Go Back
+ servings
bowl of kale crunch salad
Print Recipe
4.72 from 21 votes

Copycat Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad

Copycat Chick-fil-A kale crunch salad is a simple healthy recipe you can quickly assemble in your kitchen.  Learn how to make the apple Dijon dressing that makes this easy side salad so tasty, plus know about additional add-ins that turn this side dish into a main meal.  This is also vegan and gluten free.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 9 cups
Calories: 227kcal

Ingredients
 

Apple Dijon Dressing

  • cup pure maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons distilled vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon white wine
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Kale Crunch Salad

  • 9 cups chopped kale packed
  • 2 ½ cups green cabbage shredded
  • ½ cup whole almonds
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil melted
  • ½ teaspoon salt optional

Instructions

Apple Dijon Dressing

  • Pour the maple syrup and apple cider vinegar into a medium bowl or large mason jar.
  • Add the distilled vinegar, white wine, and the Dijon mustard. Whisk if using a bowl, or shake together if using a mason jar.
  • Next add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper.  Whisk or shake together.
  • Slowly pour in the olive oil while whisking, or put the lid on the mason jar and shake well.  This recipe makes 1 ¼ cups of dressing.

Kale Crunch Salad

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.  Toss the whole almonds in the coconut oil and salt.  Spread them on a small baking tray and roast for 10-15 minutes.  Allow them to cool before cutting into smaller pieces with a large chef's knife.
  • Remove any ribs from the chopped kale, then add the shredded green cabbage and toss with your hands.
  • Pour on the apple Dijon dressing and massage the kale with your hands for roughly 5 minutes.  You will notice the kale softening and turning a darker shade of green.
  • Cover the salad and let it sit for 30 minutes (or up to overnight) in the fridge.  This gives the kale time to soften, and for the cabbage and kale to marinate in the dressing.
  • When ready to serve, add the roasted almonds and toss.  Adjust seasonings, adding a bit more vinegar, lemon juice, salt or pepper if desired.  You should have about 9 cups of salad.

Notes

  • Massage the kale for 5 minutes. It will darken in color and soften.
  • For the best flavor, allow the salad to marinate for 30 minutes to 3 hours.
  • Additional add-ins: chopped apple, dried cranberries, avocado chunks, sliced Brussels sprouts, julienned carrots, broccoli matchsticks, spring onion, Parmesan shards, roasted sunflower seeds, grilled chicken, grilled salmon and quinoa.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 227kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 3.7g | Fat: 18.5g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 321.6mg | Fiber: 2.9g | Sugar: 8.9g | Vitamin C: 53.8mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 1mg