Creamy Coleslaw

Name: Creamy Coleslaw Recipe (KFC-Inspired)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tbsp milk; 1 tbsp buttermilk; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tbsp white vinegar; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 medium head green cabbage; 1 medium carrot; 2 tbsp onion

Jump to ingredients

This creamy coleslaw features finely chopped cabbage and carrots tossed in a rich, tangy mayo-based dressing inspired by KFC's classic side. It comes together in under 15 minutes and tastes even better when made ahead.

🌍American 🏷️Coleslaw 🏷️Creamy coleslaw 🏷️Cabbage salad 🏷️Copycat recipe Southern

Recipes A to Z·Creators A to Z·Cocktails·About·Privacy·Terms

🏷️

dinnerin321onTikTok

Total

15 min

Servings

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by dinnerin321

dinnerin321onTikTok

Ingredients

Check what you already have. We'll leave it off your shopping list.

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp milk
1 tbsp buttermilk
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp white vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 medium head green cabbage
1 medium carrot
2 tbsp onion

11 Ingredients

CookOS may earn a commission from Instacart orders.

Prices vary by store

^*Service fees apply. Instacart^® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.

Instructions

1
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
2
Whisk the dressing ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
3
Finely chop the cabbage, shred the carrot, and finely mince the onion.
4
Add the prepared cabbage, carrot, and onion to the bowl with the dressing.
5
Stir everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
6
For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Was this recipe helpful?

Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Chill all ingredients before mixing for a crisper texture and better dressing adhesion.
Use a mandoline or food processor to finely shred cabbage and carrots evenly — this ensures uniform texture and faster prep.
Make the dressing 30 minutes before adding vegetables so flavors can meld, then toss just before serving to keep cabbage crisp.
Taste and adjust: if too sweet, add more lemon juice or vinegar; if too tangy, add a splash of milk.

Substitutions

Mayonnaise → Greek yogurt or sour cream (lighter, tangier result)
Buttermilk → Regular milk mixed with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar (mimics tanginess)
White vinegar → Apple cider vinegar (slightly more complex flavor)
Granulated sugar → Honey or agave (use 3 tbsp instead of 1/4 cup for same sweetness)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The coleslaw tastes best within the first 24 hours but keeps well if sealed tightly.