Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe – Best Crunch You’ll Absolutely Love

Name: Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe with Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups curly kale, chopped; 1½ cups green cabbage, shredded; 1 cup cooked grilled chicken, sliced; ¼ cup roasted almonds, chopped; ¼ cup apple cider vinegar; ⅓ cup olive oil; 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey; 2 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 pinch garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Craving that crisp, nutty crunch of the Chick-fil-A kale salad with chicken, but want to make it fresh in your own kitchen? This copycat chick fil a kale salad recipe hits all the right notes with tender chicken, a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, and that signature roasted almond crunch.

Whether you know it as the kale crunch salad recipe or kale salad from chick fil a recipe, I’ll show you how to bring the fast-food favorite home, using simple ingredients and foolproof steps.

Let’s get cooking and bring a bit of Chick-fil-A charm to your dinner table tonight.

Table of Contents

The Heart Behind This Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe

Some dishes sneak into your heart slowly, but this one hit me right in the taste buds the first time I tried it.

I remember ordering the chick fil a kale salad on a whim, expecting a sad little side, but what I got instead was this flavor-packed, addictive, surprisingly satisfying bowl of greens.

It reminded me of Sunday lunches at Grandma’s, when she’d toss together whatever was fresh from the garden and somehow make kale taste like a treat.

That mix of crunch, sweetness, and chicken warmth brought me right back to her kitchen.

Now, I get that not everyone’s kale-curious at first. If not prepared the right way, it can turn out tough and bitter.

But trust me, this recipe, with its roasted nuts, flavorful dressing, and juicy chicken, will convert even the biggest skeptics.

I’ve made it for picky eaters, carb counters, and fast-food loyalists, and they’ve all asked for seconds.

When I recreated this crunchy kale salad at home, it was all about balance: savory grilled chicken, bright apple cider vinegar, and that satisfying almond crunch.

The result? A weeknight winner that feels like comfort food but eats like a clean meal.

Why Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe works at home?

The reason this chick fil kale salad recipe works so beautifully in a home kitchen is simple: it’s easy to prep and even easier to customize.

Chick-fil-A uses a mix of curly kale and green cabbage, which is both hearty and holds up well after dressing.

That means you can make a batch ahead of time and not end up with wilted greens two hours later.

And while Chick-fil-A tosses theirs with a packaged vinaigrette, making your own is quicker than you’d think, just a handful of pantry staples like apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.

Add shredded chicken, a handful of almonds, and maybe a sprinkle of dried cranberries if you’re feeling fancy, and boom, lunch is done.

It’s a perfect “bridge recipe” too, great for folks trying to eat healthier without giving up flavor.

If you’re into meal prepping, this recipe holds up for a few days in the fridge without losing that crunch.

How to cook juicy chicken for Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe?

grilled chicken sliced for chick fil a kale salad — Sliced Grilled Chicken for Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe

When I’m craving something light but still full of flavor, this chick fil a kale salad recipe with grilled chicken is the one I go for.

If you’re going to recreate the chick fil a kale salad recipe, nailing the chicken is non-negotiable.

Chick-fil-A typically uses grilled chicken breast, but at home, you’ve got options.

I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, they’re juicier, more forgiving, and they soak up marinade like a dream.

Here’s a quick go-to marinade:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper

Let it sit for 30 minutes or overnight. Next, grill or sear it in a pan until it’s beautifully golden and fully cooked.

Cut it thinly against the grain to create tender slices that tuck perfectly into the salad.

No grill? No problem. You can roast it in the oven or use an air fryer. Focus on getting a good sear and avoid cooking it too long.

Moist chicken is what brings the whole kale salad from chick fil a recipe together.

This salad’s so adaptable, if you’ve got leftover rotisserie chicken, use that. Got crispy chicken tenders? Slice ’em up and toss ’em in. You’re the chef here.

The perfect apple cider vinaigrette dressing – copycat style

Chick-fil-A keeps their kale salad dressing pretty light, but it’s the tangy, sweet apple cider vinaigrette that makes it pop.

And guess what? You don’t need a bottle. Chances are, everything you need is already in your kitchen.

Here’s the homemade version:

¼ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
⅓ cup olive oil
Pinch of garlic powder
Salt & cracked pepper to taste

Give it a quick whisk or shake it up in a mason jar for easy mixing. Taste it, it should be bright, with a subtle sweetness and a sharp edge.

Adjust to your liking. This dressing clings beautifully to kale and cabbage without making it soggy.

Let your dressed greens sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. Kale loves a little marinating time, it softens the leaves and deepens the flavor.

That’s why this chick fil kale salad recipe works even better made ahead.

Bonus tip: Save some vinaigrette for drizzling just before serving. It brings back that fresh zing that makes the whole dish feel restaurant-level good.

What greens go into the kale salad from Chick-fil-A recipe?

chick fil a kale salad ingredients flat lay — Fresh Ingredients for Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe

What makes this chick fil a kale salad recipe stand out isn’t just the dressing or the chicken, it’s the base.

Chick-fil-A uses a mix of curly kale and green cabbage, and it’s genius. The kale brings body and flavor, while cabbage adds a delicate crunch and slight sweetness.

It’s the blend that makes this chick fil a kale salad recipe so refreshing yet filling.

Here’s the perfect ratio for home:

2 cups of chopped curly kale, stems discarded and leaves gently massaged
1½ cups finely shredded green cabbage

Rub the kale with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of salt for about a minute to soften it.

This step matters, it breaks down the toughness and makes the kale more tender without cooking it. Think of it like giving the greens a quick warm-up.

This green combo stays crisp for days and holds up under dressing. It’s also what sets this kale crunch salad recipe apart from other soft-leaf salads.

Want to give it a heartier twist? Toss in some red cabbage or shredded Brussels sprouts for even more crunch and color.

Or for a sweeter take, thin-sliced apples or dried cranberries work wonders, and they stay on-brand with the original flavor profile.

Crunch is king: roasted almonds, add-ins, and texture

Now let’s talk crunch, the final step that pulls the whole crunchy kale salad together. Chick-fil-A adds roasted, salted almonds. It’s subtle but essential. You want that nutty snap in every bite.

Here’s how to DIY your salad toppers:

Rough-chop roasted almonds (or buy slivered)
Toast them lightly in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes to enhance the flavor
Optional: add a dash of paprika or a hint of smoked salt for extra flavor.

Want variety? For a fun twist, sprinkle in roasted sunflower seeds, pepitas, or crushed crispy chickpeas. Just keep the texture lively and balanced.

A few other fun mix-ins I’ve tried and loved:

Crumbled feta for creaminess
Dried cranberries for a sweet-tart note
Thin-sliced radishes for peppery bite

Each add-in builds on the layers of flavor and keeps the salad exciting bite after bite.

And that’s the beauty of this kale salad from chick fil a recipe, it’s flexible enough to become whatever you need: a side, a main, a meal prep star, or a potluck favorite.

This technique is the same reason my Southwest chicken salad is such a hit, texture, contrast, and tons of flavor in every forkful.

How to Store, Serve, and Savor This Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe?

serving chick fil a kale salad with chicken — Serving Homemade Chick Fil A Kale Salad with Chicken

One of the best parts of this chick fil a kale salad recipe is how well it holds up. Kale and cabbage are sturdy greens, they don’t wilt like romaine or spinach, which makes this salad a meal prep champion.

Here’s how to store it:

Dressed: Keeps for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge
Undressed: Lasts 4–5 days, store dressing and toppings separately for max crunch
Chicken: Keep it separate if freshly cooked, and mix it into the salad right before serving.

Whether you’re packing lunch or prepping dinners, this chick fil a kale salad recipe holds up beautifully for days.

For meal prep, assemble your greens in individual containers, toss in a few almonds, and keep a small jar of vinaigrette on the side.

When you’re ready to eat, shake it all together. The flavors only improve after a little time marinating.

This salad also makes a great base for other proteins: grilled shrimp, crispy tofu, or even sliced steak. You can rotate toppings and never get bored.

I often prep a double batch at the start of the week alongside my rotisserie chicken meal prep ideas.

How to serve crunchy Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe at Home?

You can serve this salad as a light lunch, a hearty side, or even a full dinner with extra toppings.

Want to make it fancy for guests? Serve it in wide shallow bowls with warm chicken and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving.

Hosting brunch? Pair it with quiche or a frittata for a fresh, colorful side that feels a little unexpected.

Feeding a crowd? Turn it into a platter-style salad bar with add-in options like avocado slices, boiled eggs, or crushed pita chips.

When you’re pulling together an easy weeknight dinner, this salad pairs beautifully with my juicy air fryer chicken thighs. It’s the kind of clean-eating comfort food that doesn’t feel like a compromise.

Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or a healthy snack, this chick fil a kale salad recipe brings bold flavor and texture without the fast-food guilt.

If you love simple chicken dishes with a flavor punch, you might also enjoy my Hellmann’s parmesan crusted chicken recipe, it’s crispy, cheesy, and comes together in under 30 minutes.

Conclusion about Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe

This chick fil a kale salad recipe brings fast-food flavor into your home kitchen using real ingredients and simple steps.

With juicy chicken, a tangy vinaigrette, and hearty greens, it’s a crave-worthy, make-ahead-friendly meal that never feels boring.

Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding your family, or just craving something crisp and clean, this salad is ready when you are.

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FAQ: Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe

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

Chick-fil-A dresses their kale salad with a vinaigrette made from apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard. It’s slightly tangy with a touch of sweetness and complements the hearty kale and cabbage. In this recipe, we recreate it at home using pantry staples like olive oil, vinegar, and honey or maple syrup.

What is in the kale crunch side at Chick-fil-A?

The Kale Crunch side features curly kale, shredded green cabbage, roasted almonds, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. It’s a simple, clean blend that’s both crunchy and satisfying, and in our version, we boost it with grilled chicken to make it a complete meal.

What is the healthiest salad at Chick-fil-A?

The kale crunch salad is one of Chick-fil-A’s healthiest options due to its minimal ingredients, low sugar content, and fresh greens. Other healthy picks include the Market Salad and the Grilled Chicken Cool Wrap, but this salad shines for its nutrient-dense base and clean dressing.

How long does Chick-fil-A kale salad last in the fridge?

A dressed kale salad stays fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer shelf life, around 4 to 5 days, store the dressing and nuts separately. Kale and cabbage are sturdy greens that hold up well, making this a great make-ahead option.

Does kale salad go bad?

Yes, like all fresh produce, kale salad will eventually spoil. Look for signs like sliminess, a sour smell, or limp leaves. Proper storage is key, keep it cold, dry, and separate the dressing until you’re ready to serve.

Are Chick-fil-A salads made daily?

Yes, Chick-fil-A salads, including the kale crunch, are prepared fresh each day in-store. Ingredients are chopped and tossed to order, which helps preserve texture and flavor. Our homemade version mimics that same freshness with easy prep techniques.