I never thought a fast-food salad would stick with me — but the first time I tasted the chick fil a kale salad, it genuinely surprised me. The chick fil a kale salad had this balance of earthy greens, nutty crunch, and that sweet-tangy dressing that made every bite feel fresh and full of flavor.
I was sitting in my car, sunlight pouring through the windshield, and for a moment… everything slowed down. That simple bowl brought comfort. So I went home, recreated the chick fil a kale salad in my own kitchen, and now it lives in my weekly routine — a little reminder that something wholesome can still feel indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Chick Fil A Kale Salad
There’s something about this dish that makes you feel like you’re doing something good for your body and your soul. Maybe it’s the crunch, maybe it’s that honey-kissed dressing — but the chick fil a kale salad always satisfies in the most surprising way.
Here’s why it earns a regular spot on my table:
- Wholesome greens, done right: The blend of baby kale and cabbage is tender yet hearty — never limp, always vibrant.
- Sweet meets savory: That roasted nut topping and maple-style vinaigrette bring just enough sweetness to balance the greens.
- Meal or side? Yes, please. Add grilled chicken or salmon and it becomes a meal. Or serve it alongside something cozy — like a bowl of soup or a roast dinner.
- It actually holds up. No wilting five minutes after dressing. You can make it ahead and enjoy it all week.
This salad is one of those rare finds — like a perfectly toasted churro cheesecake or a comforting plate of greek lemon rice soup — unexpectedly simple, and deeply satisfying.
Chick Fil A Kale Salad (Copycat)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine chopped kale and shredded cabbage. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and massage for 1–2 minutes until greens are tender.
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper. Shake or stir until emulsified.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast almonds and sunflower seeds for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool.
- Pour dressing over the greens and toss until evenly coated.
- Top with toasted almonds and sunflower seeds. Optional: drizzle with additional maple syrup.
- Let salad rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition
Notes
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Ingredients for Chick Fil A Kale Salad
To bring the flavors of the chick fil a kale salad into your kitchen, all it takes is a short list of fresh, simple ingredients — plus that irresistible vinaigrette that ties it all together.
| Component | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Salad Base | 4 cups chopped baby kale |
| 2 cups shredded green cabbage | |
| ¼ teaspoon salt (optional, to tenderize greens) | |
| Toppings | ½ cup roasted almonds (slivered or sliced) |
| 2 tablespoons roasted sunflower seeds | |
| 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness) | |
| Dressing | ¼ cup olive oil |
| 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar | |
| 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard | |
| 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey | |
| Salt and pepper, to taste |
The magic of the chick fil a kale salad lies in its contrast — sturdy greens, toasty nuts, and a dressing that’s sweet, sharp, and just a little creamy. A simple toss brings it all together beautifully.
How to Make Chick Fil A Kale Salad (Step-by-Step)
Making the chick fil a kale salad at home is surprisingly easy — and once you try it, you might never go back to the drive-thru. Each step is simple, but thoughtful, and the result is a bowl that’s both comforting and energizing.
Step 1: Massage the Greens
Add chopped baby kale and shredded cabbage to a large bowl.
Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and gently massage for about 1–2 minutes. This softens the greens and makes them tender, without losing their bite.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Shake or stir until emulsified and slightly creamy.
Step 3: Toast the Nuts (Optional but So Worth It)
In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the almonds and sunflower seeds until golden and fragrant — about 2–3 minutes. Let them cool.
Step 4: Toss It All Together
Pour the dressing over the greens and toss to coat.
Top with the toasted nuts and seeds. If you like a touch of sweetness, drizzle a little maple syrup on top.
Step 5: Let It Rest
Let the chick fil a kale salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to come together — and the greens soak up all that beautiful dressing.
Rafel’s Tips for the Perfect Chick Fil A Kale Salad
Making the chick fil a kale salad is simple, but these small touches can take it from good to absolutely addictive — the kind of dish you look forward to all week.
- Massage the kale — always. It’s tempting to skip, but this step transforms the texture. Just a minute makes the greens softer, silkier, and easier to digest.
- Toast the nuts. The warmth brings out the natural oils and flavor. It’s a tiny step that adds so much.
- Balance the tang and sweetness. Taste your dressing and adjust — more vinegar for brightness, more honey or maple syrup for warmth.
- Make it ahead. This salad holds up like a dream. In fact, it gets even better after resting in the fridge.
It’s the kind of recipe I come back to between bakes — especially when I’ve indulged in something like oreo ice cream cake or need a break from all the richness of a cozy marry me chicken pasta. Paired with something light like zesty shrimp and avocado salad, it becomes a wholesome, balanced meal.
For extra flavor, try tossing your greens with a touch of cowboy butter — it adds richness and zing without overwhelming the freshness.
Chick Fil A Kale Salad Variations
What I love most about the chick fil a kale salad is how flexible it is. You can keep it light and simple, or dress it up into a full, satisfying meal. Here are some of my favorite ways to switch it up:
- Add protein: Top with grilled chicken, salmon, or even crispy tofu for a hearty main course.
- Fruit twist: Add sliced apples, dried cranberries, or thinly shaved pears — the sweetness pairs beautifully with the vinaigrette.
- Cheese, please: A sprinkle of feta or shaved parmesan adds richness without overpowering the greens.
- Spicy kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey turns up the flavor in the most unexpected way.
- Crunch swap: Try chopped pecans or roasted chickpeas instead of almonds for a different kind of crunch.
If you enjoy reinventing classics, you might also love playing with textures like in my cottage cheese pizza crust or sweet, snackable bites like rice krispie ice cream. And if you’re craving something cozy after all that freshness, a little smothered chicken and rice makes for a perfect pairing.
And if you’re building a brunch board, add a few cottage cheese bagels on the side — they’re protein-packed and go beautifully with greens.
Serving Ideas for Chick Fil A Kale Salad
The beauty of the chick fil a kale salad is that it fits just about anywhere — as a bright side dish, a fresh lunch, or a nourishing base for something heartier.
Here’s how I like to serve it:
- As a main dish: Just add grilled chicken, a soft-boiled egg, or even slices of roasted sweet potato. It becomes a satisfying, balanced meal.
- As a picnic or potluck side: It holds up beautifully — no soggy leaves, no wilted mess — and pairs well with sandwiches or grilled meats.
- Tucked into a wrap: Roll it up in a tortilla with hummus or turkey slices for a quick lunch.
- Alongside comfort food: I love pairing it with something warm and cozy — like bbq grilled chicken and rice or a comforting scoop of meatballs and alfredo.
- In a bowl-style lunch: Layer it with grains like quinoa or farro, then drizzle with extra dressing and top with something crunchy like cowboy butter-roasted seeds.
It’s a salad that knows how to play well with others — light enough to refresh, bold enough to stand on its
For something heartier, I love pairing this salad with a cozy dish like smothered chicken and rice — it’s comfort and balance all on one plate.
Conclusion: A Bowl of Balance and Brightness
The chick fil a kale salad isn’t just greens in a bowl. It’s that little pocket of calm in the middle of a busy day, that reminder that something simple can still feel special. It’s crunchy, bright, and honest — and sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
What started as a quick drive-thru favorite became something more in my kitchen — a homemade version of the chick fil a kale salad that I reach for when I want to feel nourished, light, and clear-headed. It’s food that grounds you, gently and deliciously.
Much like how a slice of limoncello cake brings lightness to a cloudy day, the chick fil a kale salad brings a quiet kind of joy. One that feels both fresh and familiar.
Life Lesson from the Kitchen
Balance is everything — in food, in life. A little crunch, a little softness. Something earthy, something sweet. This salad reminds me that we don’t always need more… sometimes we just need enough of the good things, in the right measure.
FAQs About Chick Fil A Kale Salad
Can I use regular kale instead of baby kale?
Yes, but it’s best to remove the stems and massage it longer. Baby kale is naturally more tender, but regular kale works beautifully with a bit more love.
What type of cabbage should I use?
Green cabbage is traditional and keeps that fresh crunch, but you can also mix in red cabbage for color and extra antioxidants.
Can I make chick fil a kale salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It holds up well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep the dressing separate if you want maximum crunch before serving.
Is there a substitute for maple syrup in the dressing?
Yes! Honey is a perfect substitute and brings a similar sweet warmth to the vinaigrette.
Can I add protein?
Of course. Grilled chicken, salmon, tofu, or even a soft-boiled egg make this chick fil a kale salad a full and satisfying meal.
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