Kfc Coleslaw Recipe

I truly believe a great coleslaw can make a whole meal. The combination of creamy texture and bright, tangy flavor in a classic kfc coleslaw recipe is hard to resist, especially when paired with crispy fried chicken or barbecue. This version elevates that familiar comfort with a hint of smoky paprika and fresh lime, making it even better than the restaurant’s famous side. It’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for family dinners or backyard gatherings where you need a quick, reliable side dish. The key to success here is letting it chill for several hours so the flavors can fully meld, which ensures the vegetables soften just enough for a tender bite. This specific kfc coleslaw recipe focuses on simple, whole ingredients that come together quickly to form a side dish everyone will ask you to make again and again.

Ingredients

This kfc coleslaw recipe with smoked paprika and honey-lime dressing uses a simple list of ingredients that balance sweet, tangy, and creamy elements perfectly. Ensure all ingredients are high quality for the best flavor.

• 680g (1.5 lbs) Green Cabbage: Use a fresh, dense head of green cabbage for the best crunch. Finely shred the cabbage either by hand with a sharp knife or using a food processor for consistent results, ensuring pieces are small and uniform. For an even easier shortcut, purchase a pre-shredded bag of coleslaw mix (though a mix of green and red cabbage will change the final color).
• 200g (2 medium) Carrots: Peel and finely shred the carrots to match the size of the cabbage strands. The carrots add a subtle sweetness and bright color contrast to the finished dish. Avoid grating them too finely into a mush, as they should still retain a bit of texture.
• 50g (1/4 small) White Onion: Finely mince the onion to release its flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. The minced onion is essential for that signature tangy bite found in classic coleslaw. If you prefer a milder flavor, rinse the minced onion in cold water before adding it to remove some of the sharpness.
• 270 ml (1 cup + 2 tablespoons) Mayonnaise: Choose a high-quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the richest, creamiest dressing. This quantity is divided; 240ml for the main dressing and 30ml reserved for the garnish drizzle. (If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, but it will affect the overall flavor profile.)
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) Whole Milk: Helps thin out the mayonnaise to achieve the perfect consistency for the dressing. Ensure you are using whole milk, as skim or low-fat milk can make the dressing too watery. For a tangier dressing, substitute buttermilk for the whole milk.
• 30 ml (2 tablespoons) White Vinegar: Provides the necessary acidity to cut through the richness of the mayonnaise. White vinegar is preferred here for its neutral taste, ensuring the sweetness and paprika shine through.
• 20 ml (1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon) Fresh Lime Juice: Divided, this adds a bright, zesty note that pairs perfectly with the smoked paprika. Use fresh-squeezed lime juice for the best flavor; avoid bottled concentrate.
• 35 ml (2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon) Honey: Divided, the honey provides a mellow sweetness that balances the acidity of the vinegar and lime. You can substitute granulated sugar for the honey if preferred, but honey adds a richer flavor.
• 10g (2 teaspoons) Granulated Sugar: A small amount of granulated sugar enhances the sweetness and balances the dressing perfectly. This combination of honey and sugar replicates the complex sweet profile of the original kfc coleslaw recipe.
• 8.75 ml (1 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon) Smoked Paprika: Divided, this ingredient provides the unique smoky twist that sets this recipe apart. Be sure to use smoked paprika (pimentón ahumado), not just regular sweet paprika, for the desired flavor depth. The paprika also gives the dressing a lovely light orange hue.
• 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) Fine Sea Salt and 1.25 ml (1/4 teaspoon) Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing all the other flavors in the dressing. Adjust to taste, especially after chilling, as flavors intensify over time.
• 5 ml (1 teaspoon) Fresh Chives: A final garnish for color and a subtle onion flavor that brightens the dish right before serving. Finely chop the chives to distribute them evenly over the top.

Optional (plan-ahead): If you’re shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinner’s already decided before your day gets busy.

Instructions

Follow these steps closely to achieve the classic texture and balanced flavor of this kfc coleslaw recipe.

1. Prepare the vegetables: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the finely shredded green cabbage, finely shredded carrots, and very finely minced white onion. Ensure all vegetables are cut to a similar, small size; this is critical for achieving the soft texture of authentic kfc coleslaw. If you used a food processor, pulse until everything is uniformly small, stopping before it turns into mush.
2. Whisk the main dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 240 ml (1 cup) mayonnaise, 60 ml (1/4 cup) whole milk, 30 ml (2 tablespoons) white vinegar, 15 ml (1 tablespoon) fresh lime juice, 30 ml (2 tablespoons) honey, 10g (2 teaspoons) granulated sugar, 5 ml (1 teaspoon) smoked paprika, 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) fine sea salt, and 1.25 ml (1/4 teaspoon) freshly ground black pepper. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth, lump-free, and a uniform light orange-pink color.
   If the dressing looks too thick, add an extra tablespoon of milk to reach a pourable consistency.
3. Combine and chill: Pour the prepared dressing over the shredded vegetables in the large bowl. Toss thoroughly with a large spoon or your hands until all the vegetables are evenly coated and glistening with the dressing. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften slightly, achieving the signature texture of this kfc coleslaw recipe.
4. Prepare the Smoked Paprika Honey-Lime Drizzle: Just before serving, in a small bowl, whisk together the reserved 30 ml (2 tablespoons) mayonnaise, 5 ml (1 teaspoon) fresh lime juice, 5 ml (1 teaspoon) honey, and 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) smoked paprika. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and slightly thicker than the main dressing from step 2; this drizzle adds a final visual pop and extra flavor layer to the kfc coleslaw recipe. Transfer the drizzle to a small squeeze bottle or use a spoon for application.
5. Plate and garnish: Serve the chilled coleslaw in a shallow, white ceramic bowl to make the vibrant colors stand out. Drizzle the reserved Smoked Paprika Honey-Lime Drizzle in an irregular zigzag or swirling pattern over the top of the coleslaw for visual appeal. Garnish with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh chives and a light dusting of the remaining 1.25 ml (1/4 teaspoon) smoked paprika for a final pop of color and aroma.

The Secret to the Signature Creamy Texture

The right texture is critical for a great copycat kfc coleslaw recipe. The secret lies in two things: uniform shredding and sufficient chilling time.

• Uniform Shredding: Finely shredding or mincing the vegetables ensures that every bite has the same soft crunch, preventing large, woody pieces of cabbage from dominating.
• Extended Chilling Time: A minimum of 2 hours, but preferably overnight, allows the salt and sugar in the dressing to draw moisture out of the vegetables, softening them and allowing the flavors to fully meld.
• Avoid Rinsing: Don’t rinse the cabbage after shredding; this adds extra moisture that can make the coleslaw watery.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage

This coleslaw is perfect for meal prep. The flavor only improves after sitting overnight in the fridge. Prepare it fully, up to step 3, and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you store this creamy coleslaw recipe for more than a couple of days, the coleslaw may release extra liquid. To fix this, simply give it a good stir before serving or drain off any excess liquid before plating.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

• Fried Chicken: This is the ultimate pairing for a kfc coleslaw recipe. Serve alongside crispy homemade chicken thighs or chicken tenders for a satisfying family dinner.
• Barbecue Plate: Use this as a refreshing side dish alongside ribs, smoked chicken, and baked beans at your next barbecue.
• Fish Tacos: The unique honey-lime and paprika elements make this coleslaw an excellent, vibrant topping for fish tacos.

FAQs

What kind of mayonnaise works best for this recipe?

Use high-quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the creamiest texture. Low-fat mayo contains more water and can make the dressing too thin for this kfc coleslaw recipe.

Can I use a different vinegar type?

White vinegar is ideal for its neutral flavor profile. You could substitute apple cider vinegar, but it will change the flavor slightly, adding more fruit notes.

How do I shred the vegetables so finely?

A food processor with the shredding blade makes quick work of the cabbage and carrots. For best results, I mince the onion by hand with a sharp knife because a food processor tends to make it too watery and strong-flavored.

Why does the recipe call for both honey and sugar?

The combination provides a balanced sweetness that mimics the unique profile of fast-food coleslaw. Honey adds a rich depth, while the sugar ensures a bright, sweet flavor to cut through the mayo.

Is it okay to skip the chilling time?

No, the chilling time is essential for softening the cabbage and allowing the flavors to meld fully. If served immediately, the texture will be too crunchy and the dressing won’t have fully penetrated the vegetables.

Can I add other ingredients to this coleslaw?

You can add other mix-ins like bell peppers or green onions, but stay true to the core ingredients for the closest copycat kfc coleslaw flavor.

Conclusion

This next-level kfc coleslaw recipe offers all the comfort of the classic side dish with a unique twist that will impress your family and friends. Save this recipe to Pinterest so you can easily find it for your next family dinner.

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