleslaw. I know you’re going to love it. It’s the Perfect Side Dish for any occasion, and it’s so easy to make that you’ll find yourself whipping it up all the time. The best part? You don’t have to go to KFC to get that perfect creamy, crunchy bite. It’s all right here, in your own kitchen. If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other side dish recipes for more inspiration! Happy cooking!