Chick fil a kale salad fans, this one's for you. If you've ever eaten that little side salad at Chick-fil-A and thought "why is this so good and why is it so tiny?" - same. I made a copycat version you can actually eat as a full meal. It has the same crunchy kale, shredded cabbage, and toasted almonds, but with a homemade maple Dijon vinaigrette that honestly might be better than the original.
This kale crunch salad is veggie-packed, meal-prep friendly, and comes together in under 15 minutes. The best part? The creamy maple Dijon vinaigrette that ties it all together, it's sweet, sharp, and makes even kale skeptics go back for seconds.
I love serving it with my Grilled Tahini Chicken or adding it to a lunch bowl with roasted veggies. It's a great way to sneak in those greens, and it keeps well in the fridge for days.
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The ingredients
You will need these simple ingredients to make this Copycat Chick-fil-a Kale Crunch Salad.
Here's what you'll need to recreate this Chick-fil-A favorite at home:
- Fresh kale - Curly or lacinato both work; remove the stems and give it a good massage.
- Green cabbage - Shredded finely for the perfect crunch.
- Roasted almonds - Sliced or chopped, toasted for extra flavor.
- Maple syrup - Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dressing.
- Dijon mustard - For that tangy kick.
- Apple cider vinegar - Helps balance the sweet and savory.
- Olive oil - A good quality one makes a difference.
- Salt & pepper - Always taste and adjust at the end.
*See recipe card for quantities
How to make the Copycat chick fil a kale salad
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the kale
Strip the leaves from the kale stems and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Add a pinch of salt and massage the kale with your hands for 1-2 minutes, until it softens and darkens in color.
Step 2: Make the dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
Step 3: Combine
In a large bowl, toss the massaged kale, shredded cabbage, and roasted almonds.
Step 4: Dress it up
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss again until everything is well coated.
Step 5: Serve or chill
Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors get even better with time
Tips for Kale Salad Success
- Massage the kale! This step isn't just trendy - it makes a huge difference in texture and flavor.
- Toast the almonds for a few minutes in a dry skillet to bring out their nuttiness.
- Add protein like grilled chicken, salmon, or crispy tofu for a full meal.
- Make it ahead - It actually tastes better after sitting for a couple of hours.
Variations to Try
- Add fruit - Sliced apples or dried cranberries add a sweet touch.
- Change the dressing - Try a lemon tahini dressing or a honey mustard vinaigrette.
- Use mixed greens - If you're not into kale, spinach or arugula works too.
- Make it spicy - Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey.
How to Serve It
This kale crunch salad is super versatile. Try it:
- With grilled meats for a healthy dinner
- In a wrap or pita with chicken
- As a side dish at BBQs and summer potlucks
- With a big spoon straight from the fridge (no judgment here!)
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days. The kale holds up really well to the dressing.
- Meal prep: Keep the dressing separate and toss before serving if you prefer a fresher texture.
FAQ
What is in the Chick-fil-A kale salad?
The Chick-fil-A kale crunch salad has kale, shredded green cabbage, roasted almonds, and an apple cider and Dijon mustard vinaigrette. This copycat version adds maple syrup to the dressing for a little sweetness.
Is the Chick-fil-A kale salad healthy?
Yes! Kale is packed with vitamins A, C, and K. This salad is also high in fiber and healthy fats from the almonds and olive oil. It's a great lighter side dish or you can bulk it up with protein to make it a full meal.
How long does this kale salad last in the fridge?
It lasts 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. Kale actually holds up really well after being dressed, so this is a great recipe for meal prep. If you like a crunchier texture, store the dressing separately and toss before serving.
Kale Crunch Salad (Inspired by the Chick-fil-A Favorite)
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- Small bowl or jar (for dressing)
- Whisk
- Knife + cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped kale stems removed
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- โ cup sliced almonds toasted
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add chopped kale to a large bowl, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and massage for 1-2 minutes until softened.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Combine massaged kale, cabbage, and almonds in a bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss well.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
Notes
- Massage the kale with a tiny drizzle of olive oil if you want it even softer.
- Double the dressing if you like a more coated salad.
- Add extra protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to turn this into a hearty lunch.
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