KFC Coleslaw Recipe That Skinny Chick Can Bake (2024)

Home » Salads » KFC Coleslaw Recipe with Buttermilk Dressing

posted by Liz Berg

on May 9, 2023 (updated 1/5/24)

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This easy KFC Coleslaw Recipe with Buttermilk Dressing tastes just like the restaurant version. Plus it’s the ultimate picnic or barbecue side dish! You’ll find an excuse to make it again and again!

You’ll go crazy for this light, creamy, sweet, and tangy coleslaw dressing which is a simple mixture of buttermilk, mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sugar, and a few seasonings. Whisked and added to shredded cabbage makes for the Cabbage Slaw.

KFC Coleslaw Recipe That Skinny Chick Can Bake (1)

Table of Contents hide

1 Why You Must Make

2 Ingredient Notes

3 Expert Tips

4 How to Make

5 Frequently Asked Questions

6 You May Also Like:

7 Classic Coleslaw Recipe

Why You Must Make

This recipe is easy to make and it’s perfect for summer picnics and potlucks!
It reminds me of the classic KFC coleslaw!
It’s a tasty side dish any time of year!

This is the best coleslaw recipe of all I’ve tested. It reminds me of that childhood cole slaw, whether carryout or homemade! I could eat a whole batch in one sitting, but I paced myself and enjoyed it over pulled pork and more!

Ingredient Notes

Cabbage and dressing are the two main components of slaw, but with additional ingredients and flavorings, the options are endless. Here are some suggestions on how to shake up your coleslaw recipe:

Buy preshredded cabbage or shred your own. Add some purple cabbage to the green, and carrots also add some great color.
Add some mustard or herbs like thyme or dill to the dressing.
If you’ve never added celery seed to your slaw before, give it a try!
Add some julienned fruit (cut into thin strips) like apples, pears, and even mangoes
Toss in crumbled blue cheese to add a salty creaminess
Nuts or sunflower seeds provide a nice crunch
Crisp, homemade bacon bits also add salty umami.
Dried fruit like raisins, dried cherries, dried cranberries, or dried apricots balance the crunchy with some chewiness.
A Southwest (add some peppers for heat) or Asian twist (add snow peas) is as easy as tweaking the dressing. Even a bottled Asian dressing will work in a pinch.

KFC Coleslaw Recipe That Skinny Chick Can Bake (2)

Expert Tips

You can make this creamy coleslaw recipe with a couple of packages of coleslaw mix from the grocery store or shred your own cabbage. I like adding some shredded carrots and/or purple cabbage to the mixture to provide some color.
Combining buttermilk and mayonnaise makes for a lovely, creamy coleslaw dressing. PRO-Tip: If you don’t have any buttermilk on hand, you can make your own. Place one tablespoon of either vinegar or lemon juice into a one-cup liquid measuring cup. Fill to the one-cup mark with milk and let rest for a minute or two. The mixture will curdle slightly and work well as a buttermilk substitution. Use what you need for the recipe, then refrigerate the leftovers.
PRO-Tip: If you’re not a fan of raw onions, soak them in ice water for about 15 minutes. Drain, or with grated onions, squeeze dry in a paper towel, then add to the recipe. This process removes a bit of the sharpness, but still adds the flavor needed for a classic coleslaw recipe.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Celery seed adds another lovely flavor component, though this is my addition, not in KFC’s coleslaw recipe. I recommend adding it.

How to Make

KFC Coleslaw Recipe That Skinny Chick Can Bake (3)

Shred your vegetables and measure out the seasonings and dressing ingredients.
Whisk together the coleslaw dressing.

KFC Coleslaw Recipe That Skinny Chick Can Bake (4)

Toss the dressing with the shredded vegetables to allow the flavors to meld.
Cover the salad with plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour before serving. Toss again and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Origin of Coleslaw?

Most of us have heard of coleslaw or slaw recipes, but have you ever thought where the name came from? It actually has a Roman origin, as the ancient Romans served a dish with vinegar, cabbage, and eggs.
But the name comes from the Dutch who settled near the Hudson River in New York state according to NPR. The Dutch word kooslatranslates to cabbage salad and sounds very much like today’s dish, coleslaw (sometimes spelled cole slaw). Since mayonnaise hadn’t been invented in the late 1700s, the dressing was made of melted butter, oil, and vinegar.

Is Coleslaw Healthy?

There are health benefits to coleslaw. There is plenty of fiber in the cabbage, plus vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Either a mayonnaise or vinegar-based salad dressing will add fat and calories.

What is the Difference Between Coleslaw and Slaw?

“Cole” refers to cabbage, so coleslaw must contain cabbage. Other slaws may be made with any shredded vegetables.

Classic Coleslaw Recipe

Prep Time15 minutes

Total Time15 minutes

Yield8 servings

Classic Buttermilk Coleslaw that tastes like the KFC version!

Ingredients

8 cups finely chopped cabbage, about one head (may use bagged coleslaw mix, too)
¼ cup shredded carrot (1 medium carrot)
2 tablespoons grated or minced onion
⅓ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon pepper
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup buttermilk
¼ cup cider vinegar
1 teaspoon celery seed, optional, but I highly recommend it!

Instructions

Shred carrots and cabbage to the size of your choice (KFC's version is finely shredded). Alternatively, you can buy a bag or two of the coleslaw veggies ready to go.
Combine the sugar, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, buttermilk, vinegar, and celery seed in a large bowl and whisk until smooth.
Add the cabbage, carrots, and onion, and mix well. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Recipe courtesy of my friend, Mile High Baker.

Use a bag or two of coleslaw mix instead of shredding your own cabbage and carrot for a shortcut.

HOW MUCH DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?

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posted by Liz Berg on May 9, 2023
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39 Comments on “KFC Coleslaw Recipe with Buttermilk Dressing”

2pots2cook — May 12, 2023 @ 2:59 am Reply

Love this healthy salad, especially made with buttermilk!
lisaiscooking — May 9, 2023 @ 11:50 am Reply

This might be weird, but I really like slaw. I would like to always have some of this in my fridge! Especially with some celery seed added.
Jeff the Chef @ Make It Like a Man! — May 9, 2023 @ 9:28 am Reply

I don’t know how the magic in the universe works, but I happen to have a bowlful of shredded cabbage in the fridge, and was just thinking that I should make a slaw.
YK — July 5, 2020 @ 5:20 pm Reply

I used the celery seed option and it was delicious. Since my grocery store does not carry liquid buttermilk, I used powdered (Saco brand), with no problem. I used sixteen ounces of bagged shredded coleslaw mix for the eight cups indicated in the recipe and it was very good, though I could probably have added another 8 oz bag without problem.
- Liz Berg — July 5, 2020 @ 9:13 pm Reply
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  SO glad you enjoyed! Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know!!!
Healthy World Cuisine — June 13, 2020 @ 8:13 pm Reply

We are craving a delicious bowl of coleslaw. This is a perfect side dish for all of our summer grilling and chilling.
ChefMimi — June 13, 2020 @ 8:20 am Reply

I’ve only been to KFC once in my life, and that was during one of our moves. I guess I wasn’t impressed. Actually I’m just not into fast food. I don’t even think about it. there have been a couple times when I was going to force myself to go to some kind of fast food place and I could never follow through! When raising my kids I pretty much made every single meal. Life would have been easier with fast food but I coulcn’t bring myself to do it. And I wasn’t raised on it. In any case, I don’t remember if we had KFC cole slaw, but this looks good. I’ve made it with vinegar and sour cream before, but not buttermilk. I think that makes a lot of sense. Can’t wait to try it. It would be great on fish tacos!
Eva Taylor — June 12, 2020 @ 4:46 pm Reply

We’re doing take out fish and chips tonight and although it comes with a tiny dish of coleslaw, I make my own! Wish I had seen this before I cobbled my slaw together but I’ll bookmark this for next time.
Ben | Havocinthekitchen — June 11, 2020 @ 7:57 pm Reply

While I’m not sure about KFC recipes (I haven’t been there for many years!), but this coleslaw variation looks and sounds delicious. I am digging the buttermilk dressing (It must give an extra lovely tang) and even the celery seeds.
Claudia Lamascolo — June 11, 2020 @ 7:19 am Reply

I am always wanting to try to make slaw myself and this is perfect timing trying to prepare for both sons birthdays social distancing of course! We always celebrate on fathers day so this will be served for all 3 occasions thanks Liz! Sure hope you are all doing well much love sent !
Lindsay Cotter — May 26, 2020 @ 8:40 pm Reply

This coleslaw was a total hit! This recipe will now be my go-to!
Beth Pierce — May 26, 2020 @ 3:49 pm Reply

I love this recipe! I enjoy this more and more every time I make it! Thanks.
Erin — August 15, 2018 @ 2:47 pm Reply

I love the dressing! Perfect for all summer grilling!
Jennifer Blake — August 14, 2018 @ 4:19 pm Reply

I’ve only just recently started eating coleslaw so I’m testing out lots of different recipes and combos to get just the right flavors. Thanks for a winner!
Kristy Bernardo — August 14, 2018 @ 1:52 pm Reply

I absolutely adore coleslaw AND buttermilk dressing but I don’t believe I’ve ever had them together. I can’t wait to try this!
Sandra Garth — January 6, 2014 @ 12:48 pm Reply

During one of my shortcuts over the holidays I bought some ready made coleslaw. I read labels on everything and I’m pretty sure that will be the last time I buy coleslaw. Apologies to my family and thank you for this recipe!
Jennifer Eloff — January 4, 2014 @ 7:59 pm Reply

Funny, when I saw the pic, I thought of the KFC coleslaw, before I read your post…hahaha! Cool.
Ramona — January 4, 2014 @ 7:38 am Reply

My family never went out to eat at restaurants… we ate at Chez Mom almost every night. I only got into McDonald’s and KFC in high school when my friends showed me the light LOL! Funny thing is I am doing the same thing to my kids… but we have let them try KFC or Popeye’s a few times. Those small side dishes they give for my cole slaw is never enough…. so making it at home like this sounds like a winner because I can eat more slaw. 🙂
Angie@Angie's Recipes — January 3, 2014 @ 7:09 am Reply

Our favourite everyday salad! Yours looks fantastic, Liz.
Little Cooking Tips — January 3, 2014 @ 3:19 am Reply

Yummy yummy yummy! One of the American salads we really love. Since buttermilk isn’t sold here in Greece Liz, can we make it ourselves adding vinegar to milk as we read some time ago? Should we skip it and add something else like Greek yogurt instead?
Thank you for sharing!
- Liz Berg — January 3, 2014 @ 7:32 am Reply
  
  Yes, you can definitely make your own buttermilk. Just add a tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of milk and let it sit for a few minutes till it starts to thicken/curdle a bit. It will work perfectly!
  - Little Cooking Tips — January 3, 2014 @ 2:58 pm Reply
    
    Thank you Liz! Now we know what we are having tomorrow with our grilled chicken breasts (time to start losing some Holidays weight) :):)
Maureen | org*smic Chef — January 3, 2014 @ 1:06 am Reply

My mother cooked everything from scratch except bread. It was delivered every day from the bakery. My father made bread when he felt crafty.
We did have KFC once and it was a huge thing. I remember telling my friends about it. LOL
I’m going to make your mother’s cole slaw. 🙂
Jeannie Tay — January 3, 2014 @ 12:25 am Reply

Hi Lizzy, Happy New Year to you and yours:) I am not a fan of coleslaw but would eat it if it is placed in front of me..Kentucky Fried Chicken is my favorite fast food though, just love it!
Betsy @ Desserts Required — January 2, 2014 @ 11:06 pm Reply

Funny thing about picky eaters…they don’t fully understand how happy we foodies are when we get to eat more of a delicious dish and don’t have to share!
I have been craving coleslaw lately and look forward to giving this one a try!
Sarah & Arkadi — January 2, 2014 @ 10:46 pm Reply

Always great to have a classic coleslaw recipe!
Catherine — January 2, 2014 @ 9:54 pm Reply

Dear Lizzy,
My childhood was quite similar to yours! I remember when I wantedto try the Swanson t.v. dinner, with the dessert and the little compartments of food. It was a real treat when my mom said o.k..
She was such a good cook and she would try to recreate dishes too.
These are fond memories as I know yours are too.
I know what you mean when picky eaters don’t even want to try something and it is all to yourself.
I love coleslaw and it is healthy.
Blessings dear. Catherine xo
Kelly — January 2, 2014 @ 8:44 pm Reply

We adored the KFC coleslaw growing up too, our parents would usually get the family bucket whenever we had outdoor picnics at the park. Your classic coleslaw looks wonderful, thanks for sharing Liz 🙂
Abbe@This is How I Cook — January 2, 2014 @ 7:30 pm Reply

It took me a long time to like cole slaw but now i love it! this looks like a great recipe and a recipe is what I’ve never had. I always just wing it, so it is always a surprise. No one seems to mind though!
Healing Tomato — January 2, 2014 @ 6:05 pm Reply

I really like your recipe for cole slaw. All your recipes are always refreshing.
Susan — January 2, 2014 @ 5:25 pm Reply

Just how much will it date me if I tell you there WAS no fast food when I was a kid?! Good sounding slaw recipe for my next pulled pork endeavor and I love the celery seed addition. They’re great tossed into potato salad, as well. Thanks to you and MHB!
ela@GrayApron — January 2, 2014 @ 1:23 pm Reply

Oh mine…I miss cole slaw. Plenty of cabbage around here. Thanks for a classic recipe, definitely on my to-do list. Happy New Year 🙂 ela
Rosella — January 2, 2014 @ 12:18 pm Reply

KFC was always a special treat for a family picnic – rarely ever went “out” to eat at a restaurant. We lived on a farm with huge gardens, chickens, cows, and pigs. Coleslaw is always a salad we love – especially with chicken and pork meals. Your slaw looks wonderful!
Ruthy @ Omeletta — January 2, 2014 @ 11:50 am Reply

I love coleslaw on a hot sandwich- like a Turkey “Rachel” instead of a Rueben! So good at diner restaurants when they fry it up on the flat top with the turkey, it’s making me hungry just thinking about it! And i love that you added celery seed, it’s always such a refreshing spice to use.
The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time — January 2, 2014 @ 10:53 am Reply

We hardly ever ate at fast food joints either. I remember when our McDonalds only had ‘10,000 hamburgers served’ on their marquee. We would be so excited that we’d go and make it 10,006. I love, love, love cole slaw … either creamy or vinaigretty. I’d probably eat that entire bowl.
Debra — January 2, 2014 @ 10:29 am Reply

It’s funny how we think we were deprived of growing up. We lived in the country away from any town big enough for fast food anything. We even had friends whose dad was so in love with Pizza Hut that he would buy a huge stack of them whenever he went to the city and bring them home to freeze. (That was a little OCD if you ask me.) A good cole slaw is hard to beat. This sounds great!
Megan - The Emotional Baker — January 2, 2014 @ 6:26 am Reply

Thanks for sharing about your mom. I haven’t been able to make a great cole slaw, but this recipe looks great. I can’t wait to try 🙂
Happier Than A Pig in Mud — January 2, 2014 @ 5:33 am Reply

Cole slaw is a family favorite here! This one sounds good with the buttermilk and onion:@)
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes — January 2, 2014 @ 4:36 am Reply

Don’t all kids want junk food growing up? I was dying for bought stuff instead of the same (few) recipes on my mom’s calendar! No wonder I ended up cooking and baking myself..lol. I adore coleslaw, and the traditional one is still a winner. Gorgeous recipe Liz! And a way to use a jar of celery seeds languishing in my pantry

KFC Coleslaw Recipe That Skinny Chick Can Bake (2024)

FAQs

What is Kentucky Fried Chicken coleslaw made of? ›

KFC coleslaw is a sweet and tangy side dish made with shredded cabbage and carrots, coated in a creamy dressing. The dressing is made with a blend of mayonnaise, buttermilk, vinegar, sugar, and spices, which gives it its distinctive flavor. The cabbage is finely chopped, so it has a crisp and refreshing texture.

Does KFC coleslaw contain horseradish? ›

Does KFC Coleslaw Contain Horseradish? The answer is yes, and no. The original recipe had a touch of horseradish in it, and many people remember that version well. If that flavor is something you're looking for, try about one teaspoon of prepared horseradish in this recipe.

Read On ›

Is KFC coleslaw high in carbs? ›

Kentucky Fried Chicken Coleslaw (1 package) contains 17.5g total carbs, 15.3g net carbs, 9.7g fat, 1g protein, and 161 calories.

Get More Info Here ›

How to make coleslaw Gordon Ramsay? ›

In a bowl mix together 2 Tbs vinegar, juice of half lemon, 3 Tbs mayonnaise, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp salt and pepper and mix well. Add the dressing into the cabbage and mix well. Let sit for 15 minutes before serving as a healthy side dish to your burger!

Get More Info ›

What is traditional coleslaw made of? ›

What is traditional coleslaw made of? Traditional coleslaw is little more than shredded cabbage and a creamy dressing. This recipe adds a bit more flavor with shredded carrots and onion. The creamy dressing is made with mayonnaise, sugar, cider vinegar, salt, and pepper, for a just right tangy-sweet flavor.

Why did KFC stop selling coleslaw? ›

The fast food chain was forced to stop selling its coleslaw tubs when a supply issue meant the slaw would have to be served up without the dressing. “We are currently experiencing a supply issue with our KFC coleslaw dressing,” a KFC spokesperson said. The slaw is made up of cabbage and carrots coated in mayonnaise.

Explore More ›

Which mayonnaise is used in KFC? ›

Q. Which mayonnaise does KFC use? The company produces peppercorn mayo by removing the yolks of pasteurised eggs and combining it in a food processor with red pepper, lime juice, mustard, and garlic. Then stir in the oil, pepper, and salt.

Explore More ›

Have KFC changed their recipe? ›

KFC, also known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, has changed their recipe multiple times over the years. However, the most notable change to their recipe was in 2016, when they announced that they were going to remove all antibiotics important to human medicine from their chicken supply by the end of 2018.

How healthy is KFC coleslaw? ›

KFC, Coleslaw contains 161 calories per 112 g serving. This serving contains 9.7 g of fat, 1 g of protein and 18 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 15 g sugar and 2.2 g of dietary fiber, the rest is complex carbohydrate. KFC, Coleslaw contains 1.5 g of saturated fat and 2.2 mg of cholesterol per serving.

Read The Full Story ›

Can you eat KFC on a low-carb diet? ›

In addition, fried chicken from restaurants like Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) contain about 3–11 g of carbs, depending on the specific cut (5). Grilled chicken is a lower carb option, which is available at many fast food franchises. Each piece of grilled KFC chicken contains 0 g of carbs (5).

See Details ›

Can you eat KFC on a keto diet? ›

KFC. Although KFC is renowned for the Colonel's crispy fried chicken, its batter unfortunately adds 8-11 net carbs for just one medium-sized piece. That being said, KFC can still be a keto-friendly spot to hit up when ordering Kentucky grilled chicken.

Discover More Details ›

Why does my homemade coleslaw taste bitter? ›

Cabbage Core:Issue: The core of the cabbage can be bitter, especially if it's not removed before shredding. Solution: Ensure that you remove the core of the cabbage before shredding it. Cut the cabbage in half, then cut out the triangular core from each half. Old Cabbage:Issue: Older cabbage may develop a bitter taste.