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Recreate the famous KFC coleslaw with this easy copycat recipe! Learn how to make a creamy, tangy coleslaw at home with simple ingredients. Perfect for any meal!
Craving the creamy, tangy coleslaw from KFC? Recreate this favorite side dish at home with this easy-to-follow recipe.
We may not have the exact KFC Coleslaw recipe, but this one is pretty darn close! I do not know what it is about KFC coleslaw that draws me in, but I love it. And despite the fact it has been years since I have had KFC, I still get the hankering for the coleslaw which is why I am so excited to have figured out this KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe. It is so very similar to the original that I think you might have a hard time telling the difference.
KFC Coleslaw Copycat Ingredients You Need:
KFC’s coleslaw dressing is the perfect combination of creamy and tangy and recreating that flavor at home requires a few key ingredients:
- Miracle Whip – The secret to KFC’s signature coleslaw dressing is using Miracle Whip instead of traditional mayonnaise. According to an ex-employee, KFC uses Miracle Whip for their coleslaw, making it the essential base of this recipe.
- Sugar – A touch of sweetness is essential for coleslaw dressing. You can adjust the sugar to suit your personal taste preferences.
- Onion – Very finely chopped onion adds depth and flavor to the dressing, giving it that authentic taste.
- Oil – We use vegetable oil, though canola oil is another great neutral option. It helps achieve a smooth consistency for the dressing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – The tangy kick from apple cider vinegar is what gives this coleslaw its signature flavor that we all love.
Some KFC copycat recipes call for buttermilk. I found that it tastes much more like the original when buttermilk is not used. Miracle Whip combined with apple cider vinegar provides that balanced sweet but tangy dressing that we all love.
How to make the KFC Coleslaw recipe:
Here is a brief overview of how to make KFC coleslaw. The full recipe and ingredient amounts is found below in the recipe card.
- Prepare the Vegetables – chop cabbage and finely chop carrots.
- Make the Dressing: Miracle Whip, sugar, oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, finely chopped yellow onion.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss.
- Chill
I am a Hellman’s girl myself, but I specifically made a special trip to the store, just to buy Miracle Whip. The taste of Miracle Whip versus Mayo in this recipe really does make a difference so step #1 to making a KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe at home is… go buy Miracle Whip then combine all of the dressing ingredients in a bowl.
This coleslaw recipe comes together in about 20 minutes, the longest task will be to simply get the cabbage and carrots chopped. If you want your coleslaw to look like KFC coleslaw, you’ll need to take the time to pretty finely chop the cabbage and carrots.
Chopping ingredients for coleslaw
A food processor is an incredible tool for evenly chopping vegetables and preparing cabbage for coleslaw. A sharp knife also works well if you do not have a food processor available.
Once it chills, you’ll be left with a KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe with dressing that tastes just like the original, thanks to the miracle whip. Serve this at potluck’s or summer BBQ’s and this will get rave reviews, promise!
Recipe tips
- Adjust Sweetness: Modify the sugar to suit your taste preferences.
- Consistency: For a creamier texture, add more mayonnaise; for a tangier flavor, increase the vinegar or lemon juice.
- Use fresh ingredients: fresh cabbage and carrots yield the best texture and flavor. Also, ensure that you are finely chopping the onion so that it does not over-power.
- Miracle whip: ensure that you are using Miracle Whip instead of Mayo for a more authentic taste.
- Chill: Allow the coleslaw to chill in the refrigerator for 24 hours for the best result!
What to serve with coleslaw:
This KFC Coleslaw recipe pairs so perfectly with a variety of recipes:
Other sides that pair well with this coleslaw include:
If you try this KFC Coleslaw Recipe, and I hope that you do, please leave a comment or tag me on social media and let me know what you think! I love hearing from you! Enjoy!
KFC Coleslaw Copycat
Ingredients
- 8 cups green cabbage, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 1 cup Miracle Whip
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- ¼ cup yellow onion (very finely chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and shredded carrot.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl whisk together Miracle Whip, oil, vinegar and sugar. Add in onions and celery salt.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until all ingredients are well-coat.
- Chill: cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours but 24 hours is best.
While you can substitute mayonnaise, the flavor will be different. Miracle Whip provides a tangier, sweeter taste, which is key to replicating KFC’s original coleslaw flavor.
Cover for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the dressing to soak into the cabbage and carrots.
Yes! In fact, making coleslaw a day or two ahead of time is ideal. The flavors continue to develop as it chills in the refrigerator.
For the best texture, use green cabbage. It’s crunchy and holds up well to the dressing. You can also add a little bit of red cabbage for color, but green cabbage is the classic choice.
