If you remember the glory days of ordering Chick-fil-A and getting that perfectly sweet and tangy coleslaw on the side, you’re not alone. When Chick-fil-A discontinued their beloved coleslaw in 2016, fans across the country mourned the loss. But here’s the good news: this Chick-fil-A coleslaw recipe tastes exactly like the original—sweet, creamy, perfectly balanced, and ready in just 10 minutes. It’s the chick fil a discontinued coleslaw that so many of us still crave!
This chick fil a coleslaw copycat recipe captures everything that made the original so special—the finely shredded cabbage with just the right amount of crunch, the sweet and tangy dressing that wasn’t too heavy or mayo-forward, and that signature flavor that somehow tasted like nostalgia in a cup. The secret? A perfect balance of mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, and just a hint of celery seed. This copycat chick fil a coleslaw uses simple grocery store ingredients and couldn’t be easier to make. Whether you’re serving it with fried chicken, at a BBQ, or just because you miss that old chick fil a coleslaw recipe, this version delivers. Once you learn how to make chick fil a coleslaw at home, you’ll be making it on repeat. This truly is the best coleslaw recipe—and you can finally have it back!
Why This Chick-fil-A Coleslaw recipe Copycat Works
This recipe recreates the exact flavor profile Chick-fil-A perfected. Here’s why it tastes so authentic:
• Perfect sweet-to-tang ratio: 3 tablespoons sugar balanced with vinegar and lemon juice creates that signature sweet-tangy flavor Chick-fil-A was known for. Not too sweet, not too tart!
• Finely shredded cabbage is key: Pre-shredded coleslaw mix (or finely shredded cabbage) gives you that delicate texture—not chunky like homestyle slaw. This is crucial for authenticity!
• Celery seed adds complexity: Just ¼ teaspoon provides subtle savory depth without being identifiable. This was Chick-fil-A’s secret seasoning!
• Mayo-based but not heavy: Uses enough mayo for creaminess but stays light and refreshing. The vinegar thins the dressing perfectly—never gloppy!
• Chilling time matters: Letting it sit 2+ hours allows flavors to meld and cabbage to soften slightly. This step transforms good slaw into Chick-fil-A slaw!
• Simple ingredients, perfect technique: No exotic ingredients needed—just proper measurements and patience. The magic is in the balance!
The result? Coleslaw that tastes EXACTLY like Chick-fil-A used to serve—maybe even better because you can make it anytime!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just 7 simple ingredients create this legendary coleslaw. Everything is available at any grocery store!
- 1 bag (14-16 oz) coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- ¾ cup mayonnaise (use real mayo, not Miracle Whip)
- 3 tablespoons sugar (granulated white sugar)
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about ½ lemon)
- ¼ teaspoon celery seed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
This is one of the easiest recipes you’ll ever make—just mix and chill! The hardest part is waiting for it to chill.
1. Make the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, white vinegar, fresh lemon juice, celery seed, and salt. Whisk vigorously for 30-60 seconds until sugar is completely dissolved and dressing is smooth and creamy. The dressing should be slightly thin—don’t worry, it’ll thicken as it sits!
2. Add the coleslaw mix: Add the entire bag of coleslaw mix to the bowl with dressing. If making your own from scratch: use 1 small head green cabbage (about 1 lb), finely shredded, plus 1 large carrot, shredded. The key is FINE shreds—not chunky pieces!
3. Toss to combine: Using a large spoon or tongs, toss the cabbage mixture with the dressing until every strand is evenly coated. Really work it—you want the dressing distributed throughout. Scrape down sides of bowl to incorporate all dressing. The cabbage will look quite wet at first—this is perfect!
4. Chill (Most Important Step!): Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to airtight container. Refrigerate for at LEAST 2 hours, but preferably 4-6 hours or overnight. This chilling time is essential! The cabbage softens slightly, flavors meld, and dressing thickens. The longer it sits (up to 24 hours), the better it tastes!
5. Stir and adjust: After chilling, give the coleslaw a good stir. The cabbage will have released some water and the dressing will have thickened to perfect consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—you may want a pinch more salt or a touch more sugar depending on your preference. Most people find it perfect as-is!
6. Serve and enjoy: Serve chilled alongside fried chicken, BBQ, sandwiches, or anywhere you want a refreshing, crunchy side. Give it a quick stir before each serving. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator. That’s it—you’ve just recreated Chick-fil-A magic!
Pro Tips for Perfect Chick-fil-A Coleslaw
These expert tips ensure your copycat coleslaw tastes exactly like the Chick-fil-A original every single time.
The Essentials:
⭐ MUST chill at least 2 hours: No shortcuts! Freshly made tastes bland and watery. After chilling, flavors bloom and it tastes like Chick-fil-A!
⭐ Use real mayonnaise: Not Miracle Whip or salad dressing. Real mayo (Duke’s, Hellmann’s, or Kraft) is essential for authentic flavor.
⭐ Fresh lemon juice only: Bottled lemon juice has weird flavor. Squeeze a real lemon—makes huge difference!
⭐ Dissolve the sugar completely: Whisk dressing well so sugar dissolves. Grainy dressing = not authentic!
⭐ Don’t skip celery seed: This tiny amount is crucial for that “something special” flavor Chick-fil-A had. Don’t skip it!
Cabbage & Texture Tips:
💡 Pre-shredded coleslaw mix is easiest and most authentic to Chick-fil-A texture
💡 If shredding your own: use fine shredding blade on food processor or mandoline
💡 Avoid thick-cut or chunky shreds—should be thin and delicate
💡 Green cabbage only (not purple) for authentic color and flavor
💡 The carrot adds color and subtle sweetness—don’t skip it!
💡 Bag of mix is 14-16 oz—any size in that range works perfectly
💡 Don’t rinse the cabbage after shredding—natural moisture is good
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
⚠️ Serving it immediately: Must chill 2+ hours! Fresh coleslaw tastes nothing like Chick-fil-A. Patience = perfection!
⚠️ Using apple cider vinegar: White vinegar only! ACV has different flavor—won’t taste right. Stick to the recipe!
⚠️ Making it too sweet or tangy: Follow measurements exactly—it’s perfectly balanced. Adjust only after tasting chilled version.
⚠️ Overdressing the slaw: The amount seems like a lot at first, but cabbage absorbs it. Trust the recipe!
⚠️ Forgetting to stir before serving: Dressing settles. Give it a good stir after chilling and before each serving.
Serving Suggestions
This coleslaw is incredibly versatile. Here are the best ways to serve it:
Classic Pairings (Chick-fil-A Style):
• Fried chicken (obviously!—nuggets, tenders, or whole pieces)
• Chicken sandwiches (makes them taste like Chick-fil-A!)
• BBQ pulled pork or brisket
• Fish tacos or fried fish
• Hot dogs and burgers
• As a light lunch on its own (low-carb, refreshing)
Perfect Occasions:
BBQ & Cookouts: Classic picnic side—everyone loves it and it travels well!
Potlucks: Make ahead, feeds a crowd, always disappears first
Fried Chicken Dinner: Recreate the Chick-fil-A experience at home
Fish Fry: Traditional pairing—refreshing contrast to fried food
Summer Meals: Light, crunchy, refreshing—perfect for hot days
Meal Prep: Makes great lunches—lasts all week!
Creative Uses:
• Pile on pulled pork sandwiches (Carolina-style!)
• Stuff into tacos or burritos for crunch
• Top hot dogs (coleslaw dogs)
• Mix into chicken salad for extra crunch
• Serve alongside mac and cheese and baked beans
• Add to wraps or lettuce wraps
• Use as topping for BBQ baked potatoes
Recipe Variations
While the original is perfect, here are some tasty variations to try:
• Chick-fil-A Style with Apple: Add 1 cup diced Granny Smith apple. Adds crunch and tart-sweet flavor. Very Southern!
• Lighter Version: Replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt. Still creamy but tangier and fewer calories. Use full-fat yogurt!
• Extra Tangy: Increase vinegar to 3 tablespoons and reduce sugar to 2 tablespoons. For those who like it tart!
• Extra Sweet: Increase sugar to 4 tablespoons. Some people remember it sweeter—adjust to your taste!
• KFC-Style Coleslaw: Add 2 tablespoons buttermilk and reduce mayo slightly. Different but delicious!
• Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or dash of hot sauce. Unexpected but amazing with fried chicken!
• Creamy Dill Coleslaw: Add 1 tablespoon fresh dill instead of celery seed. Fresh, herby twist!
• Asian-Inspired: Swap vinegar for rice vinegar, add 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Different but incredible!
Storage Tips
Coleslaw is perfect for make-ahead! Here’s how to store it properly and how long it lasts:
| Storage Location | How Long |
| Room Temperature | Up to 2 hours only (contains mayo!) |
| Refrigerator | 5-7 days (best within 3-4 days) |
| Freezer | Not recommended (texture ruined) |
📦 Store in airtight container in refrigerator—prevents drying out
📦 Actually gets BETTER after 24 hours as flavors meld
📦 Stir well before each serving—dressing settles to bottom
📦 If it seems dry after a few days, stir in 1-2 tablespoons mayo
📦 Cabbage releases water over time—totally normal! Just stir it in
📦 Don’t leave at room temp over 2 hours—mayo safety!
📦 Perfect for meal prep—make Sunday, eat all week
📦 Tastes best days 2-3—flavors fully developed
📦 Don’t freeze—cabbage gets mushy and mayo separates
📦 Make in mason jars for cute individual servings or gifts!
Common Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about making Chick-fil-A coleslaw:
Q: Why did Chick-fil-A discontinue their coleslaw?
A: In 2016, Chick-fil-A discontinued coleslaw to make room for new menu items like the Superfood Side. Fans were devastated! The official reason was “limited menu space” and changing customer preferences. Many believe it was a mistake—people still talk about it! This copycat recipe lets you have it back anytime.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely—in fact, you SHOULD! Coleslaw needs at least 2 hours to chill but tastes even better after 24 hours. Make it the day before your event or meal. Perfect for meal prep, parties, and BBQs. It actually improves with time as flavors meld!
Q: How do I make it taste EXACTLY like Chick-fil-A?
A: Follow the recipe precisely—especially the sugar and vinegar ratios. Use real mayo (not Miracle Whip), fresh lemon juice (not bottled), white vinegar (not apple cider), and don’t skip the celery seed. Most important: CHILL IT at least 2 hours! That’s when the magic happens and it tastes like the original.
Q: Can I use purple cabbage?
A: You can, but it won’t look or taste quite like Chick-fil-A (they used green cabbage). Purple cabbage has a slightly different flavor and will turn the whole slaw pinkish after sitting. For authentic experience, stick with green cabbage. For color variety, use half and half!
Q: Why is my coleslaw watery?
A: This is normal! Cabbage releases water as it sits. There are two solutions: (1) Drain excess liquid and stir before serving, or (2) Just stir it back in—it’s mostly dressing that settled. The coleslaw will look wetter than when first made but that’s okay. If seriously watery, add 1-2 tablespoons more mayo.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar for a healthier version?
A: You can reduce to 2 tablespoons sugar, but it won’t taste exactly like Chick-fil-A (theirs was notably sweet). For truly lighter version: replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt AND reduce sugar to 2 tablespoons. Still delicious but tangier. The original recipe is already pretty reasonable calorie-wise!
Q: Do I have to use coleslaw mix or can I shred my own?
A: Both work! Pre-shredded coleslaw mix is easiest and has the right fine texture. If shredding your own: use 1 small green cabbage (1 lb) and 1 large carrot. Use fine shredding blade on food processor or mandoline. Key is FINE shreds—chunky won’t be the same texture as Chick-fil-A!
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (½ cup, serves 12)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 110 kcal |
| Protein | 1g |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 125mg |
| Cholesterol | 5mg |
| Vitamin A | 1200 IU (24% DV) |
| Vitamin C | 15mg (25% DV) |
| Calcium | 25mg (2% DV) |
Health Benefits: Coleslaw provides vitamins A and C from cabbage and carrots (immune support and eye health), fiber for digestion, and antioxidants. Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable linked to cancer prevention. While this version has mayo, it’s a reasonable indulgence—110 calories per ½ cup serving is quite moderate for a creamy side dish!
Make it Lighter: Replace half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt (saves 50 calories, adds protein), reduce sugar to 2 tablespoons (saves 25 calories), or use light mayo (saves 40 calories per serving). Even lighter: use all Greek yogurt + 2 tablespoons mayo (tangier but still delicious). Still tastes great with fewer calories!
* Nutritional information is estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
Final Thoughts
When Chick-fil-A discontinued their beloved coleslaw in 2016, countless fans were heartbroken. But now you can have it back anytime with this spot-on Chick-fil-A coleslaw recipe. The sweet and tangy flavor, the perfectly creamy-but-not-heavy dressing, the fine shred of the cabbage—it’s all here, exactly as you remember it. This chick fil a discontinued coleslaw doesn’t have to be a distant memory anymore.
What makes this copycat chick fil a coleslaw so special is how it captures not just the taste, but the feeling. That first bite takes you right back to sitting in a Chick-fil-A booth, enjoying those perfectly balanced flavors alongside your favorite chicken. This old chick fil a coleslaw recipe is easier than you ever imagined—just 7 ingredients, 10 minutes of hands-on time, and a bit of patience while it chills. The hardest part is waiting those 2 hours for the flavors to develop!
Whether you’re making this best coleslaw recipe for a BBQ, serving it alongside fried chicken, or just because you’ve been craving it for years, this version delivers. Once you learn how to make chick fil a coleslaw at home, you’ll never be without it again. Make a big batch, keep it in the fridge all week, and enjoy that nostalgic Chick-fil-A taste whenever you want. If you loved this recipe, try our Benihana Chicken Fried Rice, Chicken Lettuce Wraps (PF Chang’s), and Chicken Salisbury Steak for more copycat favorites. Don’t forget to rate this recipe and share your Chick-fil-A coleslaw memories in the comments. Welcome back, old friend!
For a deeper look at how to cook tender, flavorful meats, check out our full guide: The Ultimate Meat Recipes Guide
For more inspiration beyond this spicy favorite, visit our Chicken Recipes: Your Complete Guide to Cooking Easy and Flavorful Chicken Dishes — your ultimate resource for mastering every type of chicken dish with ease and flavor.
Loved this recipe? Explore more delicious options like Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
CHICK-FIL-A COLESLAW
Ingredients
- 1 bag 14-16 oz coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- ¾ cup mayonnaise use real mayo, not Miracle Whip
- 3 tablespoons sugar granulated white sugar
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice about ½ lemon
- ¼ teaspoon celery seed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Whisk together mayo, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, celery seed, and salt until smooth.
- Add coleslaw mix. Toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate AT LEAST 2 hours (better after 4-6 hours or overnight).
- Stir well before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- CRITICAL: MUST chill 2+ hours! Fresh = bland. Chilled = Chick-fil-A magic!
- Best after: 24 hours when flavors fully meld. Make ahead!
- Use: Real mayo, WHITE vinegar, FRESH lemon juice, celery seed. No substitutions for authentic taste!