Love KFC Coleslaw? This Copycat KFC Coleslaw recipe is my favorite version and is great for cookouts and family dinners!

RECIPE IS BELOW IN PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD BUT BLOG POST IS FULL OF “HOW TO MAKE IT”, TIPS, INFORMATION AND FAQ
I tried my hand at making a Copycat KFC Coleslaw at home and I loved the results! This Copycat KFC Coleslaw is perfect for hot dogs and BBQ sandwiches! Of course it is also great as a side dish for fried chicken!
I tried a few copycat versions of this coleslaw recipe but I just couldn’t find one that I absolutely loved. However, after working on my own version for a few weeks, I think I may have found my favorite.
Why You Should Make Copycat KFC Coleslaw…
- great for cookouts and BBQs
- easy to make
- no overly soggy coleslaw here
QUICK GLANCE AT INGREDIENTS FOR Copycat KFC Coleslaw:
- cabbage
- carrot
- mayonnaises
- onion powder
- sugar
- lemon juice
- white vinegar
- salt
- pepper
- milk
(AMOUNTS IN RECIPE CARD BELOW)

A few tips on how to make COPYCAT KFC COLESLAW look like real KFC COLESLAW:
Here are three tips on how to make Copycat KFC Coleslaw look like the real KFC Coleslaw:
- Don’t puree the cabbage and carrots. Leave the pieces just a tad bigger than normal. KFC has very distinct pieces of cabbage and carrots.
- Don’t add extra carrots. It will be tempting at first because it doesn’t seem like 1 carrot is enough for all of that cabbage. I made that mistake once and added two carrots. The coleslaw looked almost orange because of the carrots everywhere.
- Leave some of the dark green cabbage in the mix. While KFC coleslaw is mostly white there are a few darker green pieces so don’t throw away all of those green leaves.

How to make KFC coleslaw from scratch?:
- Prep the cabbage
Chop cabbage and place it into a food processor.
Process into small pieces.
Pour shredded cabbage into a large bowl. - Prep Carrot
Peel and chop carrot.
Place carrot into a food processor.
Process into small pieces.
Pour carrot into cabbage.
Don’t puree the cabbage and carrots. Leave the pieces just a tad bigger than normal. KFC has very distinct pieces of cabbage and carrots. - Making the coleslaw dressing
In another bowl, whisk together, mayo, sugar, onion powder, lemon juice, white vinegar, salt, pepper and milk.
Once smooth, pour over cabbage and carrots.
Stir together. - Chill Coleslaw before serving
Cover and place into fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Stir before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
In an air tight container, coleslaw should last 3-5 days
More cookout side dish Recipes
- Paprika Deviled Egg Potato Salad
- Mama Sylvia’s Baked Beans
- Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad – No Mayonnaise
- Grilled Corn with Herb Butter
COPYCAT KFC COLESLAW

Copycat KFC Coleslaw
Love KFC Coleslaw? This Copycat KFC Coleslaw recipe is my favorite version and is great for cookouts and family dinners!
Ingredients
- 1 head cabbage
- 1 medium carrot
- 3/4 cup mayonnaises
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Chop cabbage and place it into a food processor.
- Process into small pieces.
- Pour shredded cabbage into a large bowl.
- Peel and chop carrot.
- Place carrot into a food processor.
- Process into small pieces.
- Pour carrot into cabbage.
- In another bowl, whisk together, mayo, sugar, onion powder, lemon juice, white vinegar, salt, pepper and milk.
- Once smooth, pour over cabbage and carrots.
- Stir together.
- Cover and place into fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Stir before serving.
Notes
- Don't puree the cabbage and carrots. Leave the pieces just a tad bigger than normal. KFC has very distinct pieces of cabbage and carrots.
- Don't add extra carrots. It will be tempting at first because it doesn't seem like 1 carrot is enough for all of that cabbage. I made that mistake once and added two carrots. The coleslaw looked almost orange because of the carrots everythere.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 62Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 102mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 2gSugar: 11gProtein: 2g
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Thank you so much for posting this recipe – I love their cole slaw and actually make corn beef and cole slaw for St. Patrick’s Day instead of boiled cabbage.
Your Copycat KFC Coleslaw looks delicious, Angie, and the recipe sounds a whole lot healthier than the original version too! Your hints and tips are great – I probably would have been tempted to add more carrots as well!
Thank you for sharing and for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party Community. I’m featuring this post at the party which goes live on Sunday this week. Hope to ‘see’ you there! Take care and I hope you have a great week!
Thank you so much, April!!