What dressing does Chick-fil-A use on the kale crunch salad?

Chick-fil-A serves its Kale Crunch Side with an Apple Cider and Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette . It’s light, tangy, and slightly sweet—enhancing the bitter kale and crunchy almonds. Our homemade version captures the same balance with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard.

What’s in the kale crunch side?

The original Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Side includes curly kale , green cabbage , roasted almonds , and that signature apple cider vinaigrette . It’s a minimal, clean recipe designed to be both healthy and satisfying. Our Kale Crunch Salad (Chick-Fil-A Copycat) mirrors those ingredients exactly, plus optional add-ins to make it your own.

What happened to the lemon kale salad Chick-Fil-A?

The Lemon Kale Caesar Salad was introduced as a limited-time menu item and eventually phased out. However, fans still miss its bright flavors and crunchy texture. If you loved that, this Kale Crunch Salad (Chick-Fil-A Copycat) is a great alternative with customizable options for lemony brightness.

How many calories are in a kale crunch side salad from Chick-fil-A?

According to Chick-fil-A’s nutrition information, a serving of their Kale Crunch Side contains around 120 calories . Our copycat version is similar and can be tailored by adjusting the amount of almonds or vinaigrette used.

What lettuce is used in Chick-Fil-A salads?

While the Kale Crunch Side doesn’t use lettuce, Chick-fil-A salads often include romaine, spring mix, and green leaf lettuce . The Kale Crunch, however, is focused on curly kale and shredded cabbage , making it heartier and more textured.

What to put in kale salad?

To make a great kale salad, include: Acidic dressing to soften bitterness (like apple cider vinegar) Crunchy toppings like nuts or seeds A touch of sweetness —fruit or maple syrup Bold flavors like cheese, garlic, or herbs This is exactly what our Kale Crunch Salad (Chick-Fil-A Copycat) brings to the table.

Kale Crunch Salad – The Best 1 Copycat You’ll Love

Name: Kale Crunch Salad (Chick-Fil-A Copycat)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups curly kale, chopped; 2 cups green cabbage, shredded; 1/3 cup sliced almonds, roasted; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey; 1/3 cup olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste

Description

This healthy and flavorful Kale Crunch Salad is a spot-on Chick-Fil-A copycat recipe! Made with curly kale, green cabbage, roasted almonds, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, it’s perfect for meal prep or as a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups curly kale, chopped
2 cups green cabbage, shredded
1/3 cup sliced almonds, roasted
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1/3 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Rinse and chop kale, removing stems.
Massage kale with a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of olive oil for 1–2 minutes until softened.
In a small bowl or jar, combine apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup (or honey), olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake to emulsify.
In a large mixing bowl, add chopped kale and shredded cabbage. Pour dressing over and toss well to coat.
Top with roasted almonds and optional add-ins like dried cranberries or sliced apples.
Serve immediately or let chill in the fridge for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can make the dressing in advance and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Optional add-ins include carrots, cranberries, or Parmesan cheese. For extra protein, top with grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad, Side Dish
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: kale crunch salad, chick-fil-a copycat, healthy kale salad, crunchy salad, apple cider vinaigrette