Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe

Easy Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe (Copycat Superfood Side)

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The Chick Fil A kale salad recipe has become one of the most popular copycat dishes for good reason. Known as the Superfood Side on the restaurant’s menu, this simple salad is a refreshing blend of curly kale, tender broccolini, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy roasted almonds, all tossed in a tangy maple Dijon vinaigrette. It’s proof that fast food can also be fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly healthy.

What makes this salad so special is how easy it is to recreate at home. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 20 minutes of prep time, you can have a homemade version that tastes just as good (if not better) than the original. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight side dish, a healthy lunch option, or a meal-prep favorite, this Chick Fil A kale salad recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe

There are plenty of reasons this salad has become a fan favorite:

  • Nutritious and satisfying – Kale and broccolini are packed with vitamins and fiber, making this a guilt-free side dish.
  • Simple ingredients – Nothing fancy here, just easy-to-find produce and pantry staples.
  • Meal-prep friendly – The salad holds up well in the fridge for a few days, making it perfect for make-ahead lunches.
  • Customizable – You can add grilled chicken, swap in walnuts or pecans, or even change up the dressing to suit your taste.

Now, let’s break down everything you need to make the best Chick Fil A kale salad recipe at home.

Ingredients for Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe

This copycat recipe stays true to the original while giving you room to adjust if needed.

For the Salad:

  • 4 cups curly kale, chopped and stems removed
  • 2 cups broccolini, chopped into bite-size pieces
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ⅓ cup roasted salted almonds (preferably slivered or sliced)

For the Maple Dijon Dressing:

  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey if you prefer)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional for extra flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Chick Fil A kale salad recipe at home is quick and straightforward. Here’s how:

Step 1: Prepare the Kale and Broccolini

  • Wash the kale and broccolini thoroughly under cold water.
  • Remove the tough stems from the kale and chop the leaves into small pieces.
  • Trim the ends of the broccolini and chop into bite-size sections.
  • Place both in a large salad bowl.

Tip: To soften kale and reduce bitterness, massage it with a small drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt for 1–2 minutes before adding other ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

  • In a small mixing bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and garlic (if using).
  • Taste and adjust — add more maple syrup for sweetness or more Dijon mustard for tang.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

  • Pour the dressing over the kale and broccolini.
  • Toss thoroughly until everything is well coated.
  • Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes. This allows the dressing to tenderize the kale and deepen the flavors.

Step 4: Add Toppings

  • Sprinkle in the dried cranberries and almonds just before serving.
  • Toss lightly again and serve immediately.
Chick Fil A Kale Salad

Tips for the Best Chick Fil A Kale Salad

Want to make your homemade Chick Fil A kale salad recipe even better? Here are a few tricks:

  1. Massage the kale – Don’t skip this step! Massaging kale helps soften the leaves and makes the salad easier to chew.
  2. Toast the almonds – For extra crunch and flavor, toast the almonds lightly in a dry skillet before adding them.
  3. Make the dressing ahead – The maple Dijon vinaigrette can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge. Shake well before using.
  4. Let it rest – Giving the salad a few minutes to sit after dressing helps the flavors meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

One of the best parts about the Chick Fil A kale salad recipe is how flexible it is. You don’t have to stick to the exact ingredients to get a delicious result — in fact, it’s fun to experiment and make it your own. Here are some easy swaps and creative variations you can try:

  • Kale alternatives – If curly kale isn’t your favorite, swap it for Tuscan (lacinato) kale, which has a slightly milder flavor and softer texture. You can even mix kale with spinach or arugula for extra variety.
  • Nuts – The original salad uses almonds, but pecans and walnuts are fantastic alternatives. For a nut-free option, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (pepitas) provide crunch without allergens.
  • Sweeteners – Maple syrup gives the dressing its signature flavor, but honey or agave nectar work just as well if that’s what you have on hand. Each will add a slightly different sweetness, so choose what you like best.
  • Cranberries – No cranberries? No problem. Dried cherries, raisins, golden raisins, or even chopped dates will bring that same chewy, sweet contrast to the greens.
  • Extra protein – Turn your salad into a full meal by adding grilled chicken, roasted shrimp, baked salmon, or plant-based proteins like chickpeas or tofu. This transforms the salad from a side dish into a satisfying main course.
  • Cheese lovers – If you like a creamy, salty touch, sprinkle in some crumbled feta, goat cheese, or even shaved Parmesan. Cheese adds richness that balances the tangy vinaigrette.
  • Fruit boost – Fresh fruit like apple slices, pomegranate seeds, or orange segments can brighten up the salad with extra flavor and color.

The beauty of the Chick Fil A kale salad recipe is that it’s really just a template. Once you get the base down — kale, broccolini, and that tangy maple Dijon dressing — you can customize it endlessly to fit your taste or whatever you have in the fridge.

Storage Instructions

This salad holds up surprisingly well, thanks to the hearty kale base.

  • Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the cranberries and nuts separate until ready to serve for the best texture.
  • Make-ahead tip – You can prep the kale, broccolini, and dressing up to 2 days in advance. Assemble the salad just before serving.
  • Avoid freezing – Fresh greens don’t thaw well, so freezing isn’t recommended.

Serving Suggestions

One of the reasons the Chick Fil A kale salad recipe is so popular is its versatility. It’s light enough to enjoy on its own yet flavorful enough to complement a wide variety of main dishes. Whether you’re planning a quick lunch, a weeknight dinner, or a potluck spread, this salad fits right in. Here are some of the best ways to serve it:

  • With chicken dishes – The classic pairing is grilled chicken nuggets, but this salad also works beautifully with baked panko chicken, fried chicken tenders, or even leftover rotisserie chicken. The tangy dressing balances out the richness of the chicken.
  • Seafood companion – Try it alongside roasted salmon, grilled shrimp, or pan-seared tilapia. The freshness of the kale and broccolini helps cut through the natural richness of fish.
  • Sandwich or wrap side – If you’re packing lunch, pair this salad with a turkey sandwich, grilled chicken wrap, or even a veggie wrap. It adds a refreshing crunch without feeling heavy.
  • Barbecue favorite – This is a surprisingly great side dish for cookouts and barbecues. It stands up well to smoky flavors from grilled meats and won’t wilt quickly in warm weather.
  • Everyday dinners – Serve it with pasta, casseroles, or simple roasted vegetables for a balanced plate that feels both nourishing and satisfying.

Another bonus is how well the Chick Fil A kale salad recipe works for meal prep. Since kale is sturdy, it doesn’t wilt as quickly as softer greens like spinach. That means you can prep the salad in advance, keep the nuts and cranberries separate until serving, and enjoy a ready-to-go side dish or lunch throughout the week.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes (just toasting almonds if desired)
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Conclusion (Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe)

Making the Chick Fil A kale salad recipe at home is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a fresh, healthy, and flavorful side dish without needing to head to the drive-thru. Not only does it come together in just minutes, but it also gives you complete control over the ingredients. You can choose the freshest kale, adjust the sweetness of the dressing, and even swap out the toppings to match your preferences.

What makes this salad so special is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a light lunch, pair it with grilled chicken for a hearty dinner, or prepare a big batch for weekly meal prep. The combination of kale, broccolini, cranberries, almonds, and tangy maple Dijon dressing is satisfying enough to stand on its own yet works beautifully alongside a wide variety of main dishes.

The real beauty of this Chick Fil A kale salad recipe is that it’s both nourishing and delicious. Many salads feel like an afterthought, but this one shines as the star of the plate. It’s proof that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something memorable.

If you’ve been searching for a salad that’s quick, healthy, and restaurant-quality, then this Chick Fil A kale salad recipe is the one to keep in your rotation. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—not just because it’s good for you, but because it truly tastes amazing.

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