12 Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipes

Ah, the unmistakable crunch of KFC coleslaw—creamy, tangy, and just sweet enough to cut through the fried chicken grease. As a kid growing up in the Midwest, Friday nights meant a family pilgrimage to the Colonel’s red-and-white bucket spot. I’d always fight my siblings for the last scoop of that iconic slaw, its miracle whip base and finely shredded cabbage leaving an indelible mark on my taste buds. Little did I know it would spark a lifelong obsession with recreating fast-food favorites at home.

Fast forward to last summer, when I turned my kitchen into a coleslaw lab during a backyard BBQ marathon. Armed with bags of cabbage and a dozen test batches, I experimented with tweaks to nail that KFC magic—milky dressing, subtle sweetness, and that perfect veggie ratio. What started as nostalgia turned into these 12 copycat recipes, each with a unique twist to suit modern cravings, from vegan delights to spicy kicks. Whether you’re meal-prepping or hosting, these will elevate your picnics and potlucks.

Classic KFC Coleslaw Copycat

This is the gold standard recreation of KFC’s legendary side: finely shredded cabbage and carrots in a creamy, tangy dressing that’s sweet without overpowering. Ingredients (serves 8): 1 head green cabbage (finely shredded), 2 carrots (grated), 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix the dressing ingredients until smooth, toss with veggies, and chill for 2 hours. The benefits? It’s ready in 10 minutes prep, lasts 5 days in the fridge, and delivers that nostalgic crunch with zero restaurant wait.

Vegan KFC Coleslaw Twist

Dairy-free and plant-powered, this version swaps mayo for a cashew base while mimicking KFC’s signature creaminess. Ingredients (serves 8): 1 head cabbage (shredded), 2 carrots (grated), 1 cup soaked cashews (blended with 1/2 cup water), 1/4 cup agave syrup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, salt and pepper to taste. Blend cashews into a mayo-like paste, whisk in sweeteners and acids, combine with veggies, and refrigerate overnight. It’s heart-healthy, nut-free adaptable (use tahini), and perfect for vegan barbecues—full of fiber and zero cholesterol.

Spicy Jalapeño KFC Coleslaw

Kick up the classic with fresh jalapeños for heat that balances the sweetness, ideal for tacos or spicy chicken. Ingredients (serves 8): 1 head cabbage (shredded), 2 carrots (grated), 1 cup mayo, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp vinegar, 2 diced jalapeños (seeds removed for mild), 1 tsp celery seed, salt. Stir dressing together, fold in jalapeños and veggies, chill 1 hour. Boosts metabolism with capsaicin, adds vitamin C from peppers, and transforms mild slaw into a bold sidekick.

Asian Fusion KFC Coleslaw

Sesame oil and ginger infuse KFC’s base with umami, pairing perfectly with grilled meats or sushi rolls. Ingredients (serves 8): 1 head cabbage (shredded), 2 carrots (julienned), 3/4 cup mayo, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tsp grated ginger, 1 tsp sugar. Whisk dressing, toss with veggies, let sit 30 minutes. Low-carb, probiotic-rich from ginger, and a fresh twist that cuts sodium with natural flavors.

Keto Creamy KFC Coleslaw

Sugar-free and high-fat for keto dieters, using erythritol to nail the sweetness without carbs. Ingredients (serves 8): 1 head cabbage (shredded), 2 carrots (grated, optional for lower carbs), 1 cup mayo, 1/4 cup erythritol, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp onion powder, salt. Blend dressing, mix in cabbage, chill 2 hours. Under 5g net carbs per serving, supports ketosis, and satisfies cravings guilt-free.

Tangy Apple KFC Coleslaw

Crunchy apples add natural sweetness and texture, evoking autumn harvest with KFC’s creaminess. Ingredients (serves 8): 1/2 head cabbage (shredded), 2 apples (diced), 2 carrots (grated), 1 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp poppy seeds. Combine dressing, fold in fruits and veggies, serve fresh. Packed with antioxidants from apples, probiotic yogurt for gut health, and a refreshing crunch upgrade.

Hawaiian Pineapple KFC Coleslaw

Tropical pineapple chunks bring juicy sweetness, turning slaw into a luau star alongside pulled pork. Ingredients (serves 8): 1 head cabbage (shredded), 1 cup pineapple chunks, 2 carrots (grated), 3/4 cup mayo, 1/4 cup coconut sugar, 2 tbsp lime juice, pinch of salt. Mix wet dressing, incorporate pineapple and veggies, chill 1 hour. Vitamin C boost, natural enzymes aid digestion, and exotic flair for summer parties.

Mexican Fiesta KFC Coleslaw

Cilantro, lime, and cumin amp up the tang for fish tacos or carnitas, fiesta-style. Ingredients (serves 8): 1 head cabbage (shredded), 2 carrots (grated), 1 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup sugar, 3 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 tsp cumin. Whisk base, add herbs and veggies, rest 30 minutes. Anti-inflammatory spices, fresh herbs for detox, and versatile for wraps or bowls.

Garlic Herb KFC Coleslaw

Roasted garlic and dill elevate the creaminess to gourmet levels, great for potlucks. Ingredients (serves 8): 1 head cabbage (shredded), 2 carrots (grated), 1 cup mayo, 2 tbsp minced roasted garlic, 2 tbsp vinegar, 1 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tsp sugar. Blend flavors, toss with slaw, chill overnight. Immunity-boosting garlic, aromatic herbs for flavor depth, and meal-prep friendly.

Sweet Onion KFC Coleslaw

Vidalia onions add mellow sweetness, blending seamlessly with the classic dressing. Ingredients (serves 8): 1 head cabbage (shredded), 1 large sweet onion (finely diced), 2 carrots (grated), 1 cup miracle whip, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp vinegar, celery seed. Stir dressing, mix in onions and veggies, refrigerate 2 hours. Prebiotic onions for gut health, low-calorie volume, and enhanced natural sweetness.

Light & Low-Cal KFC Coleslaw

Greek yogurt halves calories while keeping creaminess, for guilt-free sides. Ingredients (serves 8): 1 head cabbage (shredded), 2 carrots (grated), 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp stevia, 2 tbsp vinegar, 1 tsp mustard, salt. Whip dressing light, combine and chill. Under 50 calories per serving, high protein from yogurt, ideal for weight management.

Ultimate Loaded KFC Coleslaw

Bacon, cheese, and nuts make it a meal, loaded like a baked potato topping. Ingredients (serves 8): 1 head cabbage (shredded), 2 carrots (grated), 3/4 cup mayo, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp vinegar, 1/2 cup crumbled bacon, 1/4 cup cheddar shreds, 1/4 cup chopped pecans. Dress veggies, top with add-ins post-chill. Protein-packed, satisfying crunch, transforms side into entree.

There you have it—12 ways to bring KFC coleslaw home, each tweakable to your taste. Grab that cabbage and start shredding; your next cookout (or midnight snack) will thank you. Which one are you trying first? Drop a comment below!