Copycat Chick-fil-A Coleslaw Recipe

Chick-fil-A coleslaw is a fast-food favorite, and this copycat recipe is so easy to recreate at home.

Chick-fil-A discontinued its famous coleslaw in 2016. But that doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy it!

This copycat recipe brings back all the creamy crunch.  It’s perfect for BBQs, picnics, or a simple family meal. 

It’s easy to whip up, too! The hardest part is waiting 2 hours for it to chill. It’s a critical step, though, so don’t skip it.

Let’s journey back in time and enjoy a nostalgic bite of Chick-fil-A coleslaw.

Chick-fil-A Coleslaw Recipe 

This copycat recipe comes straight from Chick-fil-A, so you know it’s good.

This coleslaw has an impeccable balance of tang and sweetness. Every mouthful is light yet wonderfully flavorful. 

It serves as a fantastic side or as a delicious sandwich topping.

It’s a breeze to prepare, easy on the wallet, and utterly delightful. What more can you ask for?

Why Did Chick-fil-A Stop Selling Coleslaw?

In January 2016, Chick-fil-A removed their famous coleslaw from their menu. The Atlanta-based food chain replaced it with a healthier side dish, the superfood kale salad.

Chick-fil-A explained it was part of their effort to add more variety and wholesome options to their menu. Many were dismayed by this decision, myself included. 

But they did us a solid and shared their original recipe for the beloved dish. 

After trying it, I’m happy to announce it’s just like the real deal! 

Ingredients 

You only need seven ingredients to make this fabulous slaw.

• Cabbage – I use pre-shredded cabbage for convenience. You can also shred your own. Use a combo of green and purple cabbage for a colorful coleslaw.
  
• Carrots – You can use fresh carrots or get coleslaw bags with both cabbage and carrots. You need two (10-ounce) bags.
  
• Mayonnaise – The base of the dressing. Use full-fat real mayo for a rich and creamy dressing. I don’t recommend light mayo or Miracle Whip.
  
• Sugar – For a touch of sweetness.
  
• Dry Mustard – For a bit of spice.
  
• Salt – To season the slaw.
  
• Vinegar – For a touch of tanginess. The Chick-fil-A recipe uses white distilled vinegar. You can also use apple cider vinegar.

How to Make Chick-fil-A Coleslaw

Follow these simple steps to make it.

1. Make the dressing. Add the vinegar, sugar, mustard, and salt to your salad bowl. Whisk the ingredients until the sugar is dissolved. Whisk in the mayo.

2. Toss in the veggies. Add the shredded cabbage and carrots and toss them well to coat.

3. Chill the coleslaw. Let the coleslaw chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Don’t skip this crucial step! It allows the vegetables to absorb the dressing and soften. 

4. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Coleslaw

To make this coleslaw even better, follow these simple tips.

• Take a load off. Use pre-shredded bags of coleslaw to save time. I like to use a mix of green and purple cabbage for added color.
  
• Full-fat is where it’s at. Use full-fat mayo. It’s where the coleslaw gets most of its flavor, so you’ll want the real thing. You want a creamy dressing here. Light or low-fat mayo won’t cut it.
  
• Let it chill. Give it at least 2 hours to chill in the fridge before serving. This allows the vegetables to absorb the dressing and soften.
  
• Thin it out. If your dressing is too thick, thin it out a little with a splash of milk.

Variations

This recipe is so versatile! Here are some fun variations you can try.

• Sweeten it up. Add more sugar. If you’re adding sugar post-mixing, use powdered sugar so your salad won’t be grainy.
  
• Go Hawaiian. Add pineapple chunks or tidbits.
  
• Try a healthy twist. Use half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt.
  
• Get chopping. Chop the shredded coleslaw into even finer bits, a la KFC.
  
• Add a pop of color. Add chopped green onions.
  
• Dial down the sugar. Use Stevia or monkfruit sugar.

What to Serve with Coleslaw

This coleslaw pairs well with an array of meat dishes. Serve it with these classic favorites:

• Coca Cola Pulled Pork 
• Bisquick Fried Chicken
• Trisha Yearwood Sloppy Joes
• Oven-Fried Pork Chops

You can also use coleslaw as a topping for hot dogs and savory sandwiches. 

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is easy to make ahead and store.

To Make Ahead: Coleslaw tastes much better the next day, so it’s a must to make it ahead of time!

1. Toss all the ingredients together.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
3. Refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. Chill it overnight. 

This will give the veggies time to absorb the dressing. The flavor will improve, the veggies will soften, and the dressing will be creamier. 

To Store: Cover Chick-fil-A coleslaw with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 3 to 5 days.

Note: freezing coleslaw is not recommended, as the consistency will change.