KFC-Style Coleslaw (Copycat)
KFC-Style Coleslaw (Copycat) is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Dudes on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 15 min
Cost: $4.35 total, $0.73 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 bag Pre-washed Coleslaw Mix (Shredded cabbage and carrots, ready to use)
- 2 tablespoon White Onion (Finely minced)
- 0.25 cup Whole Milk (Full‑fat for richness)
- 0.25 cup Buttermilk (Shake bottle before measuring)
- 0.5 cup Light Mayonnaise (Light version for lower fat)
- 0.33 cup Granulated Sugar (White sugar)
- 2.5 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
- 1.5 tablespoon Distilled White Vinegar (Plain white vinegar)
Instructions
Combine Veggies and Onion
Open the pre‑washed coleslaw mix bag and dump it into the large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the 2 Tbsp of minced white onion over the top and give a quick toss.
Time: PT2M
Prepare the Dressing
In the same bowl, add 1/4 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup shaken buttermilk, 1/2 cup light mayonnaise, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 ½ Tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 ½ Tbsp distilled white vinegar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is dissolved.
Time: PT5M
Mix Everything Together
Using the whisk or spoon, fold the dressing into the vegetable mix until every shred is evenly coated. The coleslaw should look glossy and the vegetables fully coated.
Time: PT3M
Chill Before Serving (Optional)
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve cold.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 7 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Milk, Egg, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Pre-washed Coleslaw Mix: Shredded cabbage and carrots made at home, Bagged mixed salad greens (less traditional)
- Instead of White Onion: Onion powder (1 tsp), Shallots, minced
- Instead of Whole Milk: 2% milk, Unsweetened almond milk (will alter flavor)
- Instead of Buttermilk: Milk + 1 tsp lemon juice or white vinegar, Plain yogurt thinned with water
- Instead of Light Mayonnaise: Regular mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Vegan mayo
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey, Maple syrup (use less), Stevia (adjust to taste)
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Lime juice, White wine vinegar (1 tbsp less)
- Instead of Distilled White Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar, Rice vinegar
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Whisk or Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mix wet ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, homogeneous dressing.
- Fold the dressing into the coleslaw mix until every shred is evenly coated.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use chilled mayonnaise for a smoother texture.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives a brighter flavor than bottled.
- Let the coleslaw rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes for optimal taste.
Troubleshooting
Coleslaw is too watery.
Add an extra tablespoon of light mayonnaise to thicken the dressing.
Dressing is too sweet.
Reduce the sugar by half or add a little extra vinegar to balance.
Dressing is too thick.
Thin with a splash of whole milk or buttermilk until desired consistency.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–5 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will become watery.
Room temperature: Can sit out for up to 2 hours; keep chilled for safety.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the coleslaw a day ahead and keep it refrigerated; the flavors improve.
- If making ahead, give the coleslaw a quick stir before serving to re‑coat any dry spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of KFC‑style coleslaw in American Southern cuisine?
Coleslaw has roots in Southern United States picnics and barbecues, where shredded cabbage was mixed with a tangy dressing. KFC popularized a sweeter, creamy version that became a staple side for fast‑food chicken meals across the country.
What are the traditional regional variations of coleslaw in American cuisine?
In the South, coleslaw is often sweet and creamy like KFC’s version. In the Midwest, a vinegar‑based “slaw” is common, while the Pacific Northwest favors a lighter, mayo‑light version with added apples or raisins.
How is KFC‑style coleslaw traditionally served in the United States?
It is typically served chilled as a side dish alongside fried chicken, biscuits, and mashed potatoes, often placed in a small paper container for take‑out or on a buffet line at fast‑food restaurants.
What occasions or celebrations is coleslaw traditionally associated with in American culture?
Coleslaw appears at family barbecues, picnics, holiday meals such as Thanksgiving, and is a standard side at fast‑food chains for everyday meals.
What other Southern dishes pair well with KFC‑style coleslaw?
Classic pairings include fried chicken, biscuits, mashed potatoes with gravy, baked beans, and cornbread. The cool crunch of coleslaw balances the richness of these dishes.
What makes KFC‑style coleslaw special or unique in American fast‑food cuisine?
Its signature sweet‑tangy dressing, using both milk and buttermilk, plus a higher sugar content, creates a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional vinegar‑based slaws.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making KFC‑style coleslaw at home?
Common errors include over‑mixing the cabbage (which makes it soggy), using too much sugar or vinegar, and not chilling the coleslaw long enough for the flavors to meld.
Why does this KFC‑style coleslaw recipe use both milk and buttermilk instead of just one dairy product?
Combining milk and buttermilk gives the dressing a creamy body from the milk while the slight acidity of buttermilk adds tang and helps balance the sweetness, mimicking KFC’s proprietary blend.
Can I make KFC‑style coleslaw ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare it up to 24 hours ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; give it a quick stir before serving to re‑coat any dry spots.
What does the YouTube channel Food Dudes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Food Dudes focuses on recreating popular restaurant and fast‑food dishes at home, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize simplicity, flavor accuracy, and budget‑friendly ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel Food Dudes' approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Food Dudes combines high‑energy presentation with precise measurements and clear visual cues, often testing multiple variations to find the closest match to the original restaurant version, whereas many channels focus on original recipes or broader cuisine concepts.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
