Author: This KFC coleslaw copycat is creamy, tangy, and perfectly sweet with that classic flavor everyone loves. Finely chopped cabbage and carrots are tossed in a smooth, tangy dressing, making it the perfect make-ahead side for BBQs, potlucks, or easy dinners.
If you've ever wished you could recreate that classic KFC-style coleslaw at home, this recipe nails it. It's creamy, sweet, tangy, and packed with finely chopped cabbage and carrots just like the original, but completely vegan! It's one of those easy side dishes that's perfect for BBQs, burgers, sandwiches, picnics, or anytime you want a cool, crunchy side. And it actually tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep, picnics, or BBQs.
Why You'll Love This KFC Coleslaw Copycat
- Tastes just like the classic: The finely chopped vegetables and creamy sweet-tangy dressing recreate that unmistakable KFC-style coleslaw.
- Perfect make-ahead side: Coleslaw is one of those awesome dishes that actually tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
- Simple ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples and fresh vegetables are all you need.
Ingredients for KFC Coleslaw
For the Slaw:
- Green cabbage: Finely chopping it creates the authentic restaurant texture. A food processor with an S-blade makes it easy.
- Carrot: Adds a little sweetness and color. Again, finely chopped is key here to keep it from being too crunchy.
- Onion: Adds a subtle savory bite that balances the sweet, tangy dressing.
For the Dressing:
- Vegan mayonnaise: Store-bought or homemade, both work great.
- Sugar or maple syrup: KFC coleslaw is known for being a bit sweet; while sugar is the authentic choice, maple syrup works for a more unprocessed option.
- Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice: Adds the signature tangy flavor and brightness.
- Yellow or Dijon mustard: For some complexity.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhance all the flavors in the dressing.
The secret to authentic KFC coleslaw isn't a long list of ingredients, it's the texture. Finely chopping the cabbage, carrot, and onion creates that signature creamy, scoopable slaw that makes this copycat recipe taste so close to the original.
How to Make KFC Coleslaw
- Prepare the Vegetables: Finely chop the cabbage, carrot, and onion until they're all very small and uniform. The finer you chop the vegetables, the closer the texture will be to the original.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Mix Everything Together: Add the cabbage, carrot, and onion to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over top and stir until every piece is evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving. This step is important because the flavors meld together and the cabbage softens slightly, giving it that classic KFC texture. Give it one final stir before serving.
Tips and Variations
- Don't skip the chilling time: Freshly made coleslaw is good, but after a couple of hours in the fridge it becomes excellent.
- Use a food processor: I like to roughly chop the vegetables first, then pulse them a few times using the S-blade. Just be careful not to over-process or you'll end up with mush!
- Make it oil-free: Swap the vegan mayonnaise for plain unsweetened plant-based yogurt or blended silken tofu. It will be a little less creamy, but the taste will still be great!
- Taste after chilling: The flavors mellow as the slaw rests, so if you'd like a little more tang or sweetness, adjust it just before serving.
What to Serve with KFC Coleslaw
This creamy coleslaw is delicious alongside just about any BBQ meal, but it's also fantastic piled onto burgers and sandwiches.
Storage
Store leftover KFC coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, as some of the dressing may settle at the bottom.
If you try this vegan KFC coleslaw recipe, let us know by leaving a comment and rating it. I'd love to see what you made. Share your creation in the It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken Community (this is where we're all hanging out now!) or tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
(click stars to vote)
KFC Coleslaw Copycat (Sweet, Creamy & Vegan!)
Servings: - 8
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Ingredients
For the slaw:
- 6 cups green cabbage, very finely chopped
- ½ cup carrot, peeled and finely chopped (about 1 large carrot)
- 3 tablespoons white or yellow onion, very finely chopped
For the dressing:
- ½ cup vegan mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons white sugar, (or maple syrup)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon yellow or Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the vegetables: Finely chop the cabbage, carrot, and onion until very small and uniform. This is key for that classic KFC-style texture.Tip: A food processor makes this quick and easy. Roughly chop the vegetables, then pulse using the S-blade until finely chopped (be careful not to over-process).
- Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine: Add the cabbage, carrots, and onion to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over top and mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill (important!): Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld. It gets even yummier after resting.
- Serve: Stir well before serving and enjoy!
Sandy says
Sam’s coleslaw recipe is the best! My husband refuses to eat anything but KFC coleslaw. I made this recipe without telling him and he had no idea. He came back for seconds, and we finished eating it the next day. 🤣 Thanks Sam.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hahaha!! Now THAT is the ultimate test 😂 So happy you fooled a devoted KFC coleslaw fan, Sandy! Thanks so much for sharing! 💕
Kathie says
Winner winner (itdoesn’ttastelike) chicken- dinner!!! Again!!! Sam! KFC is my absolute FAVORITE coleslaw- until now!! Your recipes are top notch! Thank you!!!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hahaha, winner winner (it doesn’t taste like) chicken dinner!! 😂 I love it! So happy this one beat out your KFC favorite, Kathie!
Allan says
Made this for the monthly vegan picnic I attend. It was rated highly amongst a strong field of dishes. Quick and simple but very flavoursome, even three days later.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thanks so much, Allan! What a compliment! I'm so glad it held its own among all those delicious picnic dishes. 😊
Danuta says
Super przepis!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Danuta! Thank you so much! 😊 I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 💚
Mary McGrory says
This is stunningly good - just the right level of sweetness and the tang from the mustard is delicious. Finally a vegan coleslaw recipe that doesn’t feel like a compromise for non-vegans (I’m not a fan of most vegan mayo’s available in the U.K.)
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Mary! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 😊 That means a lot, thanks so much!
Nancy says
Tasty and easy to prepare.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Nancy! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 😊 Thanks so much for leaving a comment! 💚
Jess McFee says
I have been using coleslaw instead of lettuce recently,too. I ran out of dressing yesterday, so this came at just the right time. Delicious. I threw in a few tomato slices, walnuts and dried cranberries.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Jess! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 😊 Those additions sound delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Karen says
wanted to make exactly, but realized out of mustard..
it turned out realky good w/o mustard.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Karen! I'm so glad it still turned out well! 😊
Shirley Maides-Keane says
I don’t know what KFC Coleslaw tastes like, but this recipe is an easy way to make great tasting vegan coleslaw.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Shirley! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 😊 Thanks so much for giving it a try!
Eric says
In case anyone needs to know, in Canada, the KFC coleslaw is vegan!
You’re welcome 😉
Felisha says
This is great to know, thanks! 😊
Made the recipe tonight and it was delicious and SUPER easy to make!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! So happy you enjoyed it Felisha 🙂
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Oh cool! I had no idea, thanks for sharing 🙂
Mac says
There is no mustard in KFC coleslaw. I was assistant manager there years ago.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Oh interesting! I love the flavor it adds but you can leave it out if you prefer.
Nina says
Hi it seems a lot of sugar/maple syrup… would it unbalance it if I reduced. The amount. Thanks
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Nina! You can reduce it a little if you prefer a less sweet coleslaw, but the sweetness is part of that classic KFC-style flavor. 😊 I'd start with a small reduction rather than cutting it dramatically, then adjust to taste.