Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe (Easy Copycat)

This Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe tastes even better than the original. You've got hearty kale, crisp cabbage, sweet dried blueberries, and crunchy almonds all tossed in the most delicious apple cider Dijon vinaigrette. This is a healthy, easy, delicious salad that will turn anyone into a kale fan.

This copycat Chick Fil A Kale Salad is the perfect salad for the summer. It's full of crunch, loaded with nutrients, and can literally be made in 10 minutes. You can enjoy it on the side of some burgers , pizza, or chicken with a glass of lemonade, or better yet, add your protein directly into it for a one bowl, 10 minute dinner.

I honestly love this superfood kale salad and think that it tastes even better than the original! It's made with fresh, quality, in season ingredients, has the MOST DELICIOUS vinaigrette, and is so easy to make. Even if you don't think you like kale, I have a feeling this recipe will turn you into a kale salad lover.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Quick and easy
• Tastes better than the fast food version
• Healthy, full of nutrients
• Great option to serve at a dinner party for an easy side dish

INGREDIENTS FOR CHICK FIL A'S KALE SALAD

EQUIPMENT:

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Large mixing bowl

FOR THE SALAD:

• Kale: I used pre-cut organic kale because it was the same price as an uncut bunch, plus it saves me time
• Cabbage: I like the color that red cabbage adds, so I used that instead of traditional green cabbage
• Almonds: I added spiced almonds for extra flavor, but any will work
• Dried blueberries: Really adding nutrients to this salad! Blueberries are high in antioxidants, and also add a great sweetness

DRESSING INGREDIENTS:

• Olive oil: You want to use a good quality, extra virgin olive oil because this is the base of the dressing and you want it to taste good
• Apple cider vinegar: This adds that notable tang and brightness
• Honey: You need the honey to sweeten the dressing and tone down the tang from the vinegar
• Dijon mustard: Wouldn't be a Dijon vinaigrette without the Dijon mustard
• Orange juice: I used this in place of lemon juice because I loved the sweetness it added
• Salt, black pepper, garlic powder: Just a little bit of each spice to round out the flavor of the salad dressing

CHICK FIL A KALE SALAD RECIPE

1. Give your kale a good rinse, dry it, then, on a cutting board, cut out the center ribs and chop the leaves into bite size pieces
2. Once chopped, add the kale to a large bowl along with your cabbage
3. Whip up the dressing by adding all ingredients to a small bowl or mason jar and whisking until everything is combined
4. Pour half of the dressing over the kale and cabbage mixture, and use your hands to massage it in
5. Let the kale rest for three minutes to tenderize.
6. After those three minutes, add the chopped almonds and dried blueberries to the salad along with the rest of the dressing
7. Give it a good toss to ensure everything is well mixed, then use tongs to serve it up

INGREDIENT SUBSTUTIONS AND VARIATIONS

Substitutions:

• Cabbage: You could use green cabbage, napa cabbage, or even shredded brussels sprouts or iceberg lettuce
• Almonds: Slivered almonds, candied, or sliced will work, just be sure to toast them first! If you don't like almonds, you can substitute with chopped walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or cashews- again, just toast them
• Dried Blueberries: Substitute these with dried cranberries, dried cherries, or raisins
• Olive oil: Use avocado oil instead
• Honey: Maple syrup is a good substitute, and would also work on making it vegan
• Dijon mustard: Substitute with spicy brown mustard for a vegan option
• Orange juice: Can easily be substituted with lemon juice

Variations:

Any of these ingredients would be yummy if added to this delicious superfood salad!

• Chicken breast (would turn this into a main course!)
• Shrimp
• Baby broccoli
• Regular broccoli
• Diced radishes
• English cucumbers
• Shredded carrots
• Chopped apples
• Parmesan cheese
• Pumpkin seeds
• Sunflower seeds
• Pine nuts

EXPERT TIPS

• Cut the ribs out when cutting your kale
• Massage some of the dressing into the kale to tenderize it
• Add chicken or shrimp and turn this into a main dish
• Always toast your nuts
• Buy pre-shredded cabbage (great time saver)
• Swap the honey with maple syrup and the Dijon mustard with spicy or coarse mustard to make this vegan
• Store any leftovers in the fridge for 4-5 days

FAQs

Do I need to massage kale?

Technically, you don't. However it only adds an extra 2-3 minutes to the recipe and makes the kale more tender.

What dressing does Chick fil-A serve on their kale salad?

According to their website, they serve an apple cider Dijon mustard vinaigrette! That's why I made this one instead of a maple vinaigrette that used to be on their (now discontinued) superfood salad.

Is the Chick fil-A version healthy?

It is healthy, but the dressing contains extra added ingredients and inflammatory oils. Which isn't unhealthy occasionally, but my copycat recipe tastes even better with minimal and quality ingredients.

How much does the salad cost?

If purchasing from the fast food restaurant, it would cost about $2.29 per serving, while my copycat version costs around $1.10 per serving.

Is this vegan?

Since honey and Dijon mustard are main ingredients in the dressing, it is not vegan. However, with a few small changes, this can easily be made vegan! Check the substitutions list for options!

What's in Chick fil A kale crunch salad?

The one from the restaurant contains kale, green cabbage, and chopped almonds.

HOW TO STORE THIS COPYCAT CHICK FIL A KALE SALAD

You can store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.

If you have any leftover dressing, keep is in a mason jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. The olive oil will harden when chilled, so take it out 15 minutes before you plan on using it, then give it a good shake, and enjoy!

MORE RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE

• Sugar free lemonade
• Copycat Chick fil A spicy southwest salad
• Air fryer sweet potato fries
• Crispy carrot fries
• Creamy Oreo milkshake

Did you make this copycat Chick Fil-A Kale Salad Recipe? If you did, I would appreciate you leaving a comment and star rating down below. Additionally, you can follow me on Instagram and tag me if you make this or any other of my easy, healthy recipes.

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