This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
A KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe! The coleslaw dressing is made with Miracle Whip and tastes just like the original KFC cole slaw. Make this today for a tasty side dish.
We may not have the exact KFC Coleslaw recipe, but this one is pretty darn close! I do not know what it is about KFC coleslaw that draws me in, but I love it. And despite the fact it has been years since I have had KFC, I still get the hankering for the coleslaw which is why I am so excited to have figured out this KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe. It is so very similar to the original that I think you might have a hard time telling the difference.
KFC Coleslaw Dressing Ingredients:
KFC’s coleslaw dressing is the perfect combination of creamy and tangy. To achieve that, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Miracle Whip – the key to the KFC coleslaw recipe is to use Miracle Whip in place of traditional mayonnaise. This has been confirmed by an ex-employee who says that KFC makes their coleslaw with Miracle Whip and not mayonnaise. Miracle Whip is the base of this dressing.
- Sugar – coleslaw dressing needs a bit of sweetness. Adjust according to our taste preferences.
- Onion – very finely chopped onion rounds out the ingredients list for this recipe.
- Oil – we use vegetable oil. Another good neutral oil option would be canola oil. It helps smooth out the dressing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – this adds the tangy kick that we love about a good coleslaw!
Some KFC copycat recipes call for buttermilk. I found that it tastes much more like the original when buttermilk is not used. Miracle Whip combined with apple cider vinegar provides that balanced sweet but tangy dressing that we all love.
How to make the KFC Coleslaw recipe:
- Make the coleslaw dressing: I am a Hellman’s girl myself, but I specifically made a special trip to the store, just to buy Miracle Whip. The taste of Miracle Whip versus Mayo in this recipe really does make a difference so step #1 to making a KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe at home is… go buy Miracle Whip then combine all of the dressing ingredients in a bowl.
- Chop and Prepare the ingredients: both the cabbage and onion need to be very finely chopped. I cannot emphasize enough that the onion needs to be very finely chopped so that it does not overpower the other ingredients. Carrots can be shredded or diced.
- Combine the ingredients: mix together the coleslaw dressing with the chopped cabbage, onion and carrot.
- Chill: Arguably the most important step is to chill the coleslaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours! If you whip up this batch of KFC coleslaw and plan to eat it immediately, it WILL NOT taste the same. You need to give it time to hang out in the fridge so that all of the flavors can blend together. Trust me, do not skip this step!
This coleslaw recipe comes together in about 20 minutes, the longest task will be to simply get the cabbage and carrots chopped. If you want your coleslaw to look like KFC coleslaw, you’ll need to take the time to pretty finely chop the cabbage and carrots.
Chopping ingredients for coleslaw
A food processor is an incredible tool for evenly chopping vegetables and preparing cabbage for coleslaw. A sharp knife also works well if you do not have a food processor available.
Once it chills, you’ll be left with a KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe with dressing that tastes just like the original, thanks to the miracle whip. Serve this at potluck’s or summer BBQ’s and this will get rave reviews, promise!
Recipe tips
- Chop the onion very finely. You do not want an overpowering onion taste!
- Be sure to use Miracle Whip instead of Mayo for a more authentic taste.
- Allow the coleslaw to chill in the refrigerator for 24 hours for the best result!
What to serve with coleslaw:
This KFC Coleslaw recipe pairs so perfectly with my recipe for Slow cooker Pulled Pork. Other sides that pair well with this coleslaw include my Instant Pot Baked Beans , Buttermilk Biscuits , or even this Easy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese.
If you try this KFC Coleslaw Recipe, and I hope that you do, please leave a comment or tag me on social media and let me know what you think! I love hearing from you! Enjoy!
KFC Coleslaw Copycat
Ingredients
- 1 cup Miracle Whip
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/4 cup yellow onion (very finely chopped)
- 8 cups cabbage (finely chopped)
- 2 carrots, shredded or finely chopped
