Ah, coleslaw. It’s like the sidekick every BBQ hero deserves—crunchy, creamy, and unreasonably moreish. I remember that one summer picnic where I tried to replicate the KFC magic, and, well, let’s just say it wasn’t quite a masterpiece.
But after a few tweaks and some kitchen chaos, this recipe came to life and stole the show. It’s like bringing a little bit of fast-food nostalgia right into your own kitchen, minus the drive-thru drama!
Steps
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, buttermilk, milk, lemon juice, and white vinegar until well blended.
- Add finely chopped cabbage, shredded carrot, and minced onion to the dressing mixture.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, ensuring all the vegetables are well-coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the coleslaw a good stir, and enjoy it as a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
- 8 cups finely chopped cabbage (approximately 1 head)
- 1/4 cup shredded carrot (about 1 carrot)
- 2 tablespoons minced onion
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1260kcal | Carbohydrates: 108g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 84g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 2088mg | Potassium: 1260mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 96g | Vitamin A: 6168IU | Vitamin C: 216mg | Calcium: 372mg | Iron: 12mg
FAQ
- What makes this KFC coleslaw recipe taste like the original?
- The recipe captures the essence of KFC’s coleslaw by using green cabbage and a creamy dressing made with real buttermilk and fresh lemon juice, mimicking the tangy and slightly sweet flavor profile of the original.
- Can I prepare the coleslaw in advance?
- Yes, this coleslaw can be made a day ahead, which actually enhances its flavor as it allows the ingredients to marinate. It should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Do I need a food processor to make this coleslaw?
- While a food processor can help achieve the fine texture similar to KFC’s coleslaw, it is not necessary. You can also finely chop the cabbage by hand to your desired consistency.
- What are the key ingredients in the coleslaw dressing?
- The dressing features a blend of mayonnaise, buttermilk, milk, sugar, lemon juice, and white vinegar, creating a creamy and tangy base that complements the cabbage and carrots.
- How long can I store the leftover coleslaw?
- Leftover coleslaw should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within two days for optimal freshness and taste.
Tips
- Use a food processor to achieve the signature KFC coleslaw texture. Start by roughly chopping the cabbage, then pulse it a few times in the processor for the perfect consistency.
- Allow the coleslaw to chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. This helps the flavors meld and enhances the taste, making it even better the next day.
- When preparing the cabbage and carrots, chop them into very small, rice-sized pieces to ensure they are well-coated with the dressing and mimic the classic KFC slaw texture.
- If you prefer a slightly different flavor profile, consider experimenting with red cabbage or a mix of both green and red cabbage for a colorful twist.
Equipment
- Food Processor – Useful for finely chopping the cabbage to achieve the desired coleslaw texture.
- Large Mixing Bowl – To mix the coleslaw ingredients thoroughly.
- Citrus Juicer – Handy for squeezing fresh lemon juice for the dressing.
