How to Make The Best Chick-fil-A Kale Salad at Home (Step-by-Step)

Name: How to Make The Best Chick-fil-A Kale Salad at Home (Step-by-Step)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups chopped kale (curly or lacinato); 1 cup broccolini, chopped (or substitute with regular broccoli florets); ⅓ cup dried cherries or cranberries; ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted; ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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

If you love Chick-fil-A’s Kale Salad but don’t want to wait in the drive-thru every time you crave it, then you’re in for a treat! This **homemade Chick-fil-A Kale Salad recipe** is super easy to make, healthier, and just as delicious as the real thing. Plus, it’s **budget-friendly**—no more paying restaurant prices for a simple salad!

“Healthy, flavorful, and easy to make, this Chick-fil-A Kale Salad is a must-try!”

We’re going to break down every step in detail, so whether you’re a salad pro or just starting out in the kitchen, this guide will have you whipping up a fresh, vibrant **kale salad** in no time. Let’s get started! 🚀

What Makes Chick-fil-A Kale Salad So Special?

Chick-fil-A’s Kale Salad is famous for its **perfect balance of flavors and textures**. But what makes it truly stand out? Here are some of the key reasons:

✅ **Superfood ingredients** – Kale and cabbage are packed with nutrients.
✅ **Sweet and tangy dressing** – The Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette ties everything together.
✅ **Crunchy roasted almonds** – Adds a satisfying crunch.
✅ **Healthy and filling** – Light yet satisfying, perfect as a side or light meal.

And the best part? You can easily customize it to your taste! Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to recreate this dish at home.

Ingredients Needed for Homemade Chick-fil-A Kale Salad

Before we jump into the process, let’s gather everything you need.

Ingredient	Quantity
Fresh kale (curly or lacinato)	4 cups, chopped
Green cabbage	1 cup, shredded
Roasted almonds	1/4 cup, sliced
Olive oil	1/4 cup
Apple cider vinegar	2 tbsp
Dijon mustard	1 tbsp
Maple syrup or honey	1 tbsp
Fresh lemon juice	2 tbsp
Salt and pepper	To taste

That’s it! Just a few **simple, wholesome ingredients**, and you’re ready to go. Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process. 🥄

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

Now it’s time to put everything together! Follow this detailed, step-by-step guide to recreate the **Chick-fil-A Kale Salad** at home, with the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

🔪 Step 1: Preparing the Kale and Cabbage

How to Make Chick-fil-A Kale Salad at Home – Prepping the Kale and Cabbage — Massaging the kale makes it softer and less bitter—this step is a game-changer for the best homemade Chick-fil-A Kale Salad! 🥬✨

Kale is the **star of this salad**, so prepping it the right way is key to achieving the perfect texture and taste.

Wash the kale: Rinse the kale thoroughly under **cold water** to remove dirt and grit. Pat it dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner.
Remove the stems: The **thick stems** can be tough and chewy, so remove them by holding the base of each leaf and pulling the leafy part off.
Chop the leaves: Cut the kale into **bite-sized** pieces for easy eating.
Shred the cabbage: Use a **sharp knife or a food processor** to finely shred the cabbage. This adds a nice crunchy texture.

Pro Tip: If you find kale too bitter, soak it in **cold water with a squeeze of lemon** for about **10 minutes** before draining and massaging. This helps tone down the bitterness.

Step 2: Massaging the Kale for a Softer Texture

If you’ve never massaged kale before, now’s the time to start! **Massaging** breaks down the fibers, making the leaves more tender and **removing bitterness**.

Drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the chopped kale.
Use your hands to rub and squeeze the kale for **2-3 minutes** until the leaves darken and soften.
Let it sit for **5 minutes** so it continues to tenderize.

How do you know when it’s ready? The kale will turn **darker green** and feel **softer and less stiff**.

Step 3: Making the Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

How to Make Chick-fil-A Kale Salad at Home – Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette Dressing — This sweet, tangy lemon Dijon dressing is the secret to nailing Chick-fil-A’s Kale Salad flavor! 🍋🥄

The dressing is the **heart of this salad**—sweet, tangy, and perfectly balanced. Here’s how to make it:

In a small **mason jar or bowl**, whisk together:
- 1/4 cup **olive oil**
- 2 tbsp **apple cider vinegar**
- 1 tbsp **Dijon mustard**
- 1 tbsp **maple syrup or honey**
- 2 tbsp **fresh lemon juice**
- 1/2 tsp **salt** and 1/4 tsp **black pepper**
Shake or whisk vigorously until everything is well combined.
Let the dressing sit for at least **5 minutes** to allow the flavors to meld.

Pro Tip: Taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. If it’s too tangy, add a little more **olive oil**. If it’s too sweet, add an extra **squeeze of lemon**.

Step 4: Combining the Kale and Dressing

Now that we have our **tenderized kale** and **flavorful dressing**, let’s bring them together!

Pour about **half** of the dressing over the kale and toss well.
Massage again for **another 30 seconds** to help the dressing absorb.
Add in the **shredded cabbage** and mix to combine.
Slowly add more dressing as needed. You want the salad coated but not drenched.

Pro Tip: If you like **extra flavor**, let the dressed salad sit for **10-15 minutes** before serving. This helps the flavors develop.

Step 5: Adding the Crunchy Roasted Almonds

The final touch—crunchy, nutty **roasted almonds**!

If your almonds aren’t already roasted, toast them in a **dry pan** over medium heat for **2-3 minutes**, stirring occasionally.
Sprinkle the **roasted almonds** over the salad for a satisfying crunch.

Alternative: Not a fan of almonds? Try using **pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds** instead!

Step 6: Final Toss & Serving

You’re almost there! Now it’s time for the final mix and plating.

Give the salad **one last toss** to ensure everything is well coated.
Drizzle a little extra dressing if needed.
Garnish with extra lemon zest or a sprinkle of black pepper.

Pro Tip: If you want a **restaurant-style presentation**, serve the salad in a **large wooden bowl** and top with a few extra almond slices.

Enjoy Your Homemade Chick-fil-A Kale Salad!

And that’s it! You’ve successfully made your own **Chick-fil-A Kale Salad** from scratch. It’s fresh, crunchy, tangy, and oh-so-delicious!

“Skip the takeout and enjoy this homemade Chick-fil-A Kale Salad anytime—healthy, easy, and absolutely delicious!”

Now, all that’s left to do is **dig in and enjoy**. Try pairing it with your favorite **grilled chicken**, **sandwich**, or **fresh lemonade** for the full experience. 🍽️

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Now that you’ve made your **homemade Chick-fil-A Kale Salad**, let’s talk about the best ways to serve and pair it! Whether you’re enjoying it as a **standalone meal** or a **side dish**, here are some delicious ideas to elevate your dining experience.

Serve It As A Side Dish

This salad is **light, fresh, and packed with nutrients**, making it the perfect side dish for many meals. Here are some great pairings:

**Grilled or Roasted Chicken** – Classic Chick-fil-A style! Add some sliced grilled chicken breast on top for extra protein.
**Steak or Grilled Beef** – The refreshing crunch of kale pairs perfectly with a juicy steak.
**Baked or Grilled Salmon** – A heart-healthy combo rich in omega-3s.
**Turkey or Veggie Burgers** – Swap the fries for this nutrient-packed salad.
**Tacos or Wraps** – A great alternative to slaw for topping tacos.
Make It a Main Course

If you want to turn this into a **complete meal**, here are some ways to bulk it up:

**Top it with avocado** – Creamy avocado adds healthy fats and a rich texture.
**Add chickpeas or black beans** – For a plant-based protein boost.
**Serve with a fried or poached egg** – Adds creaminess and makes it more filling.
**Toss in hard-boiled eggs** – Great for extra protein and texture.
**Sprinkle feta or goat cheese** – Adds a salty, tangy flavor.

Best Breads & Sides to Serve With It

If you love a little extra **crunch and texture**, try these sides:

**Toasted Sourdough or Baguette** – Perfect for scooping up every last bite.
**Garlic Bread or Breadsticks** – Great if you want a more comforting meal.
**Sweet Potato Fries** – A healthier alternative to regular fries.
**Roasted Nuts & Seeds** – Sprinkle extra almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds on top.

Best Drinks to Pair With This Salad

Looking for the perfect drink to enjoy with your salad? Here are some refreshing options:

**Fresh Lemonade** – The citrus notes complement the tangy dressing.
**Iced Green Tea** – Light, refreshing, and full of antioxidants.
**Sparkling Water with Citrus** – Adds a bubbly, refreshing twist.

Now you’re all set! Whether you’re serving it as a side, a main dish, or pairing it with your favorite drink, this **Chick-fil-A Kale Salad copycat recipe** is a versatile, delicious, and healthy option for any meal. Enjoy!

Common Problems & How to Fix Them

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here are some **common problems** when making **Chick-fil-A Kale Salad** and **easy fixes!**

My Kale is Too Bitter!

Ah, the classic problem with kale! If your salad tastes **too bitter**, try these quick fixes:

**Soak the kale in lemon juice** for **10 minutes** before massaging.
**Rinse with cold water** and pat dry to remove some bitterness.
**Massage it longer** – This breaks down the fibers, reducing bitterness.

My Dressing is Too Strong!

If your dressing is **too tangy or overpowering**, try balancing it out:

Add **1 extra tablespoon of olive oil** to mellow the acidity.
Stir in **1/2 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup** for sweetness.
Mix with **1 tablespoon of water** to dilute it slightly.

My Salad is Too Dry!

If your kale **isn’t absorbing the dressing well**, try this:

Massage the kale with **a little olive oil first**, before adding the dressing.
Let the salad sit for **10 minutes** before serving so the leaves soak up flavor.
Toss the salad again just before eating to ensure even coating.

Chick-fil-A Kale Salad Nutrition Facts

Wondering how healthy this salad really is? Here’s a **nutrition breakdown** per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	150
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	10g
Fiber	3g
Fat	10g
Sugar	4g
Sodium	200mg

Good to know: This salad is **low in calories**, high in fiber, and packed with **vitamins A, C, and K**. A great choice for a healthy meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

1 . Can I Make Chick-fil-A Kale Salad in Advance?

Yes! This salad actually **gets better over time** because the kale absorbs more dressing.
Store in an **airtight container** in the fridge for up to **2 days**.
Keep the **almonds separate** to prevent them from getting soggy.

2 . What Can I Use Instead of Maple Syrup?

If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute with:
**Honey** – Slightly thicker but works great.
**Brown sugar** – Dissolve it in a little warm water first.
**Agave syrup** – A good plant-based alternative.

Can I Use Different Types of Kale?

Absolutely! While **curly kale** is most common, you can also use:
**Lacinato (Dinosaur) Kale** – Softer, less bitter.
**Baby Kale** – No need to massage, just toss and eat!

How to Make Chick-fil-A Kale Salad at Home – The Final Plated Salad — Your fresh and delicious Chick-fil-A Kale Salad is ready to serve! 🥗✨ Enjoy it as a meal or side dish!

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Chick-fil-A Kale Salad!

And there you have it! Now you know how to **make Chick-fil-A’s famous Kale Salad at home**, step by step. With its **nutritious ingredients, delicious dressing, and satisfying crunch**, this salad is perfect for any meal.

“Skip the drive-thru and enjoy this fresh, homemade version of Chick-fil-A’s Kale Salad anytime!”

Try it out, tweak it to your taste, and enjoy a **restaurant-quality salad** right from your kitchen. If you love this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends!