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

Teresa Ambra

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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.

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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? ›

Fresh ingredients are key to a good slaw, and KFC does alright for a fast food restaurant. You won't find any wilted cabbage pieces, and the carrots are nice and hard as well. What's more, KFC finely dices everything so you don't have to chew that much, and all the flavors and textures blend perfectly.

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.

How long does KFC coleslaw last in the fridge? ›

Make Ahead and Storing Leftovers

Then combine for a fresh batch. How long does KFC Coleslaw last in the fridge? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 3 days. Always stir before serving.

What is the unhealthiest thing at KFC? ›

Worst: Extra Crispy

Here's where "crispy" is a code word for "steer clear." The extra crispy recipe is by far the least healthful of KFC's chicken options. A single breast will set you back 530 calories, 35 grams of fat, and 6 grams of saturated fat.

Why is KFC using cabbage instead of lettuce? ›

KFC says change is due to a lettuce shortage after floods destroyed crops in New South Wales and Queensland. The fried chicken chain KFC has been forced to make menu changes in its burgers and wraps in Australia as the country faces the consequences of floods that destroyed lettuce crops.

Why did Chick Fil A stop selling coleslaw? ›

"But as our sales volumes grew, it just wasn't feasible to keep adding to the menu without taking anything away." Chick-fil-A cut cole slaw from the menu in January to make room for a new "superfood" side of kale and broccolini in a maple vinaigrette dressing.

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 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.

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!

Does KFC use egg in their fried chicken? ›

Original Recipe® Chicken Fresh chicken. Breaded in: Wheat flour, Salt, Monosodium glutamate, Spices, Dehydrated garlic, Modified milk ingredients, Dried egg white (Egg white, Baker's yeast, Citric acid). Cooked in: Canola oil (Dimethylpolysiloxane (Antifoaming agent), TBHQ). Contains: Wheat, Milk, Egg.

Can you eat 3 day old KFC? ›

As someone who has kept KFC chicken in the fridge before, it can be kept in there for about 3 days before the crispy coating starts to become un-salvageable. On a side note, it is best reheated in the oven. Until you get hungry.

How healthy is KFC coleslaw? ›

KFC, Coleslaw contains 161 calories per 112 g serving. This serving contains 9.7 g of fat, 1 g of protein and 18 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 15 g sugar and 2.2 g of dietary fiber, the rest is complex carbohydrate. KFC, Coleslaw contains 1.5 g of saturated fat and 2.2 mg of cholesterol per serving.

Can I eat 5 day old coleslaw? ›

When stored properly, coleslaw will stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days. Store it in an airtight container and keep it in the coldest part of the refrigerator, preferably pressed toward the very back. If you see signs of spoilage such as a sour or off smell or visible mold, discard the mixture immediately.

Why is KFC original recipe so good? ›

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.

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.

Why is KFC sauce so good? ›

The combination between sweet and tangy makes this mustard sauce very pleasing on our tongues. Not only does it blend extremely well with crispy chicken tenders, but also nuggets; It adds just enough zest & sweetness for us not being able to stop dipping.

Is coleslaw even healthy? ›

Yes, coleslaw can be healthy! The base of coleslaw is shredded vegetables (traditionally cabbage), so inherently coleslaw is vitamin- and fiber-packed and good for you. The issue is the dressing. Most traditional creamy coleslaw dressing is made with high fat ingredients like mayo and has sugar added too.

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