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

  1. 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

  2. Chill the Dressing

    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3–4 hours so the flavors meld.

    Time: PT4H

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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KFC-Style Coleslaw

Recipe by Cooking with Shotgun Red

A simple, no‑fuss copycat of KFC's famous coleslaw. Using just a few pantry staples and finely shredded cabbage and carrot, this side dish captures the sweet‑tangy flavor and creamy texture of the fast‑food classic.

EasyAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
4h 50m
Prep
0m
Cook
35m
Cleanup
5h 25m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.18
Total cost
$0.53
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Mix the dressing until completely smooth.
  • Shred the cabbage very finely for authentic texture.
  • Allow the dressing to chill for several hours before combining.

Safety Warnings

  • Use a sharp knife or food processor carefully to avoid cuts.
  • Handle raw mayonnaise with clean utensils to prevent cross‑contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of KFC‑Style Coleslaw in American Southern cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of coleslaw in American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is KFC‑Style Coleslaw traditionally served in fast‑food restaurants?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is KFC‑Style Coleslaw traditionally associated with in the United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes KFC‑Style Coleslaw special or unique in American fast‑food cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making KFC‑Style Coleslaw?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this KFC‑Style Coleslaw recipe use a 4‑hour refrigeration step instead of cooking?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make KFC‑Style Coleslaw ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making KFC‑Style Coleslaw?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking with Shotgun Red specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cooking with Shotgun Red's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

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