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A Homemade Take on Chick-fil-A Kale Salad (That’s Even Better!)
I haven’t eaten at Chick-fil-A in maybe 15 years. I prefer homemade meals over fast food—it’s fresher, healthier, and honestly, more satisfying. But when I kept seeing rave reviews about the Chick-fil-A Kale Salad, I got curious. So, I did what I always do when a recipe catches my attention: I looked up the ingredients and made my own version.
Turns out, I love kale salads a lot more when they’re mixed with shredded cabbage. The texture is better, the crunch is more satisfying, and the dressing? Let’s just say I cut down on the sweetness and let fresh apples do the work instead. My husband is now requesting this kale crunch salad on repeat, so I think we have a winner!
Ingredients
This Chick-fil-A Kale Salad recipe is packed with fresh, crunchy ingredients and a light, tangy dressing. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Curly kale – A powerhouse of vitamins A, C, and K, plus fiber and antioxidants. Massaging it softens the texture and enhances flavor!
- Green cabbage – Rich in fiber and vitamin C, it adds a fresh crunch and mild natural sweetness.
- Apple – Provides natural sweetness along with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants for a refreshing bite.
- Roasted almonds – Packed with healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E, they add a delicious nutty crunch.
- Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) – A heart-healthy fat that brings the dressing together.
- Apple cider vinegar – Adds a tangy brightness to the dressing.
- Honey – Just a touch to balance the acidity.
- Dijon mustard – A bit of zip and depth of flavor.
- Garlic powder – Milder than raw garlic, so it blends smoothly into the dressing.
- Kosher salt & fresh ground pepper – Enhances all the flavors.
How to Make Chick-fil-A Kale Salad at Home
For the full recipe, read below.
- Massage the kale with a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of olive oil until it softens. (Don’t skip this step—it makes a huge difference!)
- Add the shredded cabbage and toss them together.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the kale and cabbage, tossing well to coat everything evenly.
- Cut the apple into matchsticks: slice the apple in half, remove the core, cut into thin planks, then stack and slice into thin strips.
- Add the apple sticks and most of the almonds, reserving a few for topping. Toss again.
- Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving—it gets even better as the flavors meld!
How to Serve Kale Crunch Salad
This copycat Chick-fil-A salad is great on its own, but here are some ideas to round out your meal:
- Toss in a whole grain like cooked farro for extra texture and heartiness.
- Include pieces of grilled chicken breast for added protein.
- Serve alongside grilled salmon or another protein for a well-rounded meal.
- Mix in chickpeas or quinoa to make it a satisfying vegetarian option.
FAQs
- What type of kale is best for this salad?
Curly kale is the best choice for this recipe because it has a hearty texture that holds up well to massaging and dressing. Lacinato (also called Tuscan or dinosaur kale) is softer and less curly, so if you prefer a more delicate bite, you can use it, but the texture will be slightly different. However, Lacinato kale is best suited for cooking—it’s excellent in soups, sautés, or braised dishes where it becomes tender and absorbs flavors beautifully. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This salad actually tastes better after sitting for a bit. Just wait to add the apples until right before serving so they don’t brown. - What kind of apple works best?
Crisp, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady work best. They hold their shape and balance the tangy dressing. - Can I use a different nut?
Absolutely! Try pecans or walnuts if you prefer. Just make sure they’re toasted for the best flavor. - Why use garlic powder instead of raw garlic?
Raw garlic can be quite pungent and overpower the delicate balance of the dressing. Garlic powder provides a more subtle, even flavor without the harsh bite, making the dressing smooth and well-integrated.
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The kale holds up well, but the apples may soften.
- Meal prep tip: If making ahead, store the apples separately and add them just before eating.
This salad started as a way to use up ingredients in my fridge, but now it’s one of my go-to favorites. If you’ve ever thought kale salads weren’t for you, give this one a shot. It might just change your mind! 😊
More Delicious Salads
Chick-fil-A Kale Salad Copycat with Apples
This Chick-fil-A Kale Salad copycat is fresh, crunchy, and better than the original! Made with apples and a light dressing, it’s a must-try.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 8 cups curly kale sliced thin (1/4")
- 2 cups green cabbage shredded thin (1/8")
- 1 apple washed and cut in small matchsticks
- 1/3 cup almonds, roasted roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Massage the kale with a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of olive oil until it softens.
- Add the shredded cabbage and toss them together.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the kale and cabbage, tossing well to coat everything evenly.
- Add the apple sticks and most of the almonds, reserving a few for topping. Toss again.
- Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving—it gets even better as the flavors meld!
Notes
Massage the Kale for the Best Texture – Massaging the kale with a little olive oil and salt helps break down its tough fibers, making it softer and more enjoyable to eat. Don’t skip this step!
Let It Sit Before Serving – This salad gets better after sitting for at least 30 minutes. The flavors meld, and the kale absorbs the dressing, making it even more delicious.
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The kale holds up well, but the apples may soften.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Chick-fil-A Kale Salad Copycat with Apples
Amount per Serving
Calories
172
% Daily Value*
Total Fat
14
g
22
%
Saturated Fat
2
g
13
%
Trans Fat
0.002
g
Sodium
145
mg
6
%
Total Carbohydrate
12
g
4
%
Dietary Fiber
4
g
17
%
Total Sugars
7
g
8
%
Includes Added Sugar
3
g
Protein
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
2839
IU
57
%
Vitamin C
36
mg
44
%
Calcium
107
mg
11
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
Potassium
243
mg
7
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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I can’t comment on the initial inspiration for this recipe, but as written and produced it is delicious. I second the idea to allow the dressing time to fully saturate the kale and the apples and almonds time to release their flavors into the salad. Truly excellent and super healthy!