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
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
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
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
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
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
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt, Sour cream
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey, Maple syrup (use less)
- Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar: White wine vinegar, Lemon juice
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt (adjust amount)
- Instead of Onion Powder: Granulated onion, Fresh minced onion (use less)
- Instead of Green Cabbage: Red cabbage, Savoy cabbage
- Instead of Carrot: Shredded radish, Jicama
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Food Processor
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spatula or Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- 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.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a chilled mixing bowl and cold mayo for a firmer texture.
- A quick pulse in the food processor gives perfect shreds without over‑processing.
- Let the finished coleslaw rest at least 30 minutes; the flavor improves dramatically.
Troubleshooting
Dressing is too thick.
Stir in a tablespoon of milk, water, or extra apple cider vinegar until desired consistency is reached.
Coleslaw tastes too sour.
Add an additional teaspoon of sugar, mix well, and taste again.
Cabbage releases too much water and makes the slaw soggy.
After shredding, lightly salt the cabbage and let it sit for 5 minutes, then drain excess liquid before mixing with the dressing.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will become mushy.
Room temperature: Do not leave out longer than 2 hours for food safety.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dressing a day ahead and keep it chilled; combine with vegetables just before serving.
- If making in bulk, store dressing and shredded vegetables separately to maintain crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of KFC-Style Coleslaw in American fast‑food cuisine?
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.
What are the traditional regional variations of coleslaw in American cuisine?
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.
How is KFC-Style Coleslaw traditionally served in the United States?
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.
What occasions or celebrations is KFC-Style Coleslaw commonly associated with in American culture?
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.
What authentic ingredients are used in the original KFC coleslaw versus acceptable substitutes?
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.
What other American side dishes pair well with KFC-Style Coleslaw?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making KFC-Style Coleslaw?
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.
Why does this KFC-Style Coleslaw recipe use a 4‑hour refrigeration step instead of adding the dressing immediately?
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.
Can I make KFC-Style Coleslaw ahead of time and how should I store it?
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.
What does the YouTube channel Cooking with Shotgun Red specialize in?
Cooking with Shotgun Red focuses on straightforward, budget‑friendly American comfort food recipes, often recreating popular fast‑food and restaurant dishes for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Cooking with Shotgun Red's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
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.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
