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    Home / Recipes / Salads

    The BEST Coleslaw ever!

    By Heather · Published: Jun 1, 2012 · Updated: May 21, 2020 · This post may contain affiliate links · See the privacy policy linked in my footer.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Cabbage coleslaw in white bowl on grey napkin and fork

    It seems to me that coleslaw is something that is either loved or despised...

    So, what's up coleslaw haters? I don't get it, much like I don't understand those who don't like cilantro. Weird.

    {If you don't like coleslaw or cilantro I'll still let you read my blog, but you better not ever tell me you don't like butter because fists will be flying!}

    Moving on. No really, you can skip this post if you really detest this stuff. But I will tell you that if you've only had coleslaw a handful of times and have based your distaste on previous experiences, try this recipe before you put the final nail in the coffin- it's amazing.  Now, just so you know, my idea of perfect coleslaw might be different from yours. Mine is from a little place called KFC...gulp...and I realize I might, yet again, be revoking my rights as a foodie, but it's the truth.  C 'est la vie!

    So here you have it- a copy cat recipe for KFC's coleslaw. But, for what it's worth, I made this for the wedding I catered last weekend and was told by several people that it was the best coleslaw they had ever tasted. KaaBAM!

    No matter what recipe you use , here's a little trick to make your coleslaw better: Shred your own cabbage. I know it's easy (and cheap) to just buy a bag of coleslaw veggies, but finely shredding your own either by hand or by using your food processor will make all the difference. Ever notice that KFC doesn't have big shreds of carrots and thick chunks of cabbage? Exactly. Having the veggies be small allows them to soften and take in all the flavor from the dressing.

    Enjoy!

    Cabbage coleslaw in white bowl on grey napkin and fork

    The BEST Coleslaw ever!

    If you're looking for the only coleslaw recipe you'll ever need, this is it!
    By Heather Cheney
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 10 servings

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 2 tablespoon canola oil
    • ¼ C sweet onion grated
    • 1 ¼ C mayonnaise
    • ½ C sugar
    • ½ teaspoon dried tarragon
    • 1 carrot grated
    • 1 head green cabbage shredded

    Instructions

    • Combine carrots, onion, and cabbage in a large bowl,
    • Combine vinegar, mayo, oil, sugar and tarragon and mix until smooth.
    • Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and mix well.
    • For best results, make the night before serving, but it can be made up to just an hour before serving and still taste great.

    Nutrition Facts

    Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 280 kcal | Carbohydrates: 16 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 23 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Cholesterol: 11 mg | Sodium: 198 mg | Potassium: 184 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 13 g | Vitamin A: 1125 IU | Vitamin C: 33.8 mg | Calcium: 41 mg | Iron: 0.5 mg

    Nutrition and Food Safety Disclosure

    ARE WE FRIENDS ON INSTAGRAM?Tag me @heatherlikesfood and use #heatherlikesfood so I can see what you're making and enjoying!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Eldon says

      September 22, 2022 at 3:12 am

      5 stars
      Super easy and tasty!!
      mapquest directions

      Reply
    2. Barb Ball says

      November 04, 2017 at 12:42 pm

      This recipe is fabulous! Made it for a family birthday party today, and was a huge hit! It'll be our go-to slaw from now on!

      Reply
    3. Melissa says

      October 27, 2012 at 7:05 pm

      made this tonight... not a huge coleslaw fan...
      BUT!!! I couldn't so eating it!
      it's amazing and delicious...
      reminds me of the salad dressing at Teryiaki places!
      thank you so much for sharing 🙂

      Reply
      • admin says

        October 29, 2012 at 1:21 pm

        Awesome! So glad you liked it!

        Reply
    4. surgirl40@gmail.com says

      July 19, 2012 at 9:44 pm

      I am simply a food lover and love trying new recipes . I am making the coleslaw tonight and will let you know what I think. I have a wonderful Pie Recpie I will share in the fall.

      Reply
    5. Debs @ The Spanish Wok says

      June 03, 2012 at 12:04 am

      I HATE COLESLAW, CILANRO & BUTTER!!!!

      Ooops, only joking. But seriously I do hate coleslaw (the store bought version that is) it has to be homemade, I make mine similar to yours too.

      You are welcome to join in my monthly food blogger event THE SOUP KITCHEN, here offering a new theme each month. All bloggers are welcome, hope to see you participate soon.

      Reply
      • admin says

        June 07, 2012 at 10:12 am

        Even joking about not liking butter should be a sin 😛

        Reply

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