✔ Updated · the 2016 released recipe, fixed card + chop and chill tips
This is the Chick-fil-A coleslaw recipe the chain shared in 2016, made in my kitchen: finely chopped cabbage in a creamy, sweet and tangy dressing. It takes 10 minutes to mix, and the fridge does the rest.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Chop the cabbage fine, almost like rice. That small, even texture is what makes it taste like the restaurant slaw.
Why You'll Love This Coleslaw
- Seven ingredients: all pantry staples plus a bag of cabbage.
- Sweet, tangy and creamy: the balance people still miss years after it left the menu.
- Better made ahead: it actually improves overnight in the fridge.
The Story Behind the Recipe
Chick-fil-A dropped coleslaw from its menu in January 2016 and shared the recipe so fans could keep making it at home. It's refreshingly simple: a sweet and tangy mayo dressing with a little dry mustard, poured over finely chopped cabbage.
My version follows that formula exactly, with a few kitchen tips for getting the texture right. It's my favorite slaw to set next to a batch of copycat Chick-fil-A nuggets with a bowl of Chick-fil-A sauce for dipping.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Chop it fine. The restaurant slaw was very finely chopped, not long shreds. I pulse bagged coleslaw mix in the food processor a few times; it takes 10 seconds.
- Don't skip the chill. Two hours lets the cabbage relax and soak up the dressing. Straight away it tastes sharp and a bit raw; the next day it's exactly right.
- Dissolve the sugar first. Whisk the sugar into the vinegar before the mayo goes in, so the dressing is smooth instead of gritty.
- Taste after chilling. Cold dulls flavor, so taste again before serving. I sometimes add a pinch more salt or a splash of vinegar at the end.
- Expect a little liquid. Cabbage releases water as it sits. Just stir it back in before serving.
Copycat Chick-fil-A Coleslaw
8
servings10
minutes225
kcal2
hours2
hours10
minutesA copycat-style Chick-fil-A coleslaw based on the recipe the chain shared when it left the menu in 2016: finely chopped cabbage and carrot in a creamy, sweet and tangy dressing of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, dry mustard and salt, chilled for at least 2 hours.
Ingredients
4 teaspoons white vinegar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup mayonnaise
20 ounces green cabbage, finely chopped (two 10-ounce bags or about 1 small head)
1/4 cup carrot, finely chopped or grated
Directions
- In a large bowl, whisk the vinegar, sugar, dry mustard and salt until the sugar is mostly dissolved, about 1 minute.
- Whisk in the mayonnaise until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Add the finely chopped cabbage and carrot and fold until every shred is coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, so the cabbage softens slightly and the flavors blend. Stir again before serving.
Notes
- It is very important that your coleslaw stands for at least 2 hours (but longer if you have the time) as the flavors need time to develop. Your coleslaw is ready when you take a bite and it is still crunchy but has a flavor-packed punch to it.
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Easy Twists
- Colorful slaw: swap a quarter of the green cabbage for red cabbage. Toss it in just before serving so it doesn't turn everything pink.
- Lighter: use half mayonnaise and half plain Greek yogurt.
- Tangier: add an extra teaspoon of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon.
- Herby: stir in a tablespoon of chopped fresh dill or a pinch of celery seed.
- Compare slaws: my KFC coleslaw copycat is a bit sweeter with buttermilk and lemon, and here's how long coleslaw lasts in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Chick-fil-A release its coleslaw recipe?
Yes. When Chick-fil-A took coleslaw off its menu in early 2016, it shared the recipe so fans could make it at home. It uses mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, dry mustard, salt, finely chopped cabbage and a little carrot, and this copycat follows that simple formula.
Does Chick-fil-A still sell coleslaw?
Not on the regular menu. Coleslaw was replaced by the Superfood Side in 2016. Menus can change, so check the Chick-fil-A app or ask at your local restaurant, but making it at home is the reliable way to get it.
How long does homemade coleslaw last?
Keep it covered in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Like all mayo-based salads, don't leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour on a hot day above 90°F. Coleslaw does not freeze well.
Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?
Yes. Two 10-ounce bags of plain coleslaw mix work well. For the right texture, chop it finer with a knife or pulse it a few times in a food processor. If the mix already includes carrots, skip the extra carrot.
What can I serve with this coleslaw?
It is great with fried or grilled chicken, chicken sandwiches, pulled pork, burgers, hot dogs and fish. It is also good piled on top of a barbecue sandwich for crunch.
