How to Make Restaurant Style Coleslaw (Just like KFC)

This Southern coleslaw recipe is my favorite coleslaw recipe! Sweet and tangy, it’s the perfect side dish for barbecue chicken, a pulled pork sandwich, burgers, hot dogs and even fried chicken. 

A simple mixture of crunchy cabbage and carrots in a deliciously creamy dressing, this slaw is easy to make and a big crowd pleaser. 

Does anyone else have KFC memories from childhood? My dad would make Popeye’s runs when we were kids. He always liked their chicken better. But KFC’s coleslaw was, hands down, the best. 

He’d bring home a big bucket of crispy fried chicken with buttermilk biscuits and coleslaw. This restaurant-style recipe is exactly how I remember it. 

What’s in this Southern Coleslaw Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this homemade coleslaw recipe:

• Green cabbage
• Matchstick carrots
• Onion
• Mayonnaise
• Vinegar
• Cornstarch
• Sugar
• Paprika
• Garlic Powder
• Dry mustard

How to make this Southern Coleslaw Recipe

There are two steps to making this KFC coleslaw copycat recipe: the cabbage mixture and the dressing.  

Make the cabbage mixture

Doing the cabbage can be as easy or as hard as you make it. Either shred a head of green cabbage by hand, using a sharp knife, or in a food processor with a grater attachment.

You could also grab a pre-cut coleslaw mix from the grocery store. 

Either way, you’re going to want to cut the shredded cabbage nice and small so you get that restaurant-style texture. The coleslaw at KFC is has very finely chopped cabbage, so if you want to get the texture right, this is a crucial step. 

Do the same thing with the carrots, unless you can also find a pre-cut bag of matchstick carrots at your local grocery store. 

Make the dressing

The tangy dressing is the best part of this Southern coleslaw recipe! Simply whisk all of the ingredients together in a large bowl. 

Then, add the cabbage mixture to the same bowl and toss it in the coleslaw dressing. No need to use a separate bowl. This way, there’s less to wash!

See the recipe card below for full instructions.

How to Serve Southern Coleslaw

This is the best coleslaw recipe for bbq chicken, burgers, dogs, fried chicken and so much more!

Its tangy flavor and subtle sweetness balance out so many main dishes. Here are my favorite ways to enjoy it:

• Pile it on top of your favorite pulled chicken or pork sandwiches. 
• Serve it on the side of grilled meats, burgers and dogs.
• For a low carb meal, toss it in a salad bowl with sliced grilled chicken breast.

Variations

This southern-style coleslaw is a classic! It’s best to make this easy recipe as-is, but here are some simple modifications you can make:

• I use plain white vinegar in this recipe, but you can substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Lemon juice, although an acid, would alter the flavor of the dressing.
• Try diced orange bell pepper instead of shredded carrots. They’ll give the same sweetness and color. I started doing this because the Big Guy is allergic to carrots. 
• If you like the color that red cabbage offers, use a mixture of half green and half red cabbage instead of all green. 

How long will coleslaw last?

Coleslaw can last for several days if properly stored in the refrigerator. Typically, coleslaw can maintain its quality for up to three to five days when you store leftovers in an airtight container.

The best way to maximize the life of your slaw is to start with the freshest ingredients possible.

Can this Southern Coleslaw Recipe be made ahead of time? 

This slaw is a great make-ahead option for backyard barbecues and potlucks!

Coleslaw is one of those side dishes that actually tastes better after it sits for a while. If you make this classic coleslaw recipe ahead of time and give it a few hours in the fridge, the dressing will naturally soften the cabbage without taking away its crunch.

Also, the flavors of the dressing will have a chance to harmonize. 

When you make this Southern coleslaw recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy!

For more delicious side dish recipes, try these:

• Healthy Southwestern Coleslaw Recipe (no Mayo)
• Sweet Summer Corn & Scallion Salad
• Easy Black Bean & Corn Salad
• Mediterranean Pasta Salad
• Bowtie Pesto Pasta Salad