The best southern coleslaw tastes just like the one you get at KFC. Actually - it might be better and it only takes a few minutes to make!
THE BEST SOUTHERN COLESLAW
I think coleslaw is one of those foods that you either love or hate, in my humble opinion. Most folks who love it expect to eat it at every BBQ or picnic and on top of CROCK POT PULLED PORK SANDWICHES (that would be me) or my INSTANT POT PULLED PORK BBQ. Then there are the slaw-haters. Mainly, it's because they don't like cabbage, at all (that would be my husband.)
DOES THIS TASTE LIKE THE COLESLAW AT KFC?
Why yes, yes it does! That's exactly how I describe it to folks. If you love their cole slaw then you'll love this version. You can chop the cabbage up real fine if you prefer (like KFC) or just leave it like it is straight outta the bag. It's just a matter of texture.
HOW MANY PEOPLE DOES THIS SERVE?
This is a recipe for a small crowd (at least 8-10 people.) If you don’t need as much, just cut the recipe in half. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand, regular white vinegar works fine too. Got some heads of cabbage to use? No problem. Just dice up a head or two of cabbage (about 8 cups) and shred about 2-3 carrots to substitute.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (FULL RECIPE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST)
coleslaw mix
sugar
milk
mayonnaise
buttermilk
Dijon mustard
apple cider vinegar
lemon juice
freshly grated onion (or onion powder)
salt
freshly ground black pepper
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST COLESLAW:
In a large bowl, dump in both bags of coleslaw mix. Note: I tend to like my slaw more finely chopped so I'll run the cole slaw mix in my food processor (using the pulse setting two or three times.)
In a smaller bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients. Whisk vigorously until thoroughly combined.
Pour mixture over coleslaw mix.
Stir coleslaw to combine. Put cover on bowl and put in the refrigerator to set for at least an hour. This is going to allow the coleslaw mixture to soften just slightly and allow the flavors to blend (if you have the time.)
CRAVING MORE? GIVE THESE RECIPES A TRY!
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THE BEST SOUTHERN PIMIENTO CHEESE
THE BEST GRILLED PORK RIBS
CREAMY CUCUMBER SALAD
BEST EVER POTATO SALAD
SOUTHERN AMBROSIA FRUIT SALAD
THE BEST MACARONI SALAD
BLT MACARONI SALAD
THE BEST SOUTHERN COLESLAW
The best southern coleslaw tastes just like the one you get at KFC. Actually - it might be better and it only takes a few minutes to make!
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Servings: 10
Calories: 131kcal
Ingredients
- 2 (14 oz) bags coleslaw mix
- ⅓ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard or yellow
- 1 ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp onion powder (or 2 tbsp. freshly grated onion)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dump in both bags of coleslaw mix.
- In a smaller bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients.
- Whisk vigorously until thoroughly combined.
- Pour mixture over coleslaw mix.
- Stir coleslaw to combine.
- If possible, allow mixture to sit for about an hour before serving.
- Stir again before serving.
Video
Notes
Got some heads of cabbage to use? No problem. Just dice up a head or two of cabbage (about 8 cups) and shred about 2-3 carrots to substitute.
Nutrition
Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 217mg | Potassium: 151mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 105IU | Vitamin C: 29.9mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Nutritional Disclaimer
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Originally published: August 2011
Updated & republished: July 2019
I made this today as I was looking for something to go with a pork loin I had as leftovers. The great thing about it was I had everything, except the cole slaw mix. I only needed to use 1 bag of slaw as its just me to feed. I used the whole amount of "dressing" and added about a teaspoon of celery seed. Its marinating in the fridge but cant wait to eat it on my Sweet Baby Ray BBQ pork sandwich...
I made this on Saturday for a church potluck yesterday and it was THE ONE i've been looking for. I think what really nailed it was your suggestion to let it sit for a while. Seems that softens it a bit and all the flavors come together. I've never gotten a compliment on coleslaw from my husband, so it was a big deal that he complimented this one. 🙂 BTW I did try cutting back on the sugar...don't do that. This recipe doesn't need any fixin'. Thanks for sharing it.
Everyone now asks me to make this recipe every year. If I don't make this slaw - they get so upset. Thank you for making me the star of the BBQ. Ha! 🙂
Woo hoo!! Love hearing that Linda!
You can also put sections of cabbage in the blender with a lot of water, then pulse it until finely chopped.
This recipe tastes exactly like my Grandma's old recipe. Thank you!!!
Made this twice, first time I accidentally used honey mustard instead of Dijon, both were the best ever and I’m a country boy and have had a lot of coleslaw!!????????????????????
I have tried a lot of Cole slaw recipes and I will tell you this is best. I make this Every time I smoke a Boston butt or do ribs.