The Ultimate Guide to KFC Coleslaw Recipes
Craving that signature creamy, tangy KFC coleslaw that perfectly complements your favorite fried chicken? You're in the right place! This beloved side dish has captured hearts worldwide with its perfect balance of crisp vegetables and rich, flavorful dressing.
Coleslaw is more than just a side dish—it's a culinary tradition that varies beautifully across different cultures and regions. From the classic American-style preparation to international variations, this versatile salad brings freshness and crunch to any meal. Today, we're sharing six authentic KFC coleslaw recipes that will help you recreate that restaurant-quality taste right in your own kitchen.
Classic Original KFC Coleslaw Recipe

Ingredients for Original KFC Coleslaw:
- 2 medium carrots, finely grated
- 1 medium head cabbage, finely shredded
- 1½ cups plain yogurt
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Preparation:
- Finely shred the cabbage and wash thoroughly under cold water. Drain well and combine with the grated carrots in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, white vinegar, powdered sugar, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the creamy dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly until all vegetables are evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow flavors to meld. The coleslaw is now ready to serve alongside your favorite dishes.
Enhanced KFC Coleslaw with Apple Cider Vinegar

Ingredients for Enhanced KFC Coleslaw:
- ¼ medium onion, finely diced
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 medium head cabbage, shredded
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
Preparation Method:
- Combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and finely diced onion in a large serving bowl.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and lemon juice until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Refrigerate the dressing for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Pour the chilled dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours minimum, or ideally overnight for best flavor development.
Watch How to Make Perfect KFC Coleslaw
Quick and Easy KFC Coleslaw

Ingredients for Quick KFC Coleslaw:
- 4 cups cabbage, finely chopped
- 2½ cups carrots, grated
- 1 tablespoon onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain yogurt
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1½ tablespoons white vinegar
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of white pepper
Quick Preparation Steps:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cabbage, grated carrots, and minced onion.
- For the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, milk, vinegar, sugar, and lemon juice in a deep bowl. Continue whisking until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Season the dressing with salt and white pepper, mixing until well incorporated.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving to achieve the perfect KFC coleslaw texture and flavor.
Restaurant-Style KFC Coleslaw

Ingredients for Restaurant-Style KFC Coleslaw:
- 4 cups cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- ½ cup mayonnaise (note: original lists ¼ teaspoon, but ½ cup is correct for proper consistency)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Restaurant-Style Preparation:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, salt, pepper, milk, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and vinegar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the shredded cabbage and grated carrots to the dressing. Toss thoroughly until all vegetables are evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
Creamy KFC Coleslaw with Extra Mayonnaise

Ingredients for Extra Creamy KFC Coleslaw:
- 1 cup cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Creamy Preparation Method:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cabbage and julienned carrots. Toss gently and set aside.
- Create the creamy dressing by whisking together sugar, salt, ground pepper, milk, mayonnaise, white vinegar, and lemon juice until perfectly smooth.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the coleslaw to reach its optimal creamy consistency.
Sweet KFC Coleslaw with Honey
Ingredients for Honey KFC Coleslaw:
- 2 cups cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon pure honey
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- A pinch of salt
Honey-Sweetened Preparation:
- In a deep bowl, combine the sliced cabbage and grated carrots. Mix gently and set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, sugar, and salt until the mixture is smooth and the honey is fully incorporated.
- Combine the honey dressing with the vegetable mixture, tossing until well coated.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours before serving to allow the sweet flavors to develop fully.
Pro Tips for Perfect KFC Coleslaw:
- Always use fresh, crisp cabbage for the best texture
- Drain excess water from shredded vegetables before adding dressing
- Let the coleslaw chill for at least 2 hours for optimal flavor development
- Adjust sweetness and tanginess to your personal preference
- Store in refrigerator for up to 3-4 days
Ready to Make Your Own KFC Coleslaw?
Now you have six amazing KFC coleslaw recipes to choose from! Each variation offers its own unique twist on this beloved side dish. Whether you prefer the tangy apple cider vinegar version or the sweet honey variation, there's a perfect recipe waiting for you.
Have you tried making KFC coleslaw at home? Which recipe is your favorite? Share your experience in the comments below and let us know how your homemade coleslaw turned out!
Don't forget to share this article with fellow food lovers and tag us in your coleslaw creations on social media. Happy cooking! 🥗✨