Why You’ll Love This Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad Recipe

This copycat Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad recipe brings the popular side dish straight to your kitchen. Made with fresh curly kale, crisp green cabbage, and crunchy roasted almonds tossed in a sweet and tangy apple cider vinaigrette, this nutritious salad comes together in just 10 minutes. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal with added protein, this recipe captures all the flavors of the restaurant favorite without any preservatives or additives.

• Healthier Version – Made with fresh, real ingredients without preservatives or additives found in the restaurant version
• Budget-Friendly – Much less expensive than buying it at Chick-fil-A
• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 10 minutes with minimal prep work
• Versatile – Perfect as a side dish or add protein for a complete meal
• Customizable – Easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste preferences
• Nutritious – Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from kale and cabbage
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Stores well for meal prep (with some adjustments)
  
  
  

Kale Crunch Salad (Chick-Fil-A)

A fresh and flavorful kale crunch salad inspired by Chick-Fil-A—made with curly kale, green cabbage, and roasted almonds, tossed in a tangy apple cider Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch, healthy side, or meal prep favorite!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Salad:

- 4 cups curly kale, de-stemmed and chopped

- 2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced

- 1/3 cup roasted and salted almonds, roughly chopped

For the Apple Cider Dijon Vinaigrette:

- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard

- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

• 1 - Large mixing bowl- Whisk or mason jar with lid- Cutting board- Sharp knife

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, mix chopped kale and sliced green cabbage.

   In a small jar, whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients.

   Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.

   Top with chopped roasted almonds and serve fresh.

Notes

1. • Tip: Massage the kale with a touch of olive oil for 2–3 minutes to soften.
   • Optional add-ins: Diced apples, shredded carrots, or goat cheese for variation.
   • Best served fresh or within 1 day.

For the Salad:

• 4 cups curly kale, de-stemmed and chopped
• 2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup roasted and salted almonds, roughly chopped
  
  

For the Apple Cider Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  
  
  
  

How to Make Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad

• Prepare the kale: Remove the tough stems from the kale and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Wash thoroughly and dry using a salad spinner or paper towels.
• Make the dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, maple syrup, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
• Massage the kale: Place the kale in a large bowl and add 1-2 tablespoons of the dressing. Using your hands, massage the dressing into the kale for 3-5 minutes. This crucial step helps break down the tough fibers, making the kale more tender and easier to digest.
• Combine ingredients: Add the sliced cabbage to the bowl with the massaged kale.
• Dress the salad: Pour the remaining dressing over the kale and cabbage mixture and toss well to combine.
• Pro Tip: Don’t skip massaging the kale! This step is essential for breaking down the tough fibers and making the kale more tender and enjoyable to eat. It also helps the kale better absorb the dressing flavors.
  
  
  

conclusion

Recreating the Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad at home is not only simple and budget-friendly, but also a delicious way to enjoy a fresh, nutrient-packed dish anytime. With crisp kale, crunchy cabbage, and roasted almonds all brought together by a tangy apple cider Dijon vinaigrette, this salad delivers on both flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a healthy side, or part of your weekly meal prep, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and you just might find it’s even better than the original!