Noble Veggies

  • Recipes index
  • Contact
  • About Me
  • French
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes index
  • Contact
  • About Me
  • French
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes index
    • Contact
    • About Me
    • French
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    • Four whole potatoes and three potato slices on a rustic wooden surface, with a small sprig of parsley placed beside them.
      Potatoes 101: How to Store Them and Choose the Right Type for Every Recipe
    • Four ears of yellow corn with green husks partially peeled back, arranged side by side on a wooden surface.
      How to Pick, Store, and Cook Fresh Corn
    • Close-up of several bundles of fresh beet greens with vibrant pink stems and green leaves, held together by rubber bands.
      How to Buy, Store, and Cook with Rhubarb
    • A fresh fennel bulb cut in half on a wooden cutting board with a knife beside it.
      How to Harvest and Store Fennel (From Garden to Table)
    • Bowl of salad with sliced green apples, fennel, herbs, and chopped pecans, seasoned with pepper and served on a white surface.
      Apple and Fennel Salad with Pecans and Basil
    • Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
    • A white bowl filled with grape tomatoes, blueberries, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves on a white surface.
      Easy 4th of July Caprese Salad
    • A close-up of a baked muffin in a crinkled paper liner, showing a golden-brown top with visible chunks of fruit or nuts.
      Raspberry Banana Muffins with Buttermilk and Freeze-Dried Raspberries
    • A bowl of creamy pasta salad with rotini, cherry tomatoes, bacon, shredded chicken, yellow bell peppers, and parsley, surrounded by ingredients on a white surface.
      Creamy Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad with Bacon and Cheddar
    • A close-up of a slice of baked egg casserole with herbs, held on a spatula above the remaining casserole in a baking dish.
      Protein Cottage Cheese Egg Casserole
    • Close-up of a sliced loaf of bread with visible chocolate chips and a moist, textured interior on a wooden surface.
      Bisquick Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips (Easy & Moist!)
    • Grilled chicken breast topped with sliced cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pieces, and fresh basil on a white plate.
      Quick and Flavorful Grilled Caprese Chicken
    "home" » Recipes » Salads

    Copycat Chick-fil-A kale crunch salad

    Modified: May 10, 2025 · Published: Aug 24, 2023 bySophie Viau

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Pinterest Pin EN.
    ↓ Jump to Recipe
    Pin the Recipe

    Hey there, salad enthusiasts! Today, I'm thrilled to share a copycat recipe that's not only packed with vibrant flavors but also brings a delightful crunch to your plate. Get ready to indulge in the goodness of this Kale Crunch Salad, featuring a tangy homemade Dijon Dressing that'll elevate your salad game to a whole new level.

    Jump to:
    • Why you will love this kale salad recipe
    • The ingredients
    • How to make the Copycat Chick-fil-a kale crunch salad; Step by Step
    • Tips
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • FAQ
    • Copycat Chick-fil-a kale crunch salad

    Why you will love this kale salad recipe

    We all know hearty kale is a nutritional powerhouse, right? Packed with vitamins and minerals, it's the superhero of greens. But wait, there's more! The addition of shredded green cabbage adds a fresh crunch and even more nutrients, making this salad a healthy option.

    Don't like almonds? Swap them for your favorite nuts or seeds. Want to add a burst of color? Toss in some sliced strawberries or dried cranberries. This recipe is your canvas; paint it with your favorite flavors.

    Whether you're hosting a summer get-together, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just craving a wholesome meal, this superfood salad fits the bill. It's versatile, elegant, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

    If you love healthy saladmake sure to try these Sicilian Style Fennel orange salad and Spicy Cucumber Salad recipes

    The ingredients

    You will need these simple ingredients to make this Copycat Chick-fil-a Kale Crunch Salad.

    Kale: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants, kale adds a hearty and earthy base to your salad. Remember, massaging the kale helps tenderize it and enhances its flavor.

    Green Cabbage: Shredded green cabbage brings a fresh and crunchy element to the salad. It's not just a filler; it's a nutritional gem on its own, loaded with vitamins and minerals. Plus, its mild flavor pairs beautifully with the kale, creating a balanced and satisfying bite.

    Almonds: Almonds are the secret to the incredible crunch of this salad. Rich in healthy fats and protein, they add both texture and a delicious nutty flavor. Toasting them before chopping intensifies their taste and provides an aromatic delight that enhances the overall experience.

    Pure Maple Syrup: Maple syrup isn't just a sweetener; it's a natural flavor enhancer. Its rich, complex sweetness contrasts beautifully with the tanginess of the vinegars in the dressing. Opt for pure maple syrup – it's worth it!

    Red Wine Vinegar and Apple Cider Vinegar: These vinegars are the dynamic duo behind the salad's tangy profile. Red wine vinegar adds depth and complexity, while apple cider vinegar brings a touch of sweetness and acidity. Together, they create a perfectly balanced dressing that elevates every bite.

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    Old Style Mustard: This is where the dressing gets its kick! Old style mustard adds a hint of spiciness and tanginess that plays well with the sweetness of the maple syrup and the acidity of the vinegars. It's the flavor booster that takes your dressing to the next level.

    *See recipe card for quantities

    How to make the Copycat Chick-fil-a kale crunch salad; Step by Step

    In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper.

    Gradually stream in the extra virgin olive oil while continuing to whisk. This creates a silky, well-rounded base for your dressing that'll coat every leaf of kale with love. Once the mixture is well combined, stir in the old-style mustard.

    Grab a large bowl and start assembling your Kale Crunch Salad. Toss in the chopped kale and shredded green cabbage. 

    Sprinkle the chopped whole almonds over the greens. 

    Drizzle your vibrant Dijon Dressing all over the salad. 

    Serve your Kale Crunch Salad on individual plates.

    Tips

    Kale can sometimes be a little tough, but fear not! Before assembling the salad, give the chopped kale a gentle massage with your hands. This helps to break down the fibers and make the leaves more tender and enjoyable to eat.

    When adding the homemade vinaigrette, start with a little and gradually add more as needed. You can always drizzle on extra dressing, but you can't take it off once it's there. Toss the salad thoroughly to evenly distribute the dressing.

    Prepare the dressing and chop the kale ahead of time, but save the final assembly for when you're ready to eat. This way, your salad retains its fresh, vibrant appearance and crunchiness.

    Got leftover salad? No problem! Turn it into a wrap, stuff it in a sandwich, or use it as a base for a grain bowl. The flavors only get better as they meld together.

    Turn this salad into a complete meal by adding some protein like grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or marinated tofu. It's a wholesome way to fuel your body and satisfy your taste buds.

    Variations

    Fruity Twist: Introduce a burst of fruity goodness by adding sliced strawberries, juicy mandarin segments, or diced fresh apples. Their natural sweetness adds a delightful contrast to the earthy flavors of kale and cabbage.

    Cheesy Delight: Grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled feta, or even goat cheese – choose your favorite cheese and sprinkle it generously over the salad. The creamy, salty notes of cheese will complement the vibrant flavors beautifully.

     Nut and Seed Symphony: Switch out almonds for a medley of nuts and seeds like walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. They are all great option and each bite will bring a different extra crunch, making your salad an orchestra of textures.

    Protein Powerhouse: Make your kale crunch salad recipe a full meal by adding protein sources like grilled chicken breasts, roasted chickpeas, quinoa, or marinated tofu. Not only will it satisfy your hunger, but it will also make your salad more substantial.

    Roasted Veggie Medley: Roast a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and baby broccoli, then toss them into your salad. The roasted flavors will add depth and warmth.

    Storage

    If you're not planning to consume the entire kale crunch side salad at once, consider assembling only the portion you intend to eat immediately. Keep the ingredients separate and the dressing on the side. This way, you can mix and dress the salad when you're ready to eat, maintaining the crunchiness.

    When storing, always keep the dressing separate from the salad components. Drizzling the dressing ahead of time can cause the greens to wilt and the crunch to fade.

    For extra longevity, place a damp paper towel on top of the greens before sealing the airtight container. This can help maintain moisture and prevent wilting without making the salad soggy.

    If you find yourself with leftover dressed salad, consume it within a day or two for the best quality. While the texture might change slightly, the flavors will still be delightful.

    FAQ

    Is this crunchy kale salad suitable for meal prep?

    Yes, this salad can be great for a meal plan. You can prepare the dressing and chop the kale and cabbage in advance. Store them separately and assemble the salad when you're ready to eat.

    How long does the dressing last?

    The dressing should last in the refrigerator for about 1 to 2 weeks, stored in a mason jar or an airtight container. Give it a good shake before using it.

    Can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?

    Absolutely. The sweetness of the dressing comes from the maple syrup. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.

    Kale Salad serve in a white bowl.

    Copycat Chick-fil-a kale crunch salad

    Sophie Viau
    Whether you're hosting a summer get-together, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just craving a wholesome meal, this kale crunch salad fits the bill. It's versatile, elegant, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine internationnal
    Servings 8
    Calories 189 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Homemade dressing

    • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
    • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon old style mustard

    For the Kale Crunch Salad:

    • 8 cups chopped curly kale
    • 2 cups green cabbage shredded
    • ½ cup whole almonds chopped

    Instructions
     

    • In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
    • Gradually stream in the extra virgin olive oil while continuing to whisk. This creates a silky, well-rounded base for your dressing that'll coat every leaf of kale with love. Once the mixture is well combined, stir in the old-style mustard.
    • Grab a large bowl and start assembling your Kale Crunch Salad. Toss in the chopped kale and shredded green cabbage.
    • Sprinkle the chopped whole almonds over the greens.
    • Drizzle your vibrant Dijon Dressing all over the salad.
    • Serve your Kale Crunch Salad on individual plates.

    Notes

    Storage
    If you're not planning to consume the entire kale crunch side salad at once, consider assembling only the portion you intend to eat immediately. Keep the ingredients separate and the dressing on the side. This way, you can mix and dress the salad when you're ready to eat, maintaining the crunchiness.
    When storing, always keep the dressing separate from the salad components. Drizzling the dressing ahead of time can cause the greens to wilt and the crunch to fade.
    For extra longevity, place a damp paper towel on top of the greens before sealing the airtight container. This can help maintain moisture and prevent wilting without making the salad soggy.
    If you find yourself with leftover dressed salad, consume it within a day or two for the best quality. While the texture might change slightly, the flavors will still be delightful.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 189kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.001gSodium: 352mgPotassium: 360mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 6713IUVitamin C: 69mgCalcium: 215mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword healthy, salad
    Tried this recipe?TAG Noble Veggies
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Sophie the author on a white background

    Hi I'm Sophie!

    I’m Sophie, the recipe creator and food photographer behind Noble Veggies. Here, you’ll find easy recipes that are all about balance, think cheesy pasta with broccoli, sheet pan chicken loaded with roasted veggies, and even a few veggie-packed sweets. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about making room for real food, quick prep, and a little veggie love on every plate.

    More about me

    Popular this Season!

    • Marry Me Chickpeas

    • cover
      Air Fryer Broccolini

    • Cheesy Smashed Baked Potatoes

    • Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Soup

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Politique-de-divulgation/

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2025 Noble Veggies

    • English
    • Français

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.