11 Secret KFC Coleslaw Recipes to Replicate
Ah, the nostalgia hits hard when I think about KFC coleslaw. Growing up in the ’80s, family road trips always meant pulling into a KFC drive-thru, and that cool, creamy coleslaw was my absolute favorite side—crisp cabbage and carrots swimming in a sweet-tangy dressing that I’d sneak extra scoops of. It was the perfect contrast to the fried chicken, and even today, it evokes those carefree summer days.
Lately, I’ve been on a mission in my home kitchen to crack the “secret” KFC recipe. After countless experiments—tweaking vinegars, sugars, and rest times—I’ve nailed 11 variations that taste eerily close (or even better!). In a world obsessed with fast food hacks, recreating this iconic side at home means fresh ingredients, no drive-thru lines, and endless customization. Whether you’re meal-prepping or hosting a picnic, these recipes bring that KFC magic to your table affordably and healthily.
Classic KFC Copycat Coleslaw
This is the gold standard replication, using a simple mix of mayo, sugar, and vinegar for that signature creamy sweetness. Ingredients: 1 head green cabbage (finely shredded), 2 carrots (grated), 1 cup mayo, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt, and a pinch of celery seed. Toss everything together in a large bowl, cover, and chill for at least 2 hours (overnight is best for flavors to meld). It’s low-carb, budget-friendly, and serves 8 as a side—perfect for potlucks with zero cooking required.
The benefits? Fresher than takeout, customizable crunch, and only 150 calories per serving versus KFC’s version.
Tangy Miracle Whip Twist Coleslaw
Swap mayo for Miracle Whip to amp up the tang without extra vinegar. Ingredients: 4 cups shredded cabbage, 1 cup grated carrots, 1 cup Miracle Whip, 3 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp white vinegar, 1/2 tsp onion powder, salt to taste. Mix dressing ingredients first, fold in veggies, and refrigerate 4 hours. This hack cuts fat by 50% while mimicking KFC’s zing—ideal for lighter summer BBQs.
Pro tip: The Miracle Whip’s built-in sweetness means less sugar needed, boosting health without sacrificing taste.
Buttermilk Bliss Coleslaw
For extra creaminess, buttermilk adds a subtle tang like KFC’s rumored secret. Ingredients: 1 small cabbage (shredded), 2 carrots (grated), 3/4 cup mayo, 1/4 cup buttermilk, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tsp lemon juice, celery salt. Whisk dressing, combine with veggies, chill 3 hours. It’s probiotic-rich from buttermilk, aiding digestion, and clocks in under 200 calories per cup.
Great for gut health and pairs perfectly with fried foods.
Apple Cider Vinegar Crunch Coleslaw
Emphasize crispness with raw apple cider vinegar for a brighter bite. Ingredients: 5 cups cabbage mix, 1 large carrot (grated), 1 cup mayo, 1/4 cup sugar, 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp celery seed, pepper. Dress and toss, rest 2-4 hours. Vinegar’s probiotics promote health, and the crunch lasts days in the fridge—perfect for make-ahead meals.
Spicy Sriracha Kick Coleslaw
Add heat for a modern KFC twist without overpowering the classic. Ingredients: Shredded cabbage and carrots (6 cups total), 1 cup mayo, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sriracha, 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Mix, chill overnight. Metabolism-boosting spice makes it a weight-watcher win at 140 calories/serving.
Sugar-Free Stevia Secret Coleslaw
KFC lovers on keto rejoice—use stevia for zero-sugar replication. Ingredients: 4 cups cabbage slaw mix, 2 carrots, 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup stevia (or monk fruit), 2 tbsp white vinegar, salt, celery seed. Blend dressing, coat veggies, chill 3 hours. Diabetic-friendly, high-protein from yogurt, slashes carbs by 80%.
Carrot-Heavy Crunch Coleslaw
Double carrots for natural sweetness and color pop. Ingredients: 3 cups cabbage, 3 cups grated carrots, 3/4 cup mayo, 3 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp apple vinegar, pinch nutmeg. Toss and refrigerate 4 hours. Beta-carotene boost for eyes/skin, plus extra fiber for fullness.
Onion-Infused Flavor Bomb Coleslaw
Finely minced onion adds KFC’s hidden depth. Ingredients: 1 cabbage (shredded), 2 carrots, 1 small onion (minced), 1 cup mayo, 1/3 cup sugar, 2 tbsp vinegar, salt. Mix all, chill overnight. Antioxidants from onion fight inflammation; stores well for 5 days.
Celery Seed Powerhouse Coleslaw
Amp up the celery seed for authentic aroma. Ingredients: 6 cups coleslaw mix, 1 cup mayo, 1/4 cup sugar, 3 tbsp tarragon vinegar, 2 tsp celery seed, black pepper. Dress and rest 2 hours. Anti-inflammatory seeds aid joints; simple pantry staple recipe.
Quick 30-Minute Hack Coleslaw
No long chill? Freeze veggies first for instant melding. Ingredients: Frozen shredded cabbage/carrots (thawed), 1 cup mayo, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp pickle juice, salt. Mix thawed slaw with dressing—ready in 30 mins. Time-saver for weeknights, retains crunch better.
Vegan Cashew Cream Coleslaw
Plant-based dupe using soaked cashews. Ingredients: 5 cups cabbage/carrot mix, 1 cup soaked cashews (blended with water to cream), 3 tbsp agave, 2 tbsp apple vinegar, garlic powder. Blend dressing, toss, chill 2 hours. Dairy-free, heart-healthy fats, 120 calories/serving.
There you have it—11 game-changing KFC coleslaw recipes that capture the magic at home. Grab your cabbage, experiment with these secrets, and elevate your next meal. Which one will you try first? Share your tweaks in the comments—I can’t wait to hear!
