Get ready to dive into the world of homemade coleslaw that rivals the famous KFC version, but with a twist—Miracle Whip! This recipe is all about achieving that perfect balance between crunchy and creamy, with a tangy kick that’ll have your taste buds dancing.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of crisp cabbage and carrots with the creamy, tangy Miracle Whip dressing creates a perfect texture and flavor balance.
- Using Miracle Whip instead of traditional mayonnaise adds a unique tanginess that elevates the coleslaw to new heights.
- This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring no cooking and just a few simple steps to achieve coleslaw perfection.
- It’s a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with fried chicken, sandwiches, or as a refreshing standalone salad.
- The coleslaw can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully in the fridge.
Ingredients
- 8 cups finely shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup Miracle Whip
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife or food processor for shredding
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
Start by finely shredding the cabbage and carrots. You can use a sharp knife for this, but a food processor will save you time and give you uniformly sized shreds. Combine the shredded cabbage and carrots in a large mixing bowl. Tip: For extra crispiness, soak the shredded cabbage in ice water for 10 minutes before draining and drying thoroughly.
Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Miracle Whip, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has completely dissolved. The dressing should be creamy and slightly tangy. Tip: Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more sugar or lemon juice according to your taste.
Combine and Mix
Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and carrots. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss the vegetables until they are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the coleslaw soggy.
Chill to Perfection
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to slightly soften, enhancing the overall texture and taste of the coleslaw.
Serve and Enjoy
Give the coleslaw a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing. Serve it as a side dish with your favorite fried chicken or sandwiches, or enjoy it on its own for a refreshing and crunchy salad.
Tips and Tricks
For those looking to take their coleslaw to the next level, consider these advanced tips. First, if you prefer a sweeter coleslaw, you can substitute the granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness. Second, adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the dressing can introduce a deeper tanginess that complements the Miracle Whip beautifully. Lastly, for a bit of crunch and color, toss in some thinly sliced red cabbage or a handful of raisins or dried cranberries before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Coleslaw: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Asian-Inspired Coleslaw: Replace the Miracle Whip with a dressing made from soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a bit of sugar for an Asian twist.
- Fruity Coleslaw: Mix in some diced apples, pineapple chunks, or grapes for a sweet and fruity version of the classic coleslaw.
- Healthy Coleslaw: Use Greek yogurt instead of Miracle Whip for a healthier, protein-packed dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time is recommended as it allows the flavors to meld together. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator, and it should stay fresh for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving to refresh the dressing’s distribution.
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip?
Yes, you can substitute regular mayonnaise for Miracle Whip if you prefer. However, keep in mind that Miracle Whip has a tangier and slightly sweeter flavor profile, so the taste will be different. You might want to adjust the lemon juice and sugar accordingly to mimic the original flavor.
How can I make my coleslaw less soggy?
To prevent your coleslaw from becoming soggy, make sure to dry the shredded cabbage thoroughly after washing. Also, avoid overmixing the coleslaw and add the dressing just before serving if you’re preparing it in advance. Another tip is to use heartier greens like kale or Brussels sprouts as a base, which hold up better over time.
Summary
This Kentucky Fried Chicken Coleslaw Recipe with Miracle Whip is a crunchy, creamy, and tangy delight that’s easy to make and versatile enough to pair with almost any meal. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
