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A serving of the famous KFC Coleslaw classic in a white bowl

Classic Famous KFC Coleslaw

This recipe delivers the classic, creamy, and slightly sweet coleslaw made famous by KFC, perfect as a side dish for any meal. The key is finely chopped vegetables and a well-balanced dressing, followed by ample chilling time to meld the flavors.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • food processor or sharp knife
  • whisk

Ingredients
  

Coleslaw

  • 1 medium head green cabbage finely chopped or shredded
  • 2 medium carrots grated
  • ¼ cup minced onion

Dressing

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 ½ tablespoons white vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

Prep Your Veggies

  • Finely chop the cabbage to a rice-sized consistency, then grate the carrots and mince the onion. Combine the cabbage, carrots, and onion in a large mixing bowl, preparing them for the coleslaw base.

Whip Up the Dressing

  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, milk, lemon juice, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as desired for sweetness or tanginess.

Combine and Chill

  • Pour the prepared dressing over the mixed vegetables and toss thoroughly until all components are evenly coated. This ensures every bite is infused with flavor and creaminess.

The Secret Step: Chill Time!

  • Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4-6 hours. This crucial chilling period deepens the flavors and tenderizes the cabbage, achieving the perfect KFC-like texture.

Notes

For the best texture, ensure your cabbage is very finely chopped. The longer the coleslaw chills, the more the flavors meld and the cabbage softens to that classic Kentucky Fried Chicken consistency. You can prepare this a day ahead for optimal taste development.