Kale Crunch Salad (Chick-fil-A Copycat Recipe)
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Bursting with flavor and crunch, my copycat Chick-fil-A kale salad recipe turns crispy, fresh kale into an easy and delicious side with a tangy, Dijon mustard vinaigrette. Tossed with crunchy almonds and a touch of sweetness, this homemade version doesn’t just rival the original; it beats it.
Chick-fil-a Kale Crunch Salad Recipe
I have always enjoyed taking restaurant favorites and making an even better copycat version at home with ingredients I trust. This Chick Fil A Kale Crunch Salad is my newest creation, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. I’ve worked to get every ingredient just right, from the blend of curly kale and fresh cabbage to the sweet, tangy vinaigrette that ties it all together. It’s simple, wholesome, and a recipe you can count on to deliver those classic flavors you love.
The dressing is what truly sets this salad apart. By adjusting the balance of vinegar, honey, and mustard, I made sure it had that perfect combination of sweet and savory. And the roasted almonds add a delicious crunch and a bit of saltiness that brings everything together. Whether you’re serving it as a quick side or making it a full meal with grilled chicken, I promise that this is one salad you’ll want to make again and again.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Easy kale salad – My version of this kale salad recipe comes together in minutes with simple ingredients.
- Better than fast food – This homemade dressing and fresh kale blend make it even better than the original.
- Superfood salad – The main ingredients, fresh kale, cabbage, and crunchy almonds, are loaded with nutrients that you can feel good about.
Ingredients Needed for This Crunchy Kale Salad
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe. Scroll down to the full recipe card for the specific amounts.
For the Salad
- Curly kale – Sturdy, fresh, and loaded with all those good-for-you nutrients, it’s a great base for this salad.
- Thinly sliced green cabbage – Adds a little extra crunch and keeps things fresh and crisp (you can use pre-shredded angel hair cabbage).
- Chopped roasted salted almonds – The salty, crunchy topping that makes this salad so good.
For the Salad Dressing
- Canola oil – A light, mild oil that lets all the other flavors shine (use olive oil if you prefer).
- Lemon juice – Adds a zesty, bright pop to the dressing.
- Dijon mustard – Adds just the right amount of tang and helps everything blend together.
- Apple cider vinegar – A little tart, a little sweet, it has the perfect balance for this dressing.
- Honey – Sweetens things up and gives the dressing a nice smooth texture.
- Salt – Just a pinch to bring all the flavors together.
How to Make This Kale Crunch Salad Recipe
Here are my step-by-step instructions so you can make this recipe with ease. For the full, printable recipe with amounts and temperatures, scroll down to the recipe card below.
- In a large bowl combine the kale with the cabbage and set aside.
- In a glass mixing cup or jar add the oil, lemon juice, mustard, vinegar, honey and salt.
- Whisk to combine.
- Toss the salad with the dressing and almonds.
Suggestions and Alternatives
- Nut-free – Swap almonds for sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or crispy chickpeas for extra crunch and a nut-free option.
- Kale – Use baby kale instead of curly kale for a milder flavor.
- Cabbage – Toss in red cabbage or napa cabbage for an extra pop of color.
- Protein – Add grilled chicken breasts or chicken nuggets to turn this into a full meal.
- Cherries – Include sour cherries or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
- Cheese – Sprinkle parmesan cheese or feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Maple – If you prefer a sweeter salad, drizzle in some pure maple syrup to the dressing.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate – Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For the best results, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.
- Freeze – This salad isn’t freezer-friendly because fresh kale and cabbage don’t hold up well after thawing. However, you can freeze the dressing in a small mason jar or airtight container for up to 1 month.
FAQs
Absolutely! Pre-packaged kale works great, but make sure to remove any tough stems and give it a quick rinse.
Yes, the recipe is naturally dairy-free as written. Just avoid adding any optional cheese like parmesan or feta.
That’s totally normal since there are no added stabilizers. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using.
You can easily turn this simple salad into a main course by adding grilled chicken breasts or even roasted sweet potatoes for extra protein and flavor.
More Copycat Recipes
- Copycat Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade (Only 2 Ingredients)
- Copycat Nothing-Bundt Lemon Cake
- Copycat Chick-fil-A Frosted Sunrise
- Copycat Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs
- Copycat Chick-fil-a Sauce
- Copycat Shamrock Shake
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Kale Crunch Salad (Chick-fil-A Copycat)
Ingredients
- 4 cups curly kale
- 2 cups thinly sliced cabbage
- ½ cup chopped roasted salted almonds
Dressing:
- ½ cup canola oil or any light oil you prefer
- 3 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons dijon mustard
- 4 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 Tablespoons honey
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the kale with the cabbage and set aside.4 cups curly kale, 2 cups thinly sliced cabbage
- In a glass mixing cup or jar add the oil, lemon juice, mustard, vinegar, honey and salt.½ cup canola oil, 3 teaspoons lemon juice, 2 Tablespoons dijon mustard, 4 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 4 Tablespoons honey, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Whisk to combine.
- Toss the salad with the dressing. Top with almonds.½ cup chopped roasted salted almonds
Nutrition
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