How to Make Chick-fil-A’s Kale Salad: A Crunchy and Nutritious Side

Chick-fil-A’s Kale Salad has become a fan-favorite for its perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and tangy flavors. This nutrient-rich side dish combines fresh kale, crisp Napa cabbage, roasted almonds, and a flavorful maple vinaigrette dressing, making it both delicious and wholesome. While it’s a great option at the restaurant, making it at home allows you to customize ingredients and enjoy a healthier, budget-friendly version.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to recreate Chick-fil-A’s Kale Crunch Salad from scratch, using simple ingredients and easy steps. Whether you’re looking for a light side dish, a meal prep option, or a tasty salad to pair with grilled chicken, this homemade recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s get started!

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

Chick-fil-A’s Kale Salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a flavorful, nutrient-packed addition to any meal. Recreating it at home allows you to enjoy its crunchy texture, tangy-sweet dressing, and fresh ingredients while also customizing it to your taste. Here’s why this copycat recipe will become your go-to salad:

1. Healthy and Nutrient-Rich Ingredients

This kale salad isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Kale is a superfood loaded with fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K, while Napa cabbage adds extra crunch and nutrients. The addition of almonds provides healthy fats and protein, making this salad both satisfying and nourishing.

2. Perfect Balance of Crunch, Sweetness, and Tangy Flavor

One of the best things about Chick-fil-A’s Kale Crunch Salad is its combination of textures and flavors. The roasted almonds add a nutty crunch, the maple vinaigrette dressing brings a hint of sweetness, and the apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard provide a tangy kick. Every bite is well-balanced and refreshing.

3. Quick and Easy to Make at Home

With just a handful of ingredients, this salad comes together in under 10 minutes. All you need to do is chop the greens, whisk together the dressing, toss everything together, and enjoy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or as a last-minute side dish for lunch or dinner.

4. Customizable to Your Taste

Making this Chick-fil-A Kale Salad at home allows you to adjust the recipe to your liking. Want a sweeter dressing? Add a touch more maple syrup. Prefer extra crunch? Toss in more almonds. Looking for a protein boost? Add grilled chicken or tofu. You can easily tailor this salad to fit your dietary needs and preferences.

This homemade version of Chick-fil-A’s Kale Salad gives you the best of both worlds—a restaurant-style dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and completely customizable. Now, let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to bring this delicious salad to life!

Ingredients You’ll Need for a Perfect Kale Crunch Salad

Recreating Chick-fil-A’s Kale Crunch Salad at home requires just a few simple, fresh, and wholesome ingredients. Each ingredient plays a key role in achieving the perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and tangy flavor that makes this salad so delicious. Let’s break down what you’ll need:

1. Fresh Greens for a Nutritious Base

The foundation of this salad is a mix of kale and Napa cabbage, which provides the signature crisp and slightly chewy texture.

• Kale – This nutrient-dense green is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, and K. It has a slightly earthy taste that pairs well with the dressing.
• Napa Cabbage – Milder and more tender than regular cabbage, Napa cabbage adds extra crunch and freshness to balance out the kale’s heartiness.

Pro Tip: To make the kale softer and less bitter, massage it with a little olive oil or lemon juice before adding it to the salad.

2. Crunchy Almonds for Texture

One of the highlights of this salad is the toasted, slivered almonds. They provide a nutty, crunchy contrast to the leafy greens and help make the salad more satisfying.

• You can toast the almonds in a dry pan for extra depth of flavor.
• If you have a nut allergy, swap them for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.

3. Maple Vinaigrette Dressing for the Perfect Sweet and Tangy Flavor

The dressing is what truly brings this salad to life! It’s a light, tangy, and slightly sweet vinaigrette that complements the greens perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds a bright, tangy kick that enhances the flavors.
• Maple Syrup – Provides natural sweetness and balances the acidity of the vinegar.
• Dijon Mustard – Helps emulsify the dressing while adding a slight peppery depth.
• Olive Oil – Creates a smooth, well-balanced vinaigrette.

Pro Tip: Whisk the dressing well before adding it to the salad to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.

4. Optional Additions for Extra Flavor

Want to customize your kale crunch salad? Here are some delicious add-ons:

• Grilled Chicken – Turns the salad into a protein-packed meal.
• Cranberries or Raisins – Adds a touch of sweetness.
• Parmesan Cheese – Enhances the umami flavors.

With these simple ingredients, you can easily create a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful salad that rivals the one from Chick-fil-A. Now that you have everything ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of making this delicious dish!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chick-fil-A’s Kale Salad at Home

Recreating Chick-fil-A’s Kale Crunch Salad at home is incredibly simple and takes just a few minutes. By following these easy steps, you’ll get the same crispy, flavorful, and refreshing salad with a homemade touch. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare the Kale and Napa Cabbage

The base of this salad is a combination of kale and Napa cabbage, which provides a perfect mix of textures.

Wash and Dry: Rinse the kale and Napa cabbage thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner.

Chop the Greens:

• Remove the tough stems from the kale and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
• Shred the Napa cabbage into thin strips for a light, crispy texture.

Massage the Kale (Optional but Recommended):

• Kale can be slightly bitter and tough, so massaging it with a little olive oil or lemon juice helps to soften the texture and enhance the flavor.
• Use your hands to gently rub the kale leaves for about 1-2 minutes until they become tender.

Pro Tip: If you prefer an extra-crisp salad, refrigerate the chopped greens for about 10 minutes before assembling the dish.

For effortless chopping, using a high-quality knife can make all the difference. The Ninja K12007WHBN NeverDull Essential Knife Set is an excellent choice for precision cutting. With its built-in sharpening system, this stainless steel knife set ensures razor-sharp performance every time, making it easier to slice through kale stems and finely shred Napa cabbage. If you want clean cuts and a seamless prep experience, this knife set is a must-have in your kitchen!

Step 2: Make the Maple Vinaigrette Dressing

The sweet and tangy maple vinaigrette is what gives this salad its signature flavor. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients for the Dressing:

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (for tanginess)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for natural sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for depth of flavor)
• ¼ cup olive oil (to emulsify the dressing)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Mix the Dressing:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard.
2. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth, well-blended dressing.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pro Tip: For a smoother dressing, you can also blend the ingredients using a small food processor or shake them in a sealed jar for an easy, mess-free mix!

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Now that your greens and dressing are ready, it’s time to put everything together!

• Place the chopped kale and shredded Napa cabbage into a large bowl.
• Drizzle the maple vinaigrette dressing over the greens and use tongs to toss everything together, ensuring every leaf is well-coated.
• Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the greens to absorb the dressing.

Step 4: Add the Crunchy Almonds and Serve

The final touch to this salad is the roasted, slivered almonds, which give it that irresistible crunch!

Toast the Almonds (Optional but Recommended):

• Heat a small dry pan over medium heat.
• Add the slivered almonds and stir frequently for about 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
• Let them cool slightly before adding to the salad.

Sprinkle the almonds on top of the salad just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Bonus: Customize Your Salad!

Want to make this salad your own? Here are a few delicious ways to customize it:

• Add Grilled Chicken – For extra protein and a heartier meal.
• Mix in Dried Cranberries or Raisins – For a touch of natural sweetness.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese – For a slight salty, umami boost.
• Use Honey Instead of Maple Syrup – If you prefer a different kind of sweetness in your dressing.

Ready to Enjoy!

And that’s it! You now have a homemade Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad that’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect as a side dish or light meal. Serve it immediately, or refrigerate it for later—this salad stays crispy and delicious for hours!

Tips for the Best Homemade Kale Salad

Making a delicious, restaurant-quality Chick-fil-A Kale Salad at home is easy, but a few key tricks can take it to the next level. From choosing the freshest ingredients to ensuring the perfect balance of flavors and textures, these expert tips will help you create a vibrant, crunchy, and well-seasoned salad every time.

Massage the Kale:

• After chopping the kale, drizzle it with a small amount of olive oil or lemon juice.
• Use your hands to gently rub and squeeze the kale for about 1-2 minutes until the leaves become softer and slightly darker.

Let the Salad Sit Before Serving:

• Toss the kale with the dressing and let it sit for at least 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the vinegar and oil to slightly break down the fibers, making the greens more tender.

Pro Tip: If you prefer extra-tender kale, briefly blanch it in hot water for 10–15 seconds, then rinse with cold water before using it in your salad.

2. Get the Dressing Just Right

The maple vinaigrette dressing is what gives this salad its signature tangy-sweet flavor, so making sure it’s well-balanced and properly mixed is key.

Use High-Quality Ingredients:

• Opt for pure maple syrup instead of artificial syrups for a natural sweetness.
• Choose extra virgin olive oil for a smooth and rich dressing.
• Apple cider vinegar is essential for that Chick-fil-A flavor, but you can also experiment with balsamic vinegar for a deeper taste.

Whisk or Shake It Well:

• Combine the dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk vigorously.
• Alternatively, add them to a sealed mason jar and shake until well combined.

Dress the Salad Lightly at First:

• Start with a small amount of dressing, toss, and add more if needed. You don’t want to drown the greens—just lightly coat them.

Pro Tip: If making the dressing ahead of time, shake or whisk before serving since the oil and vinegar may separate.

3. Choose the Right Almonds for Maximum Crunch

The roasted slivered almonds in this salad add an irresistible crunch, but how you prepare them makes a big difference.

Toast the Almonds for Extra Flavor:

• Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the slivered almonds.
• Stir frequently for 2–3 minutes until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
• Let them cool before adding to the salad to maintain their crunch.

Experiment with Nut Alternatives:

• Pecans or walnuts – For a richer, buttery taste.
• Sunflower or pumpkin seeds – A great nut-free alternative.

Pro Tip: If you love extra crunch, double the amount of almonds or add roasted chickpeas for more texture.

4. Make-Ahead Tips for Meal Prep

Want to make this salad in advance for meal prep? Here’s how to keep it fresh and crisp:

Store the Greens and Dressing Separately:

• Keep the chopped kale and cabbage in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Store the dressing in a sealed jar and shake well before using.

Add the Almonds Just Before Serving:

• Almonds can lose their crunch if stored with the greens, so sprinkle them on fresh when ready to eat.

Meal Prep Individual Portions:

• Divide the salad into mason jars or meal prep containers, keeping the dressing in a separate small container. When ready to eat, shake the dressing with the salad and enjoy!

Pro Tip: If making a large batch, refresh the salad by adding a small squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

5. Customize Your Salad to Your Taste

The great thing about making this salad at home is that you can easily customize it to fit your dietary needs and preferences.

Make It a Full Meal by Adding Protein:

• Grilled or baked chicken – For a heartier, Chick-fil-A-inspired meal.
• Salmon or shrimp – A great option for a seafood twist.
• Tofu or chickpeas – A fantastic plant-based alternative.

Boost the Flavor with Extra Ingredients:

• Dried cranberries or raisins – For a hint of sweetness.
• Crumbled feta or goat cheese – Adds a creamy, salty contrast.
• Avocado slices – For extra creaminess and healthy fats.

Try a Different Dressing Variation:

• Swap maple syrup for honey for a different type of natural sweetness.
• Use Greek yogurt-based dressing for a creamy texture.
• Experiment with balsamic vinaigrette for a richer depth of flavor.

For another delicious take on this salad, check out this Kale Crunch Salad for a Quick, Healthy Meal. It’s a great way to enjoy a nutrient-packed dish with a slightly different twist on flavors and textures.