If you love Chick-fil-A’s Kale Crunch Side but want to make it at home, this copycat recipe is fresh, crunchy, and incredibly easy. It’s the perfect side dish for grilled chicken, sandwiches, or meal prep, and it tastes even better after the dressing has had a little time to soak into the greens.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups curly kale, stems removed and chopped
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
- ½ cup roasted salted almonds, roughly chopped (or sliced almonds)
- Optional: shaved Parmesan for extra flavor
Apple Dijon Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry the kale thoroughly.
- Remove the stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- Massage the kale with a drizzle of olive oil for 1–2 minutes until it softens and turns a darker green.
- Add the shredded cabbage to a large bowl.
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the kale and cabbage, tossing until everything is evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Just before serving, top with the chopped roasted almonds.
Add Protein
Turn this side into a satisfying meal by adding:
- Grilled chicken breast
- Air-fried chicken nuggets
- Rotisserie chicken
- Grilled salmon
- Shrimp
Meal Prep Tips
- Store the salad and dressing together for up to 3–4 days. Unlike lettuce, kale holds up well after being dressed.
- Add the almonds just before serving to keep them crunchy.
