Introduction
If you’ve ever craved that crunchy, slightly sweet, tangy kale salad from Chick-fil-A, I’m about to show you exactly how I recreate copycat Chick-fil-A Kale Salad recipe 2026 it in my own kitchen—chef-style, simple, and spot-on.
» I’ve cooked with kale for years, in fine-dining kitchens and busy home kitchens alike. But I’ll be honest—when I first tasted Chick-fil-A’s kale salad, I paused. The balance was perfect. Crunchy greens, nutty almonds, sweet dried fruit, and that apple Dijon dressing? Genius.
As a chef, I love simple homemade recipes that respect ingredients without overcomplicating them. This Chick-Fil-A Kale Salad Recipe does exactly that. It’s fresh, fast, and quietly impressive.
Today, I’m sharing my personal copycat version—tested, tweaked, and simplified so anyone can make it at home with confidence.
So, let’s get chopping!
👉 What Is the Chick-Fil-A Kale Salad?
The Chick-fil-A kale salad, often called the Kale Crunch Side or Superfood Salad, is a refreshing blend of:
» Chopped kale and green cabbage
» Roasted almonds for crunch
» Dried cherries for sweetness
» A light apple Dijon vinaigrette
It’s served cold and pairs beautifully with chicken sandwiches, nuggets, or wraps. As a chef, I appreciate how it adds freshness to heavier meals without stealing the spotlight.
👉 Why You’ll Love This Chick-Fil-A Kale Salad Recipe
Here’s why you’ll like this homemade copycat Chick-Fil-A Kale Salad Recipe 2026:
» Ready in under 15 minutes
» Healthy but full of flavor
» Perfect for meal prep
» Easy to customize
» Sweet, tangy, and crunchy in every bite
It’s one of those rare salads that people actually crave.
👉 Kitchen Equipment Required For Fil-A-Kale Salad Recipe
You don’t need fancy tools to make the Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe, but having the right basics makes the job faster and cleaner.
» Measuring spoons & cups – Keeps flavors balanced
» Large cutting board – Gives you space to work without mess
» Mixing bowl (large) – Kale needs room to toss and soften properly
» Small whisk or fork – Perfect for blending the apple Dijon dressing
» Salad tongs or clean hands – Best for mixing and massaging kale
» Sharp chef’s knife – A sharp blade makes chopping kale and cabbage easy and neat
👨🍳 Chef Tip:
Clean hands are actually the best tool for massaging kale evenly.
Ingredients for Chick-Fil-A Kale Salad Recipe 2026
Below is the Ingredients list for the Chick-Fil-A Kale Salad (Copycat Version) with exact quantities, chef-tested ingredients to make this salad at home.
👉 Salad Base
♥ 2 cups fresh curly kale, finely chopped (stems removed)
♥ 1 cup green cabbage, thinly sliced
👉 Crunch & Sweetness
♥ ¼ cup roasted salted almonds, roughly chopped
♥ ¼ cup dried cherries
👉 Apple Dijon Dressing
♥ 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
♥ 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
♥ 2 tablespoons olive oil
♥ ¼ teaspoon salt
♥ 1½ tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
👨🍳 Chef Insight:
The dressing should taste slightly sweet on its own—once mixed with kale, it balances perfectly.
👉 Optional Add-Ons
♥ Grilled chicken breast, sliced (for a full meal)
♥ Avocado slices
♥ Extra almonds for garnish
👨🍳 Chef Tip:
Keep the ingredient list short. Quality matters more than quantity here.
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How to Make Copycat Chick-fil-A Kale Salad Recipe 2026
Making the Chick Fil-A-Kale-Salad Recipe 2026 at home is easier than most people think. As a chef, I always say this salad is less about fancy skills and more about treating the ingredients right. here are the few steps you can follow to make the perfect copycat salad recipe.
🍽️ Serving: 4 servings
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🛑 Resting Time: 10 minutes
⏲️ Total Time: 20 minutes
💲Estimated Cost: $5–$7 total (depending on ingredient quality)
👉 Step 1: Wash and Prep the Greens
♥ Start by washing the kale and cabbage thoroughly.
♥ Pat them dry with the help of clean towel.
♥ Remove thick kale stems (they’re tough and bitter)
♥ Finely chop the kale into small, bite-sized pieces
♥ Thinly slice the green cabbage for a light crunch
👨🍳 Chef Tip:
Smaller cuts make the salad easier to eat and closer to the Chick-fil-A texture.
👉 Step 2: Massage the Kale (Don’t Skip)
♥ Now, add the chopped kale in medium sized bowl with a pinch of salt on it.
♥ Using clean hands, gently massage the kale for about 30–60 seconds.
♥ The kale will darken and soften
♥ Bitterness reduces
♥ Texture becomes tender, not chewy
👨🍳 Chef Insight:
This step turns raw kale from rough to restaurant-ready.
👉 Step 3: Make the Apple Dijon Dressing
♥ In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, and salt.
♥ Whisk until smooth and slightly creamy
♥ Taste and adjust sweetness if needed
♥ Dressing should taste a little sweet on its own
👨🍳 Chef Tip:
The sweetness balances out once it coats the greens—trust the process.
👉 Step 4: Combine the Salad Ingredients
♥ Add the sliced cabbage, roasted almonds, and dried cherries to the bowl with the kale.
♥ Pour the dressing over the salad
♥ Toss gently until everything is evenly coated
👨🍳 Chef Insight:
Toss slowly—overmixing can bruise the greens.
👉 Step 5: Let the Salad Rest
♥ In my opinion, let the salad rest for at least 10 minutes to meld the flavors before serving.
♥ Flavors blend together
♥ Kale absorbs the dressing
♥ Texture improves naturally
This short rest is one of the secrets behind that Chick-fil-A flavor.
👉 Step 6: Final Taste, Serve, and Enjoy!
♥ Give the salad one last gentle toss.
♥Adjust salt if needed
♥ Add extra almonds on top for crunch
♥ Serve chilled or at room temperature
👨🍳 Chef Tip:
This salad tastes even better after a little time, making it perfect for meal prep.
Main Chick Fil A Kale Salad Dressing Ingredients
This dressing is where the magic happens ✨
» Dijon mustard adds depth
» Honey balances the tang
» Olive oil smooths it all out
» Apple cider vinegar brings brightness
👨🍳 Chef Insight:
The dressing should taste slightly sweet at first—once it coats the greens, it evens out perfectly.
👉 Healthy Ingredient Swaps
As a chef, I love flexible recipes. This salad is easy to adjust without losing flavor.
» Honey → Maple syrup (vegan-friendly)
» Olive oil → Avocado oil for a lighter taste
» Cabbage → Brussels sprout shreds for extra fiber
» Almonds → Walnuts or pecans for a softer crunch
» Dried cherries → Dried cranberries (more affordable option)
These swaps keep the salad healthy while fitting different diets.
👉 Salad Variations You Can Try!
Make it your own:
» Add grilled chicken for a full meal
» Add sliced avocado for creaminess
» Swap cherries with dried cranberries
» Sprinkle feta (not traditional, but tasty)
As a chef, I always say—recipes are guides, not rules.
Tips to Make It Taste Exactly Like Chick-Fil-A Salad
This is where most people go wrong—so let me save you from common mistakes.
» Use curly kale, not baby kale
» Chop everything small and evenly
» Let the salad rest before serving
» Always massage the kale (don’t skip this step)
» Let the salad rest 5–10 minutes before serving
» Add nuts and almonds last so they stay crunchy
»Taste the dressing before adding—adjust sweetness if needed
» These small details make a big difference.
👨🍳 Chef Insight:
Kale isn’t tender like lettuce—it needs care to shine.
👉 Storage & Meal Prep Tips
» Store in an airtight container
» Keeps fresh for up to 3 days
» Great for work lunches or quick dinners
» Dressing can be stored separately for longer crunch
Kale actually gets better after sitting, which makes this salad ideal for prep.
👉 Garnish & Presentation Tips
» Sprinkle a few extra almonds on top
» Add a pinch of dried cherries for color
» Serve in a wide white bowl for contrast
» Finish with a tiny pinch of flaky salt
» Light drizzle of dressing right before serving
Simple touches make this salad feel restaurant-quality.
What to Serve and Pair with Chick Fil A Kale Salad
This salad works as a side or a base for meals.
» Grilled chicken or chicken nuggets
» Copycat Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich
» Turkey or veggie wraps
» Soup or chili
» Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
👨🍳 Chef Tip:
Add grilled chicken on top and it becomes a full meal.
What Is the Healthiest Salad at Chick-fil-A?
From a chef’s and nutrition point of view, the Chick-fil-A Kale Salad (Kale Crunch Side) is one of the healthiest options.
Why it stands out:
» No fried toppings
» Simple, clean ingredients
» High in fiber and vitamins
» Lower calories than most salads
» Lighter dressing compared to creamy options
It’s a smart choice when you want something fresh and balanced.
Chick-fil-A Kale Salad Price
» Prices may vary by location, but on average:
» Kale Crunch Side price: $3.50 – $4.50 (2026 estimate)
» Making it at home costs less and gives you more servings—one reason I love this copycat version.
Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe Calories & Nutrition Facts
🧮 Nutrition Facts & Health Benefits
♥ High in fiber
♥ Low in calories
♥ Healthy fats from almonds
♥ Rich in vitamins A, C, and K
(Approximate values per serving)
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120–150 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 140 mg |
| Vitamin A | 90% DV |
| Vitamin C | 60% DV |
| Vitamin K | 350% DV |
🥬 Chef Note:
Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense greens you can eat.
Chick-Fil-A Kale Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash and dry the kale and cabbage. Chop kale finely and slice cabbage thin.
- Place kale in a large bowl, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and massage for 30–60 seconds until softened.
- In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, and salt.
- Add cabbage, almonds, and dried cherries to the kale.
- Pour the dressing & toss it gently to coat evenly.
- Rest the salad for at least 10 minutes, before you serve.
Notes
- Massaging the kale is key for tender texture
- Chop ingredients small for true Chick-fil-A style
- Keep this salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Add grilled chicken to make the complete meal
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bagged kale for this recipe?
Yes, bagged chopped kale works well and saves time. Just make sure to remove any thick stems and massage the kale before using it. This step improves both texture and flavor.
Is the Chick-Fil-A kale salad healthy?
Yes, it’s one of Chick-fil-A’s healthiest sides. The kale salad is low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins. It uses simple ingredients and a light dressing, making it a balanced and nourishing choice.
Is Chick-Fil-A kale salad recipe vegan?
The original version contains honey, which isn’t vegan. However, you can easily make it vegan by replacing honey with maple syrup or agave. The rest of the ingredients are completely plant-based.
What can I add to make this salad a full meal?
Grilled chicken is the most popular add-in. You can also add salmon, tofu, or chickpeas for protein. These additions turn the salad into a filling and satisfying meal.
What does Chick-Fil-A kale salad dressing taste like?
The dressing is lightly sweet, tangy, and smooth. It combines apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. On its own, it tastes slightly sweet, but once mixed with kale, the flavor balances perfectly.
Can I make Chick-Fil-A kale salad recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is great for meal prep. Kale holds up well in the fridge and actually tastes better after sitting. Keep the salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days for best results.
What kind of kale does Chick-fil-A use in their kale salad?
Chick-fil-A uses curly kale, not baby kale. When chopped small and massaged properly, it becomes tender without turning soggy.
How long does homemade Chick-Fil-A kale salad recipe last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this salad stays fresh for up to three days in the refrigerator. Keep almonds separate if you want to maintain maximum crunch.
My Final Conclusion
This Chick-Fil-A Kale Salad Recipe 2026 is proof that simple food, done right, can be incredibly satisfying.
» As a chef, I love homemade recipes that respect ingredients and fit real life—and this one checks every box. It’s quick, healthy, and full of balance.
» Whether you’re meal-prepping, cooking for family, or just craving that Chick-fil-A flavor at home, this salad delivers every time.
Give it a try, trust the process, and don’t forget—good food doesn’t need to be complicated to be memorable. if you have any thoughts or suggestion about this salad recipe then, write to me in the comment section below! – I’d love to hear from you!
Happy cooking!
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