11 Crunchy KFC Coleslaw Recipes

There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about KFC coleslaw—the perfect balance of creamy dressing hugging those ultra-fine shreds of cabbage and carrot, delivering a crunch that cuts through the richness of fried chicken. As a kid, family road trips always meant a stop at KFC, where I’d sneak extra packets of that coleslaw, savoring its sweet-tangy bite long after the chicken was gone. It was my gateway to loving slaws, teaching me early on that a great side dish could steal the show.

Lately, I’ve been on a mission in my home kitchen to recreate that iconic crunch without the drive-thru. After countless experiments—testing shredder blades, chilling times, and dressing ratios—I’ve cracked the code on KFC-style recipes that stay crisp for days. These aren’t just copycats; they’re elevated twists perfect for modern tables.

In today’s world of quick meals and health-conscious eating, crunchy coleslaw shines as a versatile, veggie-packed side. Low in calories, high in fiber, and endlessly customizable, it’s ideal for picnics, BBQs, or meal prep. Dive into these 11 recipes, and you’ll never settle for store-bought again!

Classic Crunchy KFC Coleslaw Copycat

This timeless recipe nails the KFC original with finely shredded cabbage and carrots in a sweet, creamy mayo-vinegar dressing. Ingredients: 1 head green cabbage (finely shredded), 1 large carrot (grated), 1 cup mayo, ¼ cup sugar, 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
Toss shredded veggies in a bowl. Whisk dressing ingredients until smooth, pour over slaw, mix well, and chill for 2 hours (or overnight) for maximum crunch. Serves 8. Benefits: Authentic taste, stays crisp 3-4 days in fridge, under 150 calories per serving—perfect everyday side.

Spicy Jalapeño KFC Crunch Slaw

Kick up the classic with fresh jalapeños for heat that complements fried chicken. Ingredients: ½ head green cabbage and ½ red cabbage (shredded), 2 carrots (grated), 1 cup mayo, ¼ cup sugar, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 diced jalapeños (seeds removed for milder spice), 1 tsp celery seed.
Combine veggies and jalapeños. Mix dressing, fold in, and refrigerate 1-2 hours. Benefits: Adds bold flavor without overpowering, boosts vitamin C, ideal for tacos or spicy wings—crunch lasts days.

Vegan Coconut Cream KFC Slaw

A plant-based twist using coconut cream for that signature creaminess. Ingredients: 1 head cabbage (shredded), 2 carrots (grated), ¾ cup coconut cream, 3 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, salt.
Shred and toss veggies. Blend dressing smooth, coat slaw, chill 2 hours. Benefits: Dairy-free, heart-healthy fats, naturally sweet—great for vegans craving fast-food nostalgia with lasting crunch.

Apple Cider Vinegar KFC Crunch

Tangy apple cider vinegar amps up the zing while keeping it ultra-crisp. Ingredients: 1 head cabbage (shredded), 1 carrot and 1 apple (grated), 1 cup vegan mayo, ¼ cup sugar, 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, ½ tsp onion powder.
Mix shredded mix. Stir dressing, combine, chill overnight. Benefits: Probiotic boost from ACV aids digestion, naturally sweet from apple, low-carb friendly.

Asian Sesame KFC Fusion Slaw

Sesame oil and ginger bring an Eastern twist to KFC’s crunch. Ingredients: ½ green and ½ Napa cabbage (shredded), 2 carrots (julienned), ½ cup mayo, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp grated ginger, sesame seeds.
Toss cabbage and carrots. Whisk dressing, dress slaw, chill 1 hour, top with seeds. Benefits: Umami-packed, antioxidant-rich ginger, pairs with sushi or stir-fry—crisp texture holds up.

Buttermilk Bliss KFC Coleslaw

Tangy buttermilk dressing evokes KFC’s subtle dairy note with extra fluff. Ingredients: 1 head cabbage (shredded), 2 carrots (grated), ½ cup mayo, ½ cup buttermilk, 2 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tsp black pepper.
Combine veggies. Mix creamy dressing, fold in, refrigerate 2+ hours. Benefits: Protein from buttermilk, probiotic perks, lighter than full mayo—stays crunchy for potlucks.

Tropical Pineapple KFC Crunch

Pineapple chunks add juicy sweetness to the crunchy base. Ingredients: 1 head cabbage (shredded), 1 carrot (grated), ¾ cup mayo, ¼ cup sugar, 2 tbsp pineapple juice, 1 cup diced pineapple, 1 tbsp lime juice.
Mix cabbage, carrot, and pineapple. Blend dressing, toss, chill 1 hour. Benefits: Vitamin C explosion, tropical vibe for summer grills, natural sugars reduce added sweet.

Keto Low-Carb KFC Slaw

Sugar-free and high-fat for keto lovers, mimicking KFC crunch perfectly. Ingredients: 1 head cabbage (shredded), 2 carrots (grated), 1 cup mayo, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp erythritol, 1 tsp celery seed, salt.
Shred and salt veggies lightly to draw moisture. Mix dressing, combine, chill overnight. Benefits: Under 5g net carbs per serving, keeps you full, ideal for low-carb diets.

Smoky Paprika KFC Coleslaw

Smoked paprika infuses BBQ-ready depth into the classic crunch. Ingredients: 1 head cabbage (shredded), 1 red onion (finely sliced), 1 cup mayo, 3 tbsp vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder.
Toss cabbage and onion. Whisk smoky dressing, mix, chill 2 hours. Benefits: Antioxidant paprika, enhances grilled meats, crunch withstands heat if serving warm-ish.

Cranberry Festive KFC Crunch

Dried cranberries make it holiday-worthy with tart-sweet pops. Ingredients: ½ green and ½ red cabbage (shredded), 2 carrots (grated), ¾ cup mayo, ¼ cup sugar, 2 tbsp white vinegar, ½ cup dried cranberries, 1 tsp poppy seeds.
Combine shreds and cranberries. Dress, toss, chill 1-2 hours. Benefits: Fiber-rich cranberries aid gut health, festive colors, stores crisp for a week.

Herb-Infused Dill KFC Slaw

Fresh dill elevates the creaminess with garden-fresh aroma. Ingredients: 1 head cabbage (shredded), 2 carrots (grated), 1 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp mayo, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill.
Mix veggies. Blend herby dressing, coat, refrigerate overnight. Benefits: Yogurt adds protein, dill’s antioxidants soothe digestion, lighter calorie profile.

These 11 crunchy KFC coleslaw recipes are your ticket to side-dish stardom—easy to whip up, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to outshine takeout. Grab your shredder, experiment with your favorites, and share your tweaks in the comments. Your next BBQ or weeknight dinner is about to get a whole lot crispier!