YT Recipe

KFC-Style Coleslaw

KFC-Style Coleslaw is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking with Shotgun Red on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 25 min

Cost: $2.06 total, $0.52 per serving

Ingredients

  • 0.5 cup Mayonnaise (regular, full‑fat)
  • 5 tablespoon Granulated Sugar
  • 3 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (ground)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 3 cup Green Cabbage (shredded, about half a medium head)
  • 1 medium Carrot (peeled and shredded)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dressing

    In a mixing bowl combine 0.5 cup mayonnaise, 5 tbsp sugar, 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 0.5 tsp black pepper, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp onion powder. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Chill the Dressing

    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld.

    Time: PT4H

  3. Shred the Vegetables

    While the dressing chills, shred 3 cups of green cabbage and one medium carrot using a food processor (pulse) or a box grater. Transfer to a large bowl.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Combine Vegetables and Dressing

    Remove the chilled dressing from the refrigerator, pour it over the shredded cabbage and carrot, and toss with a spatula until everything is evenly coated.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Final Chill Before Serving

    Cover the coleslaw and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors fully integrate.

    Time: PT30M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
1g
Carbohydrates
15g
Fat
9g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Contains Egg

Allergens: Eggs

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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KFC-Style Coleslaw

Recipe by Cooking with Shotgun Red

A copycat version of KFC's famous coleslaw that captures the sweet‑tangy flavor with just a few pantry staples. This easy, no‑cook side dish is perfect for BBQs, picnics, or any meal that needs a crisp, creamy accompaniment.

EasyAmericanServes 4

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

Source Video
4h 47m
Prep
0m
Cook
34m
Cleanup
5h 21m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.06
Total cost
$0.52
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Whisk the dressing until completely smooth.
  • • Refrigerate the dressing for at least 4 hours to develop the signature KFC flavor.
  • • Shred cabbage and carrot uniformly for proper texture.
  • • Toss the vegetables thoroughly with the chilled dressing.

Safety Warnings

  • • Use a stable cutting board and keep fingers tucked when shredding cabbage and carrot.
  • • Keep mayonnaise refrigerated; do not leave the dressing at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

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 fast‑food cuisine?

A

Coleslaw has been a staple side dish in Southern American cooking for generations. KFC popularized a sweet‑tangy version that pairs perfectly with fried chicken, making it an iconic accompaniment in fast‑food culture across the United States.

cultural
Q

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

A

In the South, coleslaw is often sweeter with a mayo‑based dressing, while in the Midwest it may be vinegar‑heavy and less sweet. Some regions add mustard, celery seed, or even pineapple for a tropical twist.

cultural
Q

How is KFC-Style Coleslaw traditionally served in the United States?

A

It is typically served chilled as a side dish alongside fried chicken, chicken tenders, or BBQ ribs. Restaurants often present it in a small bowl or on a plate, allowing diners to scoop it onto their plates as they wish.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is KFC-Style Coleslaw commonly associated with in American culture?

A

Coleslaw appears at picnics, barbecues, family gatherings, and holiday meals such as Thanksgiving and Fourth of July celebrations, especially when fried or grilled meats are on the menu.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are used in the original KFC coleslaw versus acceptable substitutes?

A

The original uses mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, pepper, salt, and onion powder. Substitutes like Greek yogurt for mayo or honey for sugar work well, but they will slightly alter the classic flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What other American side dishes pair well with KFC-Style Coleslaw?

A

It pairs beautifully with fried chicken, chicken nuggets, biscuits, corn on the cob, baked beans, and potato salad, creating a balanced fast‑food style meal.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the dressing, not chilling the dressing long enough, and using overly wet cabbage. Each can result in a bland or soggy slaw.

technical
Q

Why does this KFC-Style Coleslaw recipe use a 4‑hour refrigeration step instead of adding the dressing immediately?

A

The long chill allows the sugar to fully dissolve and the vinegar to meld with the mayo, creating the signature sweet‑tangy flavor that mimics KFC’s proprietary recipe.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, prepare the dressing a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Combine with the shredded vegetables no more than a few hours before serving, and store the finished slaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

technical
Q

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

A

Cooking with Shotgun Red focuses on straightforward, budget‑friendly American comfort food recipes, often recreating popular fast‑food and restaurant dishes for home cooks.

channel
Q

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

A

The channel emphasizes minimal equipment, quick prep, and clear step‑by‑step narration, targeting viewers who want authentic flavor without complex techniques, unlike many channels that use elaborate plating or gourmet twists.

channel
More like this:American RecipesSalad RecipesMore by Cooking with Shotgun Red

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