KFC-Style Coleslaw
KFC-Style Coleslaw is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking with Shotgun Red on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 4 hrs 30 min | Total: 5 hrs
Cost: $3.18 total, $0.53 per serving
Ingredients
- 0.6 cup Mayonnaise (regular, room temperature)
- 5 tablespoon Sugar (granulated)
- 3 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar (unfiltered)
- 0.5 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (fine)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (ground)
- 3.5 cup Cabbage (finely shredded; can use pre‑shredded bag)
- 0.5 cup Carrot (shredded)
Instructions
Make the Dressing
In a mixing bowl combine 0.6 cup mayonnaise, 5 tbsp sugar, 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 0.5 tsp onion powder, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp ground black pepper. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is dissolved.
Time: PT5M
Chill the Dressing
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3–4 hours so the flavors meld.
Time: PT4H
Finely Chop Cabbage and Carrot
Using a food processor (or a sharp knife), shred the cabbage into very fine pieces, measuring about 3½ cups. Grate the carrot to about ½ cup. Transfer both to a large bowl.
Time: PT10M
Combine Dressing with Vegetables
Pour the chilled dressing over the shredded cabbage and carrot. Toss gently but thoroughly until every strand is evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Final Refrigeration
Cover the coleslaw and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors integrate fully.
Time: PT30M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Eggs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt, vegan mayo
- Instead of Sugar: honey, maple syrup
- Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar: white vinegar, lemon juice
- Instead of Onion Powder: fresh minced onion, shallot powder
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Cabbage: red cabbage
- Instead of Carrot: parsnip
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Spoon
- Food Processor (optional)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Plastic Wrap or Bowl Lid
- Refrigerator
- Sharp Knife
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mix the dressing until completely smooth.
- Shred the cabbage very finely for authentic texture.
- Allow the dressing to chill for several hours before combining.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra tang, add a splash of lemon juice to the dressing.
- A pinch of celery seed mimics the subtle flavor in the original KFC recipe.
- If you prefer a creamier coleslaw, increase mayonnaise to ¾ cup.
Troubleshooting
Coleslaw is watery after chilling.
Drain excess liquid before adding the dressing, or add a little more mayonnaise to bind the vegetables.
The flavor is bland.
Taste the dressing before mixing; add a pinch more salt, sugar, or vinegar as needed.
Cabbage is too coarse and looks chunky.
Process the cabbage longer or use a mandoline to achieve a finer texture.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–5 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will become soggy.
Room temperature: Do not leave out longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dressing a day ahead and keep it refrigerated.
- Shred the cabbage and carrot, then store them in a sealed bag with a damp paper towel to retain crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of KFC‑Style Coleslaw in American Southern cuisine?
Coleslaw has long been a staple side in Southern comfort food, often accompanying fried chicken. KFC popularized a sweet‑tangy, creamy version that became synonymous with fast‑food Southern meals across the United States.
What are the traditional regional variations of coleslaw in American cuisine?
In the South, coleslaw is typically creamy with sugar and vinegar, while Northern versions may be lighter, using mayo‑less dressings or adding mustard. Some regions add apples, raisins, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
How is KFC‑Style Coleslaw traditionally served in fast‑food restaurants?
It is served chilled in a small plastic cup or as a side on a plate, often alongside fried chicken, biscuits, and mashed potatoes. The texture is very fine, almost powder‑like, so it mixes easily with the fork.
What occasions or celebrations is KFC‑Style Coleslaw traditionally associated with in the United States?
Coleslaw appears at picnics, barbecues, family gatherings, and holiday meals such as Thanksgiving, where it balances rich, fried, or roasted dishes with its crisp, sweet‑sour profile.
What makes KFC‑Style Coleslaw special or unique in American fast‑food cuisine?
Its signature sweet‑tangy flavor comes from a precise balance of sugar, apple cider vinegar, and a generous amount of mayonnaise, plus the ultra‑fine shredding of cabbage that gives it a smooth, almost creamy mouthfeel.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making KFC‑Style Coleslaw?
Common errors include over‑mixing the vegetables, which can make them soggy, not chilling the dressing long enough, and using coarse‑shredded cabbage that won’t mimic the KFC texture. Follow the fine‑shred step and chill the dressing for at least three hours.
Why does this KFC‑Style Coleslaw recipe use a 4‑hour refrigeration step instead of cooking?
The chilling period allows the sugar and vinegar to fully penetrate the cabbage, creating the characteristic sweet‑tangy flavor without any heat. This passive “cook” step is essential for achieving the authentic KFC taste.
Can I make KFC‑Style Coleslaw ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the dressing and chill it, then combine with the shredded vegetables. Store the finished coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Do not freeze, as the texture will become mushy.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making KFC‑Style Coleslaw?
The cabbage should be shredded so fine it almost looks like a light powder, and the carrots should be similarly fine. The finished salad should be glossy from the mayo‑based dressing and have a uniform pale‑cream color with orange specks from the carrot.
What does the YouTube channel Cooking with Shotgun Red specialize in?
Cooking with Shotgun Red focuses on straightforward, down‑to‑earth recipes that often mimic popular restaurant or fast‑food dishes, presented with a humorous, outdoors‑themed personality.
How does the YouTube channel Cooking with Shotgun Red's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Shotgun Red emphasizes simplicity and minimal equipment, often using pantry staples and quick techniques while adding a personal, storytelling flair that sets his tutorials apart from more polished, studio‑based cooking shows.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
