Chick-fil-A Kale Salad Recipe: How to Recreate It at Home

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A Chick-fil-A Kale Salad served in a white bowl, featuring fresh kale, broccolini, dried cherries, and roasted almonds, lightly coated with a sweet and tangy dressing. Surrounding the bowl are small ingredient dishes and a jar of dressing on a rustic wooden table.

Chick-fil-A Kale Salad Recipe: Why It’s a Fan Favorite

The Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad has become a fan favorite, offering a perfect balance of hearty greens, crunchy toppings, and a signature sweet and tangy dressing. Moreover, it is known for its simplicity and fresh flavor, which makes it stand out among other fast-food options. As a result, this salad serves as a healthier alternative, making it a go-to choice for many who are looking for something both nutritious and satisfying.

But why go out when you can recreate this delightful salad at home? With just a few key ingredients and simple preparation steps, you can enjoy the freshness and taste of Chick-fil-A’s kale salad right in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a healthy side dish, or a base for a more robust meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

In this guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through the process of making the Chick-fil-A Kale Salad, including how to prepare the kale and broccolini, whip up the dressing, and customize it to suit your preferences.

1. Ingredients for the Chick-fil-A Kale Salad Recipe

To recreate the Chick-fil-A Kale Salad at home, you’ll need just a handful of fresh ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in delivering the signature flavor and texture that fans of this salad love. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh Greens: Kale and Broccolini

  • Kale: The star of the dish, providing a hearty, slightly bitter base that pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy dressing.
  • Broccolini: Adds a mild, slightly nutty flavor and crunchy texture to complement the kale.
  • Dried Cherries: These add a touch of sweetness to balance the greens’ earthiness. You can substitute with dried cranberries if preferred.
  • Roasted Almonds: Sliced and toasted almonds give the salad its signature crunch.

Sweet and Crunchy Toppings for Chick-fil-A Kale Salad

To replicate Chick-fil-A’s signature dressing, gather the following:

  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides tanginess and depth of flavor.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a slight sharpness and creamy texture.
  • Honey: Sweetens the dressing while balancing the acidity.
  • Olive Oil: Creates a smooth, emulsified base.
  • Salt and Pepper: Enhances the dressing’s overall flavor profile.

The Signature Sweet and Tangy Dressing

If you want to elevate your salad into a meal or cater to specific dietary needs, consider adding:

  • Grilled Chicken: A natural pairing for extra protein.
  • Tofu or Tempeh: For a plant-based protein option.
  • Shredded Parmesan: Adds a savory, umami-rich layer to the dish.

With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to move on to the preparation steps. Next, let’s dive into how to prepare the kale and broccolini for the perfect texture and flavor.

2. Preparing Kale and Broccolini for the Chick-fil-A Salad

Properly preparing the kale and broccolini is essential to achieving the perfect texture and flavor for your Chick-fil-A Kale Salad. These steps ensure the greens are tender, flavorful, and ready to pair with the dressing.

Step 1: Washing and Trimming

Trim the tough ends of the stalks and cut the broccolini into small florets or bite-sized pieces.

Kale:

Rinse the kale thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.

Strip the leaves from the tough stems by gripping the base of the stem and pulling your hand upwards. Discard the stems.

Chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

Broccolini:

Wash the broccolini under cold water.Trim the tough ends of the stalks and cut the broccolini into small florets or bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Massaging the Kale

Massaging kale is a key step that transforms its texture from tough and fibrous to tender and flavorful.

  1. Place the chopped kale in a large bowl.
  2. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt.
  3. Using your hands, gently massage the kale for 2–3 minutes until it darkens in color and becomes softer.

Step 3: Blanching the Broccolini

Blanching helps retain the broccolini’s vibrant green color and crisp texture:

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the broccolini and cook for 1–2 minutes.
  3. Immediately transfer the broccolini to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
  4. Drain and pat dry with a kitchen towel.

With your greens prepared, they’re now ready to be tossed with the other ingredients. Next, we’ll tackle the most exciting part: making the sweet and tangy dressing that ties this salad together.

3. How to Make the Chick-fil-A Kale Salad Dressing

The dressing is the heart of the Chick-fil-A Kale Salad, providing the sweet and tangy flavor that makes this dish so irresistible. Recreating it at home is simple and requires only a few basic ingredients.

Ingredients for the Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Combine the Ingredients:
    • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth.
  2. Emulsify the Dressing:
    • Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth, emulsified dressing. If using a jar, simply seal the lid and shake vigorously until well combined.
  3. Season to Taste:
    • Add the salt and black pepper, then whisk or shake again. Taste and adjust the seasoning or sweetness to your preference.
  4. Optional Enhancements:
    • For extra depth, add a pinch of garlic powder or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Tips for Perfect Dressing

  • Storage: Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake or whisk before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
  • Adjusting Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon of water or apple cider vinegar to thin it out.
  • Make It Ahead: Prepare the dressing in advance to save time and allow the flavors to meld together.

Now that your dressing is ready, it’s time to move on to assembling the salad and creating the perfect balance of greens, toppings, and dressing.

4. How to Assemble the Chick-fil-A Kale Salad

Now that you’ve prepared the kale, broccolini, and the sweet and tangy dressing, it’s time to bring everything together. Assembling the Chick-fil-A Kale Salad is simple, and the result is a beautifully balanced dish full of flavor and texture.

Toss the Greens

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the massaged kale and blanched broccolini.
  2. Add a small amount of dressing (start with 2–3 tablespoons) and toss thoroughly to coat the greens evenly.

Add Toppings

  1. Sprinkle the dried cherries (or dried cranberries) over the greens.
  2. Add the roasted sliced almonds for crunch.
  3. If desired, include optional toppings like shredded Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Final Toss

  1. Drizzle more dressing over the salad to taste. Toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
  2. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed (e.g., a pinch of salt, extra dressing).

Presentation

  1. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or plate for a polished presentation.
  2. Garnish with additional almonds or dried cherries for visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve the salad as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables.

With your Chick-fil-A Kale Salad beautifully assembled, it’s ready to enjoy! Up next, let’s explore some creative ways to customize the recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

Pair your salad with these Delicious Blackstone Chicken Recipes for a hearty meal.

5. Customize Your Chick-fil-A Kale Salad Recipe

The beauty of the Chick-fil-A Kale Salad lies in its simplicity and versatility. Furthermore, with just a few tweaks, you can easily tailor the recipe to match your taste preferences, dietary needs, or even the ingredients you have on hand. In addition, these adjustments ensure the salad fits seamlessly into your lifestyle, whether you’re making it for a casual lunch or a dinner party.

Substituting Ingredients

  • Greens:
    • If kale or broccolini isn’t available, substitute with spinach, arugula, or chopped Swiss chard. Regular broccoli florets can replace broccolini for a similar texture.
  • Dried Cherries:
    • Replace dried cherries with dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for a slightly different sweetness.
  • Roasted Almonds:
    • Try sunflower seeds, pecans, or walnuts as alternatives for crunch.

Adding Proteins

Turn your salad into a complete meal by adding one of these protein-rich options:

  • Grilled Chicken: Season chicken with simple herbs or your favorite spices and grill until juicy and tender. Slice into strips and place on top of the salad.
  • Tofu or Tempeh: For a plant-based option, marinate tofu or tempeh in soy sauce or your favorite seasoning and grill or pan-fry until crispy.
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs: Slice boiled eggs for a quick, protein-packed addition.
  • Shrimp or Salmon: Grilled or pan-seared seafood pairs wonderfully with the sweet and tangy dressing.

Enhancing Flavor

  • Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy, tangy element.
  • Include a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an added burst of freshness.
  • For extra zest, top with a few slices of fresh lemon or orange.

Dietary Adjustments

  • Make It Vegan: Replace honey in the dressing with maple syrup or agave nectar, and skip the Parmesan cheese.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients, especially any store-bought dressings or toppings, are certified gluten-free.

Scaling the Recipe

This salad can easily be scaled up for a party or down for a single serving. Double the ingredients for a larger crowd or prepare smaller portions for an individual meal.

With these customization ideas, you can make this salad uniquely your own while maintaining its fresh and balanced flavor. Next, let’s look at serving suggestions and storage tips to get the most out of your Chick-fil-A Kale Salad.

For a unique crunch, consider making these Delightful Christmas Crack Pretzels.

6. Serving Suggestions and Storing Leftovers

Your Chick-fil-A Kale Salad is ready to serve! Here’s how to present it and make the most of any leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

  • As a Side Dish:
  • As a Main Dish:
    • To turn the salad into a filling main course, add a hearty protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tempeh. Serve with a slice of whole-grain bread or a warm baguette.
  • For a Gathering:
    • Serve the salad in a large decorative bowl with the dressing on the side, allowing guests to customize their servings.

Making It a Meal

Here are a few creative ways to elevate the salad:

  • Wrap It Up:
    • Use the salad as a filling for wraps or pita bread, adding extra protein like grilled chicken for a portable meal.
  • Top It on a Grain Bowl:
    • Combine the kale salad with cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice for a nutrient-packed grain bowl.

Storing Leftovers

Kale salads are known for their durability, and this recipe is no exception. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

  1. Refrigerate:
    • Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The kale will stay crisp, but you may want to store the dressing separately to prevent the salad from becoming overly soggy.
  2. Refresh Before Serving:
    • If the salad has absorbed too much dressing, add a handful of fresh kale or broccolini and toss with a small amount of dressing before serving.
  3. Dressing Storage:
    • Keep the dressing in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake or whisk before using to re-emulsify.

FAQs

1. How healthy is the kale salad from Chick-fil-A?

The Chick-fil-A Kale Salad is a healthy option, offering a mix of nutrient-dense greens like kale and broccolini, plus heart-healthy almonds and dried cherries. Its sweet and tangy dressing adds flavor but also includes sugar, so portion control is key for maintaining a balanced meal.

2. What is the healthiest Chick-fil-A salad?

The Kale Crunch Salad is considered one of Chick-fil-A’s healthiest options due to its minimal ingredients, low-calorie count, and high fiber content. Other healthy choices include the Grilled Market Salad and Spicy Southwest Salad, depending on toppings and dressing selection.

3. Why did Chick-fil-A stop selling salads?

Chick-fil-A has not stopped selling salads altogether, but certain locations or franchises may adjust their menu offerings due to demand or ingredient availability. However, the Kale Crunch Salad remains a staple on most menus because of its popularity and simplicity.

4. What does Chick-fil-A put in their salad?

Chick-fil-A’s salads typically include fresh greens, a variety of toppings like fruits, nuts, or cheese, and their signature dressings. The Kale Crunch Salad features kale, broccolini, roasted almonds, and a sweet and tangy dressing.

5. Can I make Chick-fil-A’s kale salad vegan?

Yes, you can easily make a vegan version of this salad by substituting the honey in the dressing with maple syrup or agave nectar and skipping any cheese toppings.

6. How long does homemade kale salad last in the fridge?

Homemade kale salad can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. For best results, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

For more make-ahead ideas, try this Gluten-And-Dairy-Free Breakfast Guide.

Create Your Own Chick-fil-A Kale Salad Today

Recreating the Chick-fil-A Kale Salad at home is easier than you might think. With a few fresh ingredients like kale, broccolini, almonds, and dried cherries, paired with a sweet and tangy dressing, you can enjoy this nutritious and flavorful salad anytime. Whether you serve it as a side dish or elevate it with your favorite protein, this recipe offers versatility and satisfaction for any occasion.

The simplicity of this salad allows room for customization, making it a perfect fit for different dietary preferences and tastes. Plus, with the tips provided for preparation, assembly, and storage, you can confidently make this salad part of your regular meal rotation.

So, grab your ingredients, whip up that signature dressing, and bring the vibrant flavors of the Chick-fil-A Kale Salad to your table. Happy cooking!