If you’ve ever found yourself craving that uniquely refreshing, lightly tangy, and creamy side dish that perfectly complements a hearty meal, then you’re in for a treat. The Creamy Famous KFC Coleslaw Classic Everyone Will Love Recipe brings a nostalgic twist to your table with its irresistibly smooth dressing balanced by crisp, finely chopped cabbage and just the right touch of sweetness. It’s a crowd-pleaser that elevates simple ingredients into something so delightfully addictive, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly amazing about this recipe is how it transforms everyday ingredients into a masterpiece of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role, whether adding creaminess, zing, crunch, or color, making this coleslaw a perfect blend that’s both refreshing and comforting.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base; use vegan mayo for a plant-based version.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Balances the tanginess; adjust to taste for desired sweetness.
- 1/4 cup whole milk: Helps lighten the dressing; almond milk works great for a dairy-free twist.
- 1/4 cup buttermilk: Adds richness; substitute with milk mixed with lemon juice if needed.
- 2 1/2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brightens flavors beautifully and brings a fresh zing.
- 1 1/2 tbsp distilled white vinegar: Enhances tang; apple cider vinegar makes a wonderful alternative.
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors wonderfully.
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth without overpowering.
- 4 cups finely chopped green cabbage: Aim for rice-sized pieces for that perfect satisfying crunch.
- 1/4 cup shredded carrot: Introduces a splash of color and gentle sweetness.
- 2 tbsp minced white onion: Gives a mild, savory kick to balance the creaminess.
How to Make Creamy Famous KFC Coleslaw Classic Everyone Will Love Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies
Start by finely chopping the green cabbage and shredding the carrots into rice-sized pieces. This texture is key because it allows every bite to feel light and crunchy without being overwhelming. The smaller bits also mean the flavors mingle perfectly with the creamy dressing.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the mayonnaise, sugar, whole milk, buttermilk, freshly squeezed lemon juice, distilled white vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Take your time here to achieve a smooth, velvety dressing with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that define the Creamy Famous KFC Coleslaw Classic Everyone Will Love Recipe.
Step 3: Combine Vegetables and Dressing
Add the finely chopped cabbage, shredded carrots, and minced white onion right into the bowl with your dressing. Gently toss everything together until the veggies are fully coated and glistening. The key here is a gentle toss so the veggies stay crisp and fresh without getting soggy.
Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Marry
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling process is essential — it allows the flavors to meld and develop that signature taste everyone remembers and loves. For an even better depth of flavor, let the coleslaw rest overnight, transforming it into a luscious treat.
How to Serve Creamy Famous KFC Coleslaw Classic Everyone Will Love Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few thin slices of radish make beautiful, fresh garnishes that add a pop of color and a fresh bite to this creamy coleslaw. Adding a pinch of extra black pepper right before serving can also awaken the flavors.
Side Dishes
This coleslaw is a dream companion for fried chicken, grilled meats, or even a classic barbecue feast. It balances rich, smoky flavors perfectly and offers a refreshing crunch, making every meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the coleslaw in individual mini mason jars or lettuce cups at a party. You could even top baked potatoes or tacos with this creamy salad for a delightful texture and flavor upgrade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving again to redistribute the dressing and crunch you love in the Creamy Famous KFC Coleslaw Classic Everyone Will Love Recipe.
Freezing
Coleslaw is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing isn’t recommended. The texture of the cabbage and carrots changes after thawing, losing that crispness distinctive to this classic recipe.
Reheating
This coleslaw is a cold dish and should not be reheated. Enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge for the freshest taste and perfect creaminess.
FAQs
Can I make this coleslaw vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap the mayonnaise for a vegan version and use almond milk or any plant-based milk in place of whole milk and buttermilk. The tang and creaminess will stay wonderfully intact.
How far ahead can I prepare this coleslaw?
You can make this coleslaw up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, letting it sit overnight really improves the flavor as it gives the dressing time to soak into the veggies.
Is there a way to reduce the sugar without losing flavor?
Yes, you can slightly reduce the sugar if you prefer less sweetness, but remember that sugar balances the tanginess in this recipe. Tweak it little by little and taste as you go to keep that classic flavor profile.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots to save time?
Of course! Just make sure the cabbage is finely shredded as this recipe depends on that delicate texture. You might want to chop pre-shredded cabbage a bit more for the best result.
What’s the best way to serve this coleslaw at a gathering?
Serve it chilled in a large bowl with enough spoons for easy self-serving. For extra fun, try portioning out in small individual bowls or jars to keep things neat and stylish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and charming about the Creamy Famous KFC Coleslaw Classic Everyone Will Love Recipe. It’s one of those beloved dishes that makes every meal feel special, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a lively celebration. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch it become a staple in your home too!
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Creamy Famous KFC Coleslaw Classic Everyone Will Love Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 to 8.8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic KFC-inspired creamy coleslaw features finely chopped green cabbage, shredded carrots, and a tangy, smooth dressing made from mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, and a touch of sugar. Perfectly balanced with a subtle hint of onion and vinegar, this coleslaw is a crisp, refreshing side dish that everyone will love. It’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients and tastes best when chilled for a few hours to blend the flavors beautifully.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (provides the creamy base; use vegan mayo for a plant-based version)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (balances the tanginess; adjust to taste for desired sweetness)
- 1/4 cup whole milk (helps lighten the dressing; use almond milk for a dairy-free option)
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (adds richness; substitute with milk mixed with lemon juice if needed)
- 2 1/2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (brightens flavors beautifully)
- 1 1/2 tbsp distilled white vinegar (enhances tang; apple cider vinegar works well too)
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt (enhances all the flavors wonderfully)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper (adds a subtle warmth)
Vegetables
- 4 cups finely chopped green cabbage (aim for rice-sized pieces for that perfect crunch)
- 1/4 cup shredded carrot (adds a splash of color and sweetness)
- 2 tbsp minced white onion (gives a mild, savory kick)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Finely chop the green cabbage and shred the carrots into rice-sized pieces to achieve the perfect texture and crunch characteristic of this coleslaw.
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, whole milk, buttermilk, freshly squeezed lemon juice, distilled white vinegar, sea salt, and ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Toss the Vegetables: Add the finely chopped cabbage, shredded carrots, and minced white onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss them together until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill to Blend Flavors: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 2 hours. For optimal flavor development, it’s best to let it chill overnight, allowing the dressing to fully meld with the vegetables.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo and use almond milk instead of whole milk and buttermilk.
- Adjust sugar quantity to your taste to control the sweetness level of the dressing.
- Make sure to finely chop the cabbage into very small pieces to achieve the classic KFC coleslaw texture.
- For best results, prepare the coleslaw at least a couple of hours ahead to let the flavors meld well before serving.
- You can substitute distilled white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tang profile.
