Copycat Chick-fil-A kale crunch salad

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

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.