The Best Copycat Coleslaw Recipe We've Tried

This copycat KFC coleslaw recipe tastes just like the real thing. When testing, our Test Kitchen found the longer the coleslaw chilled, the better it tasted. Go ahead and whip up a bowl and let the coleslaw sit overnight to really let those flavors develop.

Copycat Coleslaw Ingredients

This copycat KFC coleslaw starts with a packaged veggie mix and a sweet creamy sauce. Here's what you'll need to make it.

• Cabbage Mix: To keep things easy, we used a bag of coleslaw mix for this copycat recipe. It contains pre-shredded cabbage and carrots. To mimic the restaurant-style texture, you'll need to chop it before combining it with the sauce.
• Mayo: You can use your favorite mayo in this recipe. You'll need 1/2 a cup.
• Sugar: Our Test Kitchen tested the recipe with plain granulated sugar. Many restaurant-style coleslaws are on the sweet side.
• Milks: Thin the dressing with a combination of whole milk and buttermilk. Don't skip the buttermilk—it helps balance the sweetness and adds a little tanginess.
• Onion: For the best texture, grate your onion rather than chopping it. We used a yellow onion when testing the recipe.
• Vinegar: Just two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar gives this recipe for copycat coleslaw the signature flavor you know and love.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice helps cut through the richness of the dressing and brightens up the dish.
• Salt: Balance the flavors and sweetness with salt.

How to Make Copycat Coleslaw

Making this homemade coleslaw is as easy as chopping your ingredients and mixing the sauce. That said, our recipe testers found it tasted best once after chilling in the fridge overnight. The texture softens slightly and the flavors meld.

How to Store Coleslaw

If you have leftover prepared coleslaw, it will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container. If the coleslaw has sat out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, discard. If you're unsure, err on the side of caution and toss it.