If you’ve ever fallen in love with the Kale Crunch Side at Chick-Fil-A, you’re not alone. That slightly tangy, crunchy, sweet, and savory combo is addictive—but what if you could recreate it at home with simple ingredients? This Kale Crunch Salad Chick-Fil-A Copycat recipe brings the same mouthwatering flavor to your kitchen. It’s fresh, affordable, and easy to customize.
In this guide, you’ll discover how to make a better-than-the-original version with real, clean ingredients. You’ll also learn storage tips, variations, healthy swaps, and how to serve this salad for any occasion. Looking for inspiration? Try our Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls as a protein-packed pairing!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Deliciously Simple But Flavor-Packed
This Kale Crunch Salad Chick-Fil-A Copycat proves you don’t need a mile-long ingredient list to make something incredible. With just a few pantry staples—kale, almonds, and a signature dressing—you’ll be shocked how much flavor you can pack into a salad. The tangy apple cider vinaigrette combined with roasted almonds makes each bite irresistible. Even kale skeptics love this dish!
Unlike many restaurant salads that come drenched in sugary dressings or include hidden preservatives, this homemade version is clean, fresh, and fully customizable. Plus, you control the crunch, saltiness, and sweetness. Want more protein? Add grilled chicken or tofu. Craving a bit of sweetness? Toss in dried cranberries. It’s your salad, your way.
Health Benefits of Kale and Almonds
Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. It’s packed with fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and powerful antioxidants. Almonds bring a dose of healthy fats, protein, and crunch that helps make this dish more satisfying and balanced.
Making this Kale Crunch Salad Chick-Fil-A Copycat part of your weekly meal plan is a smart way to sneak in more greens without sacrificing taste. Whether you serve it as a light lunch or a side dish, it supports heart health, digestion, and energy levels—all in one crunchy bowl.
Don’t miss our Pineapple Cucumber Salad for another refreshing side idea that pairs beautifully with summer meals.
Preparation and Cooking Time
How Much Time You’ll Need (Prep vs Cook)
One of the reasons this Kale Crunch Salad Chick-Fil-A Copycat is a winner? It takes almost no time to make. From prep to plate, you’re looking at under 15 minutes total—seriously. Here’s the breakdown:
| Task | Time Needed |
|---|---|
| Washing and drying kale | 3 minutes |
| Massaging kale | 2 minutes |
| Making the dressing | 4 minutes |
| Toasting almonds | 3–4 minutes |
| Final assembly | 2 minutes |
Total Estimated Time: 12–15 minutes
You won’t need to turn on the oven or wait hours for marination. This salad is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or lazy weekend lunches.
Quick Tips for Saving Prep Time
- Buy pre-washed kale: It skips the cleaning step and often comes chopped. Just remove any tough stems.
- Use bagged sliced almonds: Already toasted? Even better.
- Shake your dressing in a jar: Saves time on whisking and makes storing leftovers easier.
- Double the batch: Make extra dressing and kale for quick assembly later in the week.
Whether you’re making it fresh or meal-prepping, this Kale Crunch Salad Chick-Fil-A Copycat fits right into your schedule with no stress.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients in the Copycat Kale Crunch Salad
To replicate the Kale Crunch Salad Chick-Fil-A Copycat, you’ll need just a few accessible ingredients. Here’s what brings the magic:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Curly Kale | 1 bunch | De-stemmed and chopped |
| Green Cabbage | 1 cup, shredded | Optional but traditional in CFA version |
| Sliced Almonds | 1/4 cup | Lightly toasted for extra crunch |
| Olive Oil | 1/4 cup | Base for the dressing |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 2 tbsp | Gives that signature tang |
| Dijon Mustard | 2 tsp | Emulsifies and adds depth |
| Maple Syrup | 1 tbsp | Optional sweetness |
| Sea Salt | To taste | Balances flavor |
| Black Pepper | A pinch | Adds light heat |
These ingredients combine to match the flavor and crunch profile of Chick-fil-A’s kale side while giving you full ingredient transparency at home.
Discover great ideas like our Coconut Lime Chicken as a perfect main to go with this salad.
Details About Chick-fil-A’s Signature Dressing
The real secret to this Kale Crunch Salad Chick-Fil-A Copycat is in the dressing. Chick-fil-A uses a apple cider Dijon vinaigrette with sweet, tangy, and savory notes. The good news? You can whip up your own with just 4–5 pantry items and skip all the preservatives.
This copycat dressing includes:
- Olive oil (or avocado oil for a milder taste)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- A touch of maple syrup or honey
It’s quick to mix and tastes even better the next day.
Optional Additions for Extra Crunch and Nutrition
While the original is minimal, you can easily elevate your version. Try:
- Dried cranberries or golden raisins
- Sunflower seeds or pepitas
- Grated carrots or shredded Brussels sprouts
- Crumbled goat cheese or feta (for a creamy twist)
These add-ins are optional but boost flavor, texture, and nutrients while keeping that signature Kale Crunch Chick-Fil-A vibe.
Learn more about pairing salads and seafood with our Mediterranean Salmon.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Kale Like Chick-Fil-A
To truly nail this Kale Crunch Salad Chick-Fil-A Copycat, the kale texture is key. Chick-fil-A uses curly kale that’s tender yet hearty—not tough or bitter. Here’s how to prep it right:
- Remove the stems – They’re fibrous and not fun to chew.
- Chop into bite-sized pieces – Smaller cuts mean more flavor absorption.
- Massage the kale – Yes, literally. Add a drizzle of olive oil and massage for 2–3 minutes. This softens the kale and makes it more enjoyable.
Massaging also releases a slight sweetness that balances the tangy dressing perfectly.
Making the Tangy Apple Cider Dijon Dressing
This homemade dressing is what gives the Kale Crunch Salad Chick-Fil-A Copycat its craveable flavor. And it’s as easy as shake-and-pour:
Dressing Recipe:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Shake vigorously until well emulsified.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
Check out our San Antonio Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe if you’re looking for bold flavors to pair alongside this salad.
Combining Everything for Max Flavor
Once your kale is prepped and your dressing is ready, it’s time to build:
- Toss the kale and cabbage together in a large bowl.
- Drizzle the dressing over and massage again lightly for even coating.
- Top with toasted sliced almonds right before serving (to keep them crispy).
- Optional: Add dried cranberries, goat cheese, or grilled protein.
Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving—this helps the kale soak up all that delicious dressing.
How to Serve
Perfect Pairings for Lunch or Dinner
This Kale Crunch Salad Chick-Fil-A Copycat is more than just a side dish. You can serve it as:
- A starter salad before roasted chicken or grilled fish
- A light lunch on its own with added protein
- A meal-prep staple paired with grains like quinoa or couscous
- A crunchy companion for sandwiches, wraps, or soups
Looking for inspiration? Try our Pesto Langostino Zucchini Recipes for a light, satisfying entrée option.
Serving Suggestions and Meal Ideas
Here are a few quick meal pairings to round out your dish:
- Grilled chicken breast + kale crunch salad = fast, balanced dinner.
- Baked salmon with lemon pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing.
- Stuffed sweet potatoes served alongside the salad for a veggie-packed plate.
- Crispy tofu cubes for a high-protein, vegan combo.
You can also serve it buffet-style for potlucks, holiday meals, or healthy work lunches. It holds up incredibly well—even after a few hours.
PART 6: Additional Tips
How to Massage Kale for Best Texture
Here’s a trick straight from the Chick-fil-A playbook—massaging your kale is what turns tough greens into something craveable. This process softens the leaves, reduces bitterness, and makes the salad easier to digest.
Here’s how:
- Place chopped kale in a large bowl.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil or a bit of the dressing.
- Rub the leaves between your hands for about 2–3 minutes.
- Watch it darken and shrink—signs it’s ready!
This one step makes a massive difference in flavor and texture.
Ingredient Substitutions for Dietary Needs
Want to tweak your Kale Crunch Salad Chick-Fil-A Copycat to suit your diet? You can easily customize:
- Low-carb/keto: Skip maple syrup and use a sugar-free sweetener or omit entirely.
- Nut-free: Replace almonds with roasted sunflower seeds or pepitas.
- Vegan: This recipe is already plant-based!
- Oil-free: Try a tahini-based dressing or use avocado puree for creaminess.
With just a few tweaks, you can make this salad suit any lifestyle while still keeping that signature crunch and flavor.
How to Make the Salad Ahead of Time
Yes, you can prep this salad in advance! In fact, kale gets better the longer it sits in the dressing.
Tips for make-ahead success:
- Store the kale and dressing separately for best texture.
- Add almonds just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
- Prep in glass containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
It’s the ultimate meal prep salad, especially when paired with protein or grains.
Recipe Variation
Make It a Full Meal With Grilled Chicken
Want to turn this Kale Crunch Salad Chick-Fil-A Copycat into a hearty, filling meal? Just top it with grilled chicken breast—simple, lean, and packed with protein.
Here’s a quick prep idea:
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Grill or pan-sear until golden brown and cooked through.
- Slice and lay over your kale salad.
Now it’s not just a side—it’s dinner.
Don’t miss our Mediterranean Salmon for another protein-packed pairing that works wonders with this salad.
Low-Carb, Vegan, and Protein-Boosted Versions
This copycat salad is incredibly versatile. Here’s how to make it match your preferences:
| Variation | Changes to Make |
|---|---|
| Low-Carb | Omit maple syrup and reduce almonds |
| Vegan | Keep recipe as-is or add tofu, chickpeas |
| High-Protein | Add hard-boiled eggs, lentils, or grilled meat |
| Fiber-Rich | Add shredded carrots, quinoa, or flax seeds |
| Sweet & Tangy | Add apple slices or pomegranate seeds |
These swaps help keep your meals exciting while staying true to the Kale Crunch Salad Chick-Fil-A Copycat flavor you love.
Freezing and Storage
How Long Kale Salad Lasts in the Fridge
One of the best things about this Kale Crunch Salad Chick-Fil-A Copycat is how well it holds up in the fridge. Thanks to kale’s sturdy texture, this salad doesn’t wilt as quickly as lettuce-based dishes.
- With dressing: 2–3 days in an airtight container.
- Without dressing: Up to 4–5 days if stored dry.
- Dressing alone: Up to 7 days when refrigerated in a sealed jar.
Make it ahead on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week without worrying about soggy greens.
Can You Freeze Kale Crunch Salad?
Freezing this salad isn’t ideal. Once thawed, kale loses its crisp bite and the almonds can become chewy. However, you can freeze individual components:
| Component | Freeze-Friendly? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raw kale | ✅ Yes | Blanch briefly before freezing |
| Dressing | ✅ Yes | Freeze in silicone cubes or jars |
| Assembled salad | ❌ No | Becomes soggy after thawing |
If you’re prepping in bulk, freeze the kale and dressing separately, then assemble when ready.
Storing the Dressing Separately
For the best texture, store dressing in a small container and add it just before eating. This keeps the almonds crisp and prevents the kale from becoming overly soft.
Meal prepping? Place kale in one container, and pour the dressing into a small cup or condiment jar to tuck inside your lunchbox.
Special Equipment
Helpful Tools for Chopping and Tossing
You don’t need fancy kitchen gadgets to make this Kale Crunch Salad Chick-Fil-A Copycat, but a few tools make prep faster and cleaner:
- Salad spinner: Essential for drying kale quickly
- Chef’s knife: For chopping kale and cabbage finely
- Large mixing bowl: Makes massaging and tossing easier
- Jar with lid: For shaking up your vinaigrette
These basics are enough to make a restaurant-quality salad right at home.
Storage Containers to Keep It Fresh
Keeping the salad crisp and fresh is easier with the right containers:
- Glass meal prep containers with separate compartments for salad and dressing
- Mason jars for storing extra vinaigrette
- Resealable bags for portioning out dry kale ahead of time
Investing in quality food storage helps extend freshness and makes your salad-to-go routine smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dressing does Chick-fil-A use on the kale crunch salad?
Chick-fil-A uses an apple cider and Dijon mustard vinaigrette on its kale crunch salad. The flavor is tangy, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced. Our copycat version replicates this with pantry ingredients like olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup.
What’s in the kale crunch side?
The original kale crunch side from Chick-fil-A includes curly kale, green cabbage, toasted almonds, and that signature apple cider Dijon vinaigrette. It’s a simple but satisfying blend of crunchy, tangy, and savory.
What does Chick-fil-A put in their salad?
Beyond the kale crunch side, Chick-fil-A salads vary. They often include mixed greens, grape tomatoes, cheeses, nuts, and proteins like grilled chicken or nuggets—always paired with one of their unique dressings.
How long does Chick-fil-A kale salad last in the fridge?
If stored properly, a homemade Kale Crunch Salad Chick-Fil-A Copycat can last 2–3 days in the fridge once dressed. Without dressing, it stays fresh for up to 5 days.
Which salad dressing is the healthiest at Chick-Fil-A?
The Light Balsamic Vinaigrette and Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette (used in the kale crunch) are considered the healthiest options at Chick-Fil-A. They’re lower in sugar and calories than creamy dressings.
What to put in kale salad?
Aside from kale, great additions include shredded cabbage, toasted nuts or seeds, cranberries, apples, carrots, goat cheese, or even avocado. The dressing is key—vinaigrettes work best for massaged kale.
Conclusion
Recreating the Kale Crunch Salad Chick-Fil-A Copycat at home is not only easy but rewarding. You get all the flavor you love—tangy dressing, satisfying crunch, and wholesome greens—without leaving your kitchen or breaking your budget.
Customize it, pair it with your favorite protein, and enjoy it fresh or as a make-ahead meal. Whether you’re serving it with dinner or packing it for lunch, this copycat kale salad is about to become a staple in your weekly rotation.
Looking for more fresh inspiration? Try our Strawberry Dole Whip as a refreshing dessert that pairs beautifully with this healthy salad.
Print
Kale Crunch Salad Chick-Fil-A Copycat
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh, crunchy, and tangy copycat of Chick-fil-A’s kale crunch side! Made with kale, cabbage, almonds, and a homemade apple cider Dijon vinaigrette, this easy salad is perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a healthy side.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch curly kale, de-stemmed and chopped
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash, dry, and chop the kale. Remove stems for a tender texture.
- Place kale in a bowl and massage with a small drizzle of olive oil for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- In a jar, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Shake until well blended.
- Toss the kale and cabbage in a large mixing bowl with the dressing.
- Sprinkle toasted almonds on top just before serving.
- Optional: Add dried cranberries, grilled chicken, or your favorite salad toppings.
Notes
- Massage kale to improve flavor and digestibility.
- Add grilled chicken for a full meal.
- Store dressing separately to keep salad crisp.
- Almonds should be added just before serving to retain crunch.
- Vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting almonds)
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed / No-cook (except almond toasting)
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Kale Crunch Salad Chick-Fil-A Copycat, kale salad, Chick-fil-A copycat, apple cider vinaigrette, kale crunch recipe, healthy kale salad