Go Back Email Link

The Colonel's Coleslaw

Recreate the Colonel's famous KFC coleslaw at home with this copycat recipe. Finely diced cabbage and carrots in a creamy mayo dressing — the secret is in the dice. Perfect for barbecues and summer cookouts.
Prep Time15 minutes
Chill Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 15 minutes
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: BBQ sides, cabbage salad, colonel's coleslaw, copycat coleslaw, creamy coleslaw, KFC coleslaw recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 head of cabbage finely diced
  • 2 medium carrots 8-10 inch, finely diced
  • 1/2 medium onion finely minced
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 tbsp vinegar
  • 2 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper

Instructions

  • Cut cabbage into wedges. Feed wedges vertically into food processor to create fine dice. Transfer to large bowl.
  • Peel carrots and slice lengthwise into quarters. Feed quarters through food processor to create fine dice. Add to bowl with cabbage.
  • Mince onion using food processor and add to bowl with vegetables.
  • In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine sugar, mayonnaise, milk, buttermilk, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until all lumps are gone.
  • Pour dressing over vegetables in large bowl. Fold dressing in gently, making sure all vegetables are coated. Use a large bowl to avoid overflow.
  • Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Place in refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for best flavor.
  • Serve cold as a side dish at barbecues or summer cookouts.

Notes

The key to authentic Colonel's coleslaw is the fine dice of the cabbage and carrots. A food processor makes this quick (about 10 seconds). Don't quarter the carrots lengthwise or you'll get long shreds instead of small dice. Allow to sit overnight for the best flavor development.