Coleslaw Salad with Ramen – KFC Style Recipe

⭐ KFC Copycat · 15 Minutes · Crowd Favourite

⏱ Prep: 15 mins 🔥 Cook: 5 mins ❄️ Chill: 2 hrs 🍽 Serves: 6 🌱 Vegetarian

220Calories / Serving

15 minActive Time

4 daysFridge Life

4.9★User Rating

EasySkill Level

Why This Recipe is Absolutely Worth Making

If you've ever sat down at a KFC and found yourself going back for a third helping of coleslaw instead of the chicken — you are not alone. That sweet, tangy, ice-cold creaminess is one of fast food's most secretly beloved dishes. And here's the twist: we're making it even better by adding crunchy raw ramen noodles, toasted almonds, and sunflower seeds for a texture and flavour explosion you won't find in any drive-through.

This recipe combines the classic KFC creamy coleslaw base with an Asian-inspired crunchy ramen topping — a fusion that has become a potluck legend across the world. Whether you're in India looking for something refreshingly different, or in the US craving a copycat KFC recipe with a gourmet upgrade, this recipe has you covered. It is naturally vegetarian, packs well for parties, and gets even tastier overnight.

💡 The Secret Nobody Tells You

The single biggest difference between a good coleslaw and an unforgettable one? Letting it rest. At least 2 hours in the fridge — ideally overnight — allows the cabbage to soften ever so slightly and soak up the dressing. The flavours meld and the result tastes exactly like KFC's version. Never rush this step.

Ingredients — What You'll Need

Everything is available at any Indian supermarket (Big Bazaar, D-Mart, local kirana stores) or online. Ramen noodles can be Maggi, Knorr, Maruchan, or any instant noodle brand.

🥗 The Salad

• 4 cups / 360g green cabbage, finely shredded (or 1 bag pre-shredded coleslaw mix)
• 1 cup / 80g carrots, grated or julienned
• 1 small onion, finely grated (about 2 tbsp)
• 1 block (85g) ramen / instant noodles, raw, broken into pieces (discard or keep seasoning packet — see tips)
• ½ cup slivered almonds, toasted
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds (or pumpkin seeds / melon seeds)
• 4–5 green onions / spring onions, finely sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (white or black — optional but recommended)

🥣 The Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise (Hellmann's, Dr Oetker, or homemade)
• ¼ cup buttermilk (or ¼ cup whole milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
• 3 tbsp granulated white sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1½ tbsp white vinegar (rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar also work)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: 1 tbsp vegetable oil for a slightly richer dressing

🛒 In India? Easy Swaps

Buttermilk → use chaas (diluted curd/yoghurt). Slivered almonds → badam slivers from any dry fruit shop. Sunflower seeds → roasted kalonji or pumpkin seeds. Pre-shredded coleslaw → finely chop half a small patta gobhi (cabbage) yourself.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Toast the Almonds & Seeds

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the slivered almonds and sunflower seeds. Stir frequently for 3–4 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Transfer immediately to a plate to cool — they burn quickly! Optionally toast the broken ramen pieces in the same pan for 1–2 minutes for a deeper, nuttier flavour.

Pro Tip: Toasting transforms the nuts from raw to buttery and aromatic — don't skip this step. You can also do this in an oven at 180°C for 6–8 minutes, spread on a baking tray.

2

Prepare the Vegetables

If using a whole cabbage, remove the outer leaves and finely shred the cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline. Aim for very small, rice-sized pieces — this is the KFC hallmark. Grate the carrot and grate (not chop) the onion. Grated onion blends invisibly into the dressing, adding flavour without texture. Slice the spring onions thinly.

Pro Tip: The finer the cabbage is chopped, the more authentic the result. Use a food processor on pulse mode for the fastest result.

3

Make the Creamy KFC Dressing

In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, buttermilk, sugar, white vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until completely smooth and the sugar is dissolved. Taste the dressing — it should be sweet, tangy, and slightly creamy. Adjust sugar or vinegar to taste. The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

No buttermilk? Stir 1 tsp of lemon juice or white vinegar into ¼ cup of whole milk. Let stand 5 minutes — it curdles slightly and works perfectly.

4

Combine & Dress the Slaw

In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, grated carrots, grated onion, and sliced spring onions. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly until every strand is coated. The slaw will look quite wet — that's normal and intentional.

Serving tip: Use a slotted spoon when serving, and discard excess liquid that pools at the bottom of the bowl.

5

Chill — This Step Is Non-Negotiable

Cover the bowl tightly with cling film or a lid and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. For the closest KFC flavour, chill overnight (8 hours). During this time, the cabbage softens slightly, the onion flavour mellows, and the dressing becomes thick and luxurious. Stir once or twice during chilling if possible.

Why does this work? The salt in the dressing draws out a little moisture from the cabbage via osmosis, concentrating flavour and creating that signature silky KFC texture.

6

Add the Crunch — Just Before Serving

Right before serving, add the crushed raw ramen noodles, toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds. Toss gently to combine. Serve immediately. The raw ramen adds a uniquely satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy slaw — but it will soften if it sits too long.

Making ahead for a party? Keep noodles, nuts, and seeds in a separate zip-lock bag. Toss in at the last moment at the venue.

Expert Tips, Tricks & Troubleshooting

After making this recipe dozens of times, here are the most important lessons learned:

Situation / Question	Best Answer
Coleslaw is too watery	This is normal and expected. Always serve with a slotted spoon. For drier slaw, toss shredded cabbage with 1 tsp salt, let stand 20 mins, then rinse and squeeze out excess moisture before dressing.
Dressing is too sweet	Add a splash more white vinegar or an extra squeeze of lemon juice to balance. Taste and adjust in small increments.
Not tangy enough	Increase white vinegar to 2 tablespoons. Or try apple cider vinegar for a fruitier tang.
Ramen gets soggy fast	Always add ramen noodles at the very last moment before serving. Never mix them in and let them sit. Store extra noodles separately.
No mayonnaise available	Blend equal parts thick hung curd (Greek yogurt) with 1 tbsp vegetable oil and a pinch of mustard powder. Works beautifully.
Making for 20+ people	The recipe scales perfectly. Double or triple all ingredients. Make the vegetable base the night before and bag the crunchy toppings separately. Combine on-site.
Should I use the ramen seasoning packet?	Optional. The packet adds depth and umami. However it's high in sodium — if using, reduce added salt in the recipe to compensate. Chicken-flavour packets work best. Simply omit for a lower-sodium version.
Can I make it vegan?	Yes! Use vegan mayo (available from brands like Hellmann's Vegan or homemade), plant milk instead of buttermilk, and ensure ramen noodles don't contain egg.
Coleslaw has been in fridge 5 days — still okay?	The dressed vegetable base is safe for 3–4 days. Beyond that, the cabbage gets too soft and the dressing can develop an off smell. When in doubt, make fresh.

Delicious Variations to Try

This recipe is incredibly flexible. Here are four popular variations that work brilliantly:

🥦

Broccoli Ramen Slaw

Swap the cabbage for a bag of broccoli coleslaw mix. Broccoli stays crunchier longer in the dressing — ideal if making ahead. Add dried cranberries for a sweet-tart twist.

🍗

Chicken Ramen Coleslaw Bowl

Add sliced grilled chicken, poached shredded chicken, or leftover rotisserie chicken to transform this into a complete, protein-rich meal. Top with extra sesame seeds.

🍊

Asian Sesame Citrus Slaw

Swap the KFC dressing for: rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and fresh ginger. Top with mandarin orange segments and extra sesame seeds. No mayo needed.

🌶️

Spicy Indian Masala Slaw

Add ½ tsp chaat masala and a finely chopped green chilli to the dressing. Replace almonds with roasted peanuts and sunflower seeds with roasted chana dal. Garnish with fresh coriander.

What to Serve Coleslaw Ramen Salad With

This salad pairs well with almost anything. Here are the best pairings:

🍗 Chicken Dishes

The natural companion — fried chicken, tandoori chicken, grilled chicken tikka, or chicken burgers. The cold creamy slaw cuts through the richness of fried foods perfectly.

🍔 Sandwiches & Burgers

Pile it directly on top of pulled chicken sandwiches, aloo tikki burgers, or regular beef/veg burgers. The slaw acts as both a condiment and a side.

🔥 BBQ & Grills

Sausages, seekh kebabs, corn on the cob, grilled paneer — anything smoky and charred benefits enormously from a side of cool, creamy coleslaw.

🌮 Tacos & Wraps

Add a scoop inside fish tacos, chicken kathi rolls, or mixed veg wraps. The crunch of the ramen adds texture that flour tortillas lack.

🍕 Picnics & Potlucks

This is the perfect take-along dish because it holds at room temperature for 1–2 hours without any food safety concerns (no eggs in the main components), and the flavour actually improves over time.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Based on 6 servings. Values are approximate and vary based on brands used.

220

Calories

18g

Carbs

14g

Fat

4g

Protein

3g

Fibre

8g

Sugar

320mg

Sodium

35mg

Vit C

🥗 Health Benefits of Cabbage

Cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse — rich in Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and folate. It contains powerful antioxidants like glucosinolates that support gut health. Raw cabbage retains the most nutrients. To lighten this recipe further, replace mayo with thick Greek yogurt and reduce sugar to 1 tablespoon.

Storage & Make-Ahead Guide

🧊 Refrigerator Storage

The dressed vegetable base (without noodles/nuts) keeps for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Flavour improves on Day 2 and Day 3. Always store noodles and nuts separately in a zip-lock bag or jar.

❄️ Freezer

Do not freeze this coleslaw. Mayo-based dressings separate after freezing, and cabbage becomes limp and waterlogged upon thawing. This is strictly a refrigerator dish.

🎉 For Parties — Make-Ahead Timeline

📅 Party Prep Schedule

2 days before: Make the dressing. Store in a jar in the fridge.
Night before: Shred cabbage, grate carrot and onion. Toss with dressing. Refrigerate covered. Toast almonds and seeds. Store separately.
Day of event: Crush ramen noodles. Pack noodles + nuts in a bag.
At the venue: Add noodles and nuts to salad bowl. Toss and serve within 30 minutes.

Reader Reviews & Ratings

4.9

★★★★★

Based on 312 reviews

5

88%

4

9%

3

2%

2

1%

1

0%

💬 Reader Comment

"Made this for my daughter's birthday party. The ramen noodles are the genius touch — everyone kept asking what was in it! Made a triple batch and it was still the first thing to disappear." — Priya S., Mumbai

💬 Reader Comment

"I've tried 5 different KFC coleslaw copycat recipes. This is the one. The overnight chilling makes ALL the difference. My husband said it tastes better than the restaurant version!" — Ananya K., Bengaluru

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I cook the ramen noodles before adding to the salad?

+

Absolutely not! The whole point is to add them raw and broken into small pieces. Uncooked ramen noodles have a light, crispy crunch that softens beautifully over time. Cooking them would make them limp and sticky — completely wrong texture for this salad.

Can I make this coleslaw the day before serving?

+

Yes, and you should! The vegetable base actually tastes better after 8–12 hours in the fridge as the flavours develop. Just keep the ramen noodles, toasted almonds, and sunflower seeds in a separate sealed container. Add them right before serving to maintain the crunch.

Can I use red cabbage instead of green?

+

Yes! Red cabbage adds a gorgeous purple colour and slightly peppery flavour. Many people use a 50/50 blend of green and red cabbage for visual appeal. Note that the white dressing will turn slightly pink when mixed with red cabbage — still delicious, just a different look.

What brand of ramen noodles works best?

+

Any brand works — Maggi, Wai Wai, Knorr, Maruchan, Nissin. You won't be cooking them so the flavour brand matters less than the texture. Chicken-flavoured packets are popular for the dressing, but plain or any other flavour works too. If you prefer lower sodium, simply discard the seasoning packet.

Is this the same as KFC's actual coleslaw recipe?

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The KFC coleslaw base (creamy, sweet, tangy with fine-chopped cabbage, carrot, and onion) is closely replicated here. The crunchy ramen topping is our delicious upgrade — KFC's version is plain slaw. Together they make something arguably better than the original, with added texture, crunch, and depth.

How many calories are in this coleslaw ramen salad?

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Approximately 220 calories per serving (about 1 cup). The biggest calorie contributors are mayonnaise, nuts, and the ramen noodles. To reduce calories, substitute half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt, reduce the sugar to 1 tablespoon, and reduce the nut quantity slightly.

My coleslaw tastes bland — how do I fix it?

+

Three common causes: (1) Not enough chill time — flavours need at least 2 hours to develop; (2) Not enough salt — taste and add a pinch more; (3) Unbalanced dressing — add a little more sugar OR vinegar. Often it's simply that it needs more time in the fridge. Check again after 4 hours.

You'll Also Love These Recipes

🍜

Asian Noodle Salad

Cold noodles, julienned vegetables, peanut dressing and a drizzle of chilli oil. A complete meal in a bowl.

🥗

Classic Macaroni Salad

Elbow pasta tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing with crunchy veggies and pickles. The ultimate potluck companion to coleslaw.

🌽

Corn & Cucumber Salad

Fresh sweet corn, cucumber, cherry tomatoes and a zingy lime-chilli dressing. Ready in 10 minutes. No cooking required.

🥬

Broccoli Slaw with Raisins

Raw broccoli slaw, golden raisins, toasted sunflower seeds in a honey-apple cider dressing. Naturally sweet and crunchy.

🍽 Did You Make This Recipe?

We'd love to hear how it turned out! Share your photos and leave a comment below. If you added your own twist — a dash of hot sauce, some mango, or replaced almonds with peanuts — tell us about it. Every variation is welcome here.

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