There’s something undeniably satisfying about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, and KFC’s famous coleslaw is no exception. This creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet salad has been a favorite side dish for many, pairing perfectly with fried chicken and other comfort foods. I vividly remember my frequent trips to KFC, where I’d always ensure my meal included a generous helping of their coleslaw. The crisp cabbage, sweet and tangy dressing, and the subtle kick of the onion made every bite delightful.
One day, a friend shared a homemade version of the recipe with me, and it was a game changer. The joy of making it at home, tweaking the flavors to my liking, and serving it with my own fried chicken was unparalleled. Today, I’m excited to share this recipe with you so you can enjoy the same delight in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
1 tbsp finely grated onion
⅓ cup sugar
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup buttermilk
¼ cup whole milk
1 ½ tbsps white vinegar
2 ½ tbsps fresh lemon juice
½ tsp salt
⅛ tsp black pepper
8 cups finely diced cabbage
¼ cup shredded carrot
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Dressing
Grate the Onion: Finely grate 1 tablespoon of onion. This ensures the onion integrates smoothly into the dressing, providing its flavor without any large chunks.
Mix the Dressing Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated onion, ⅓ cup of sugar, ½ cup of mayonnaise, ¼ cup of buttermilk, ¼ cup of whole milk, 1 ½ tablespoons of white vinegar, 2 ½ tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper.
Whisk Until Smooth: Use a whisk to blend all the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth, well-combined mixture. This step ensures that the sugar dissolves completely and the dressing is homogeneous.
Prepare the Vegetables
Dice the Cabbage: Finely dice 8 cups of cabbage. For the best texture, aim for small, uniform pieces. This helps the cabbage absorb the dressing evenly.
Shred the Carrot: Shred ¼ cup of carrot. You can use a grater or a food processor for this. The fine shreds of carrot will mix well with the cabbage and add a pop of color.
Combine and Chill
Mix the Vegetables with the Dressing: Add the diced cabbage and shredded carrot to the bowl with the dressing. Use a large spoon or spatula to stir everything together, ensuring that all the cabbage and carrot pieces are well coated with the creamy dressing.
Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the coleslaw to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften slightly while retaining its crunch.
Serve
Stir Before Serving: Before serving, give the coleslaw a good stir to redistribute the dressing that may have settled at the bottom.
Enjoy: Serve the coleslaw chilled, alongside fried chicken, grilled meats, or your favorite main dishes. It’s also great as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches or as a side for a BBQ spread.
Variations and Substitutions
This versatile coleslaw recipe can be easily adjusted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:
Healthier Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version with added protein.
Different Vegetables: Add finely chopped red cabbage for color variation or include thinly sliced bell peppers for an extra crunch.
Sugar Alternatives: Substitute the sugar with honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetness.
Vegan Option: Use vegan mayonnaise and plant-based milk alternatives like almond or soy milk. Substitute buttermilk with a plant-based yogurt mixed with a bit of lemon juice.
Herb Addition: Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an aromatic twist.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce into the dressing for some heat.
Conclusion
This homemade KFC-style coleslaw not only brings the nostalgic flavors of your favorite fast-food salad into your home but also allows you to enjoy a fresher, more customizable version. The creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing perfectly complements the crunchy cabbage and sweet carrots, creating a side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of meals. Whether you’re serving it with fried chicken, BBQ ribs, or as a topping for sandwiches, this coleslaw is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the process of making this delightful salad and the joy it brings to your table.