14 Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipes Creamy

Ah, the nostalgia! Growing up in the ’80s, nothing beat a bucket of KFC fried chicken with that signature creamy coleslaw on the side. It was the perfect cool, tangy crunch to balance the crispy heat—my family picnics were incomplete without it. Fast-forward to now, and I’ve spent countless evenings in my tiny apartment kitchen reverse-engineering that elusive recipe, tweaking mayo ratios and vinegar zings until it tasted just like the real deal.

Lately, I’ve been on a copycat mission, experimenting with healthier twists, vegan swaps, and bold flavor boosts to make this classic even better for modern tables. Whether you’re craving comfort food or a potluck showstopper, these 14 creamy KFC-inspired coleslaw recipes deliver that iconic sweetness and creaminess without the drive-thru line.

Classic KFC-Style Creamy Coleslaw

This is the gold standard—spot-on replication of KFC’s famous coleslaw with its sweet-tangy creaminess. Ingredients: 1 head green cabbage (shredded), 1 large carrot (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 miracle? It stays crisp for days thanks to the balanced acidity, perfect for meal prep.

Benefits include a low-carb side that satisfies fried chicken cravings guilt-free, packed with veggie fiber for digestion.

Tangy Miracle Whip KFC Coleslaw

A lighter riff using Miracle Whip for that signature KFC tang without extra mayo heaviness. Ingredients: 8 cups shredded cabbage mix, 1 cup Miracle Whip, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp celery seed, salt to taste. Whisk dressing, combine with slaw, refrigerate overnight. This version cuts calories by 20% while amplifying zing.

It’s ideal for diabetics with controlled sugar and adds probiotics from fermentation-friendly vinegar for gut health.

Vegan Buttermilk KFC Coleslaw

Creamy and dairy-free using cashew “buttermilk” for authentic KFC silkiness. Ingredients: 6 cups shredded cabbage and carrots, 1 cup soaked cashews (blended with 1/2 cup water + 1 tbsp vinegar for buttermilk), 2 tbsp agave, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp onion powder. Blend dressing, mix in veggies, chill 1 hour. Plant-based perfection!

Boosts protein from nuts and antioxidants from cabbage, great for vegan picnics.

Spicy Sriracha KFC Coleslaw

KFC coleslaw with a fiery kick for heat lovers. Ingredients: 1 bag coleslaw mix, 3/4 cup mayo, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sriracha, 1 tsp garlic powder. Stir dressing, coat slaw, let sit 30 minutes. The spice wakes up your palate!

Adds metabolism-boosting capsaicin while keeping the creamy cool-down.

Apple Cider Vinegar KFC Coleslaw

Brightened with apple cider for subtle fruitiness mimicking KFC’s depth. Ingredients: 7 cups shredded cabbage, 1 cup mayo, 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup honey, 1 tsp celery salt. Dress and marinate 4 hours. Healthier vinegar aids blood sugar stability.

Probiotic-rich for immunity, plus natural sweetness reduces refined sugar needs.

Greek Yogurt Healthy KFC Coleslaw

Protein-packed swap using yogurt for a lighter, tangier KFC clone. Ingredients: 8 cups coleslaw veggies, 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tsp lemon zest, salt/pepper. Mix well, chill overnight. Halves fat content!

Supports muscle repair with 20g protein per batch and probiotics for digestion.

Pineapple Tropical KFC Coleslaw

KFC-inspired with pineapple chunks for juicy sweetness. Ingredients: 6 cups cabbage slaw, 1/2 cup mayo, 1/4 cup crushed pineapple (drained), 2 tbsp vinegar, 2 tbsp sugar, pinch nutmeg. Fold together, rest 1 hour. Tropical twist delights!

Vitamin C from pineapple boosts collagen; low-cal refreshment.

Celery Seed Crunchy KFC Coleslaw

Emphasizes celery seed for that authentic KFC popcorn-like pop. Ingredients: 1 head cabbage (finely shredded), 1 cup mayo, 1/4 cup sugar, 3 tbsp vinegar, 2 tsp celery seed, 1 tsp salt. Toss and chill 2+ hours. Stays ultra-crisp!

Anti-inflammatory seeds aid joint health; fiber curbs hunger.

Keto Low-Carb KFC Coleslaw

Sugar-free for keto fans, using erythritol for KFC creaminess. Ingredients: 8 cups shredded cabbage/carrots, 1 cup mayo, 1/4 cup erythritol, 2 tbsp vinegar, 1 tsp stevia, mustard powder. Blend dressing, mix, refrigerate. Zero net carbs!

Ketosis-friendly with healthy fats for sustained energy.

Dill Pickle KFC Coleslaw

Briny pickles echo KFC’s subtle pickle notes in coleslaw form. Ingredients: 7 cups slaw mix, 3/4 cup mayo, 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles, 2 tbsp pickle juice, 1 tbsp sugar, pepper. Combine, chill 1 hour. Pickle punch!

Electrolyte-rich juice hydrates; fermented benefits for gut.

Mustard Tang KFC Coleslaw

Dijon mustard amps the creamy sharpness like upgraded KFC. Ingredients: 6 cups cabbage, 1 cup mayo, 2 tbsp Dijon, 2 tbsp apple vinegar, 3 tbsp sugar, onion flakes. Whisk and toss, marinate overnight. Bold flavor elevation!

Mustard seeds provide selenium for thyroid support.

Red Cabbage KFC Coleslaw

Colorful red cabbage for antioxidant-rich KFC vibes. Ingredients: 4 cups red cabbage + 3 cups green (shredded), 1 cup mayo, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, salt. Dress lightly, chill 3 hours. Vibrant and sturdy!

Anthocyanins fight inflammation; doubles veggie power.

Onion Powder Secret KFC Coleslaw

Hidden onion powder nails KFC’s umami without chunks. Ingredients: 8 cups coleslaw mix, 1 cup mayo, 3 tbsp vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tsp onion powder, celery salt. Mix thoroughly, rest 2 hours. Seamless savoriness!

Breath-friendly onion boost without tears; mineral-rich.

Lemon Zest Bright KFC Coleslaw

Zesty lemon elevates the creamy base to fresh KFC heights. Ingredients: 7 cups shredded veggies, 3/4 cup mayo, 1/4 cup sugar, 3 tbsp lemon juice + zest, pinch paprika. Stir and chill 1 hour. Sunshine in every bite!

Vitamin C galore for immunity; zest aids detox.

There you have it—14 ways to nail that addictive KFC creamy coleslaw at home, from classics to creative twists. Grab your cabbage, experiment this weekend, and elevate your BBQs or weeknight dinners. Which one will you try first? Share your results in the comments!