Crisp, creamy, and exactly the tangy-sweet slaw you remember from the bucket of fried chicken.
This is a simple, six-ingredient dressing that pulls together in minutes and transforms shredded cabbage into a classic side.
No weird ingredients. No long cook time. Just whisk, chill, and serve.
Perfect for weeknights, picnics, and any time you want that nostalgic KFC slaw flavor at home.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Old Style KFC Coleslaw Dressing
– Quick to make with pantry-staple ingredients.
– Smooth, glossy texture that clings to cabbage.
– Tangy-sweet balance reminiscent of the original KFC dressing.
– No mayo substitutes required for authentic flavor.
– Versatile as a dip or sandwich spread as well as a slaw dressing.
– Ready after a short chill so flavors meld without fuss.
This dressing tastes bright and slightly sweet with a clean vinegar tang under a creamy mayonnaise base. The texture is silky and glossy, thin enough to coat shredded cabbage evenly but rich enough to feel indulgent on the palate.
"Five stars — nailed the texture and flavor of the real thing. I made a big batch and it vanished faster than the chicken." — A satisfied reader
Key Ingredients for Copycat Old Style KFC Coleslaw Dressing
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is the backbone of the dressing, giving it creaminess and body. Choose a full-fat, neutral-flavored mayo for the closest match to the original; avoid olive-oil-based mayo with a strong flavor. If you substitute with a low-fat or yogurt base, expect a thinner, tangier dressing and a less glossy finish.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar provides bright acidity and a faint fruity note that balances the sugar. Use raw or filtered apple cider vinegar for a clean, pleasant bite; white vinegar will be sharper and can overpower the sweetness. If you must substitute lemon juice, reduce the quantity slightly to avoid an overly citrusy edge.
Sugar
Sugar is essential to the signature sweet-tang contrast. Granulated white sugar dissolves easily and keeps the flavor true to the original. If you swap for honey or maple syrup, the dressing will gain additional flavors and a slightly darker color; reduce the amount to taste if you prefer less sweetness.
Full Ingredient List for Copycat Old Style KFC Coleslaw Dressing
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon milk
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions for Copycat Old Style KFC Coleslaw Dressing
Step 1: Gather and measure all ingredients
Measure each ingredient into a medium mixing bowl so everything is ready before you start whisking. Organization speeds the process and prevents over- or under-seasoning.
Pro Tip: The measured ingredients should look separated on the counter and the mayo should be smooth and lump-free.
Step 2: Combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and milk; whisk until smooth
Whisk the mayo, vinegar, and milk together until fully emulsified and silky. The acid and liquid thin the mayo into a pourable, spreadable dressing while keeping it creamy.
Pro Tip: The mixture should be pale and glossy, with no streaks of vinegar or clumps of mayo remaining.
Step 3: Add sugar, salt, and pepper; whisk until fully incorporated and glossy
Sprinkle in sugar, salt, and black pepper, then whisk briskly until dissolved and the dressing becomes glossy. Taste and adjust salt or sugar if you prefer a sweeter or more savory profile.
Pro Tip: Rub a bit between your fingers to test—there should be no gritty sugar; the dressing should feel smooth and slightly viscous.
Step 4: Chill for at least 30 minutes, then serve
Cover and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes so flavors meld and the sweetness and acidity balance. Serve tossed with shredded cabbage or on sandwiches and sides.
Pro Tip: After chilling, the dressing should be well-set but still pourable; it will cling to cabbage rather than pool at the bottom.
Expert Tips for Copycat Old Style KFC Coleslaw Dressing
– Temperature tip: Use cold milk and cold mayo straight from the fridge to keep the emulsion stable and the texture chilled.
– Texture troubleshooting: If the dressing is too thick, whisk in 1–2 teaspoons of milk at a time until you reach desired consistency.
– Texture troubleshooting: If the dressing splits or looks watery, whisk in a teaspoon of mayonnaise to re-emulsify.
– Equipment tip: Use a medium whisk or a hand-held frother for the silkiest, glossiest finish. Avoid a blender which can over-air and thin the dressing.
– Common mistake: Adding too much vinegar at once creates an overly tangy dressing; measure precisely and taste before adjusting.
– Serving tip: Toss cold shredded cabbage with the dressing and let it rest 10–15 minutes before serving for better absorption.
– Batch tip: Make a double batch but start with the base liquids and add sugar gradually to avoid over-sweetening when scaling up.
– Presentation tip: For a restaurant look, chill the bowl first and serve the dressed slaw in a cold bowl to keep it crisp longer.
Storage & Freezing for Copycat Old Style KFC Coleslaw Dressing
Refrigerator: Store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Use a glass jar with a tight lid for best flavor retention and to avoid plastic odors.
Freezer: Freezing mayonnaise-based dressings is not recommended because the emulsion can break and separation will occur. Expect texture changes and a grainy mouthfeel if frozen.
Thawing: If you accidentally freeze, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and re-whisk vigorously; add a teaspoon of fresh mayonnaise if the texture looks broken. Flavor may be slightly diminished after freezing and thawing.
Reheating: Do not heat this dressing; heat will separate the emulsion and ruin the texture. Serve cold straight from the refrigerator.
Variations & Substitutions for Copycat Old Style KFC Coleslaw Dressing
Honey-Lemon Twist: Replace 1 tablespoon of the sugar with 1 tablespoon of honey and swap the apple cider vinegar for 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. The result will be a brighter, more floral dressing with a hint of citrus.
Buttermilk Variation: Substitute the milk with an equal amount of buttermilk for a tangier, slightly thicker dressing. This adds lactic acidity and a creamier mouthfeel that pairs well with crisp cabbage.
Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar to 1 tablespoon and add a pinch of stevia or monk fruit for sweetness without the extra sugar. Expect a slightly less glossy finish but a closer match to a lighter, diet-friendly slaw.
Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the standard mix for heat and depth. The mustard also helps stabilize the emulsion and gives a subtle sharpness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Copycat Old Style KFC Coleslaw Dressing
Q: Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make it up to 3–5 days ahead and store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. The flavor actually improves after a few hours as the sugar and vinegar meld. Always give it a quick whisk before using to re-emulsify any slight separation.
Q: What type of milk works best in this dressing?
A: Whole milk gives the creamiest texture and best mouthfeel. Low-fat milk will thin the dressing slightly and change the richness. For a dairy-free option, use unsweetened oat milk, but expect a thinner consistency and subtly different flavor.
Q: How do I keep my slaw from getting soggy?
A: Toss the cabbage with just enough dressing to coat it, and serve within a few hours. Store undressed shredded cabbage chilled and dress it right before serving. Also, drain any excess moisture from freshly shredded cabbage by salting briefly and squeezing out water, then rinse and dry.
Q: Can I use this dressing as a dip or sandwich spread?
A: Absolutely. Its balance of cream, tang, and sugar makes it excellent as a dip for veggies or fries and a creamy spread for burgers and wraps. For sandwich use, thin slightly with milk to make it easier to spread.
Q: Why does my dressing look grainy after chilling?
A: Graininess usually indicates undissolved sugar. Whisking thoroughly until the sugar dissolves, or using superfine sugar, prevents a grainy texture. If it cools and still feels grainy, re-whisk and let it sit at fridge temperature for 10 minutes to allow sugar to fully dissolve.
Final Thoughts on Copycat Old Style KFC Coleslaw Dressing
This simple dressing captures the nostalgic sweet-tangy flavor with minimal effort. Try it tonight and see how quickly it elevates plain shredded cabbage.
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Conclusion – Copycat Old Style KFC Coleslaw Dressing
For another well-tested take on KFC-style slaw, check out this Easy KFC Coleslaw Recipe Copycat from Love From The Oven for helpful ratios and photos: Love From The Oven’s Easy KFC Coleslaw Recipe Copycat.
If you want a version that emphasizes classic texture and straightforward steps, Family Fresh Meals offers a practical guide here: Copycat KFC Coleslaw at Family Fresh Meals.
For a reputable, tested recipe with commentary on technique, Simply Recipes has a useful copycat version worth comparing: Simply Recipes’ Copycat KFC Coleslaw.
Copycat Old Style KFC Coleslaw Dressing
Ingredients
Method
- Gather and measure all ingredients into a medium mixing bowl.
- Combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and milk; whisk until smooth.
- Add sugar, salt, and black pepper; whisk until fully incorporated and glossy.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.