copycat chick fil a kale salad

Copycat Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe You’ll Love

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As a busy professional, I often craved Chick-fil-A’s kale crunch salad. But the long drive-thru lines didn’t fit my schedule. So, I decided to make a delicious copycat version at home.

Here’s a simple recipe that brings Chick-fil-A’s salad to your kitchen. It’s easy to make and tastes amazing.

This homemade Chick-fil-A kale salad is a game-changer. It combines fresh, crunchy ingredients with a tangy dressing. You can make it in just a few steps and enjoy it at home.

Get ready to enjoy every bite of this healthy and tasty salad!

Introduction to the Copycat Kale Salad

Chick-fil-A’s Kale Crunch Salad is a hit for its light, crisp texture and unique taste. This copycat recipe lets you make it at home, avoiding artificial ingredients. It’s a healthier, cheaper option than the fast-food version.

The Appeal of Chick Fil A’s Kale Salad

The Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad is loved for its crunchy kale, shredded cabbage, and toasted almonds. The zesty dressing, with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard, adds a great flavor. It makes the salad stand out from regular green salads.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This superfood salad recipe is a close match to the original. Making it at home lets you adjust the ingredients and flavors to your liking. It’s also healthier, without artificial preservatives or additives.

This fast food copycat recipe is perfect for a quick lunch, a filling dinner, or a tasty side dish. Its vibrant colors, crunchy textures, and bold flavors make it a great addition to your meals.

kale salad

Ingredients for the Copycat Kale Salad

To make a great copycat of Chick Fil A’s kale salad, you need a few key ingredients. At the heart of this dish are fresh, nutrient-dense greens – curly kale and shredded green cabbage. These leafy veggies give a crunchy texture and lots of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Fresh Greens and Their Benefits

Kale is known for its amazing nutritional profile. It’s packed with vitamins C and K, and antioxidants that can lower cholesterol. Green cabbage adds a refreshing crunch and boosts gut health and the immune system.

Essential Sauces and Dressings

The salad needs a homemade apple Dijon vinaigrette. This tangy, sweet dressing has apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and a bit of maple syrup or honey. It makes the kale soft and adds a tasty flavor to the dish.

To add crunch, the salad often has roasted almonds. You can also use sunflower seeds or pepitas. Adding feta cheese, dried fruits, or grilled chicken can make it a more filling healthy chicken salad recipe.

kale salad ingredients

By choosing and mixing these fresh, tasty ingredients, you can make the Chick Fil A kale salad at home. Enjoy a nutritious and tasty meal that will make you feel full and energized.

Preparing the Kale Base

To make a great copycat of Chick Fil A’s kale salad, start with the right kale. Choose fresh, curly kale for the best taste and texture. You can also use Lacinato kale. Wash and dry the kale well, then chop off the tough stems. Cut the leaves into small pieces.

How to Choose the Right Kale

For your copycat chick fil a kale salad, pick kale that’s vibrant and deep green. It should have a slight crunch. Stay away from wilted or discolored kale. It won’t be as fresh or nutritious.

Opt for organic kale if you can. It’s packed with more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Massaging Kale for Better Flavor

Massaging the kale is a secret to a tasty superfood salad. It makes the leaves tender and easier to eat. Start by drizzling olive oil and lemon juice over the chopped kale.

Then, use your hands to massage the leaves for 2-3 minutes. This makes the kale soak up the dressing better. Your salad will taste more flavorful and satisfying.

Preparing the kale base

“Properly preparing the kale is the foundation for a delicious and nutrient-rich copycat Chick Fil A kale salad.”

Adding Protein to Your Salad

Adding protein to the Chick-fil-A kale salad makes it a complete meal. You can choose grilled chicken or crispy breaded chicken. Both options make your salad more satisfying.

Chicken Options: Grilled vs. Breaded

Grilled chicken breast is a great choice for a healthy protein boost. It adds 25 grams of lean protein to your salad. This makes it a filling and nutritious main dish.

If you want something crunchy, try breaded chicken. The crispy coating adds a nice texture to your salad. It also complements the fresh greens well.

Vegetarian Alternatives

For a meatless option, consider crispy chickpeas, marinated tofu, or plant-based chicken. These add protein and variety to your salad. They also boost its nutritional value.

Adding protein to your kale salad makes it a complete meal. Choose grilled chicken, breaded chicken, or a vegetarian option. The protein keeps you full and satisfied.

healthy chicken salad recipe

Making the Dressing

Creating the perfect kale salad dressing is key to replicating the delectable flavor of the copycat restaurant salad. The dressing combines tangy and sweet elements. This creates a harmonious balance that complements the robust kale.

Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Dressing

The core ingredients in the dressing include extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of sweetener like honey or maple syrup. The tangy vinegar, pungent mustard, and subtle sweetness blend together. This blend gives the dressing its signature flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Consistency

  • Whisk the ingredients thoroughly or shake them in a mason jar to ensure proper emulsification, preventing the dressing from separating.
  • Adjust the sweetness and acidity to your personal taste, starting with a 2:1 ratio of oil to vinegar and adding the sweetener gradually until you achieve the desired flavor balance.
  • For a creamier consistency, consider incorporating a small amount of Greek yogurt or blending in a ripe avocado.

By mastering the art of crafting the kale salad dressing, you’ll elevate your copycat restaurant salad to new heights. You’ll deliver a truly restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your own home.

kale salad dressing

Combining the Ingredients

Making the perfect homemade chick fil a salad or copycat chick fil a kale salad is all about layering and tossing. Start by placing the fresh kale in a large, shallow bowl. Sprinkle shredded green cabbage on top for a beautiful two-toned base.

Then, drizzle the apple cider and Dijon mustard vinaigrette over the greens. Use your hands or tongs to toss the salad gently. This helps the kale absorb the dressing, making the flavors blend well.

Layering Techniques for Presentation

To make your copycat chick fil a kale salad look stunning, layer the ingredients in a mason jar or clear glass. Start with a little dressing, then add the kale, cabbage, and any extra toppings or proteins. This way, the greens stay fresh and the salad looks great.

Tossing Tips for Even Distribution

  • Use your hands or a pair of tongs to gently toss the salad, ensuring the dressing is evenly distributed.
  • For best results, massage the dressing into the kale leaves using a light, circular motion.
  • If preparing the salad in advance, give the jar or container a good shake just before serving to redistribute the dressing.

By using these simple techniques, you’ll make a stunning and tasty homemade chick fil a salad. It’s sure to wow your friends and family.

Adding Crunch: Toppings and Nuts

Make your copycat Chick Fil A kale salad even better with a crunchy topping. Roasted, salted almonds are a classic choice. They add texture and flavor. But, you can also try other options to boost your salad’s nutrition.

  • Pecans: They have a buttery taste and a crunchy texture.
  • Walnuts: These nuts are good for your heart and add an earthy flavor.
  • Pumpkin and Sunflower Seeds: They’re packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber.

Other Crunchy Additions

Want to make your kale salad even better? Try these crunchy toppings:

  1. Crispy Chickpeas: Roasted for a crunchy bite and extra protein.
  2. Croutons: Whether homemade or store-bought, they add a nice texture.
  3. Thinly Sliced Apples: They add a sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture.

These toppings not only make your salad feel better in your mouth. They also add more nutrients and flavors. Be creative and find the perfect mix to make your copycat Chick Fil A kale salad even more special.

Serving Suggestions

The copycat Chick Fil A kale salad is great with many meals. It’s perfect as a side with grilled meats, sandwiches, or soups. You can also add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or flaked salmon on top for a full meal.

Ideal Pairings with the Salad

For a light lunch, try the copycat restaurant salad alone. Its mix of fresh kale, crunchy cabbage, and zesty dressing is very satisfying. Or, pair it with grilled chicken or a turkey sandwich for a meal full of protein.

Presentation Tips for Hosts

  • Arrange the salad in a large, shallow bowl for easy serving and customization.
  • Provide tongs or salad servers to allow guests to neatly portion the salad onto their plates.
  • Garnish the salad with a sprinkle of roasted almond slivers and a fresh lemon wedge for a visually appealing finish.
  • Consider setting up a “salad bar” where guests can customize their portions with additional toppings and proteins.

Follow these tips to make your homemade copycat chick fil a salad look and taste great. It will impress your guests and make your mealtime special.

Meal Prep and Storage

Preparing the copycat Chick Fil A kale salad ahead of time saves you time. It also ensures you have a healthy, tasty meal ready. Store the kale, cabbage, and other greens in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the dressing in a separate container.

Best Practices for Keeping it Fresh

For the best taste, store the greens in an airtight container. The dressing goes in another container. This keeps the salad crisp and the flavors fresh. The salad stays good for up to 2 days in the fridge.

How to Reheat or Refresh Leftovers

Leftover copycat Chick Fil A kale salad is easy to refresh. Just add a bit of lemon juice or more dressing. Toss it to mix the ingredients again. If the almonds are soft, add some fresh slivers for crunch.

MetricValue
Estimated Preparation Time10 minutes
Approximate Shelf Life (Refrigerated)Up to 2 days
Recommended Calorie Count per Serving205 kcal
Macronutrient BreakdownCarbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 17g
Serving Size1/6 recipe

With these tips, you can enjoy the copycat Chick Fil A kale salad all week. You won’t lose any flavor or freshness.

Variations on the Original Recipe

Make your kale salad toppings even better by trying new things. Add roasted butternut squash in fall or fresh berries in summer. This way, you can change the salad to match what’s in season and what you like.

Seasonal Ingredients to Consider

  • Roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes in the fall
  • Fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries in the summer
  • Citrus segments like orange or grapefruit in the winter
  • Grilled peaches or nectarines in the spring

Dietary Substitutions

For a vegan or vegetarian version, use maple syrup or agave instead of honey. If you can’t have nuts, try sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Add quinoa, farro, or chickpeas for more protein and fiber.

Try feta or goat cheese, or add avocado for healthy fats. Shredded carrots or red onions add crunch and nutrients to your kale salad toppings.

By using seasonal produce and making the recipe fit your diet, you can enjoy your copycat Chick Fil A superfood salad all year. It stays fresh and exciting with every bite.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Copycat Kale Salad

This homemade copycat Chick-fil-A kale salad recipe is a tasty and healthy choice. Making it at home lets you pick your favorite ingredients and control the quality. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or adding to your meal prep.

Sharing Your Creation with Friends

The copycat Chick-fil-A kale salad is great for sharing with friends and family. Its bright colors and fresh taste make it a hit at any gathering. Take it to your next event and let everyone enjoy the homemade version.

Encouragement to Experiment with Flavors

This homemade Chick-fil-A salad is all about trying new things. Don’t be afraid to mix up the ingredients, seasonings, and toppings. Adding your own twist can make it even more delicious. Let your creativity shine and find flavors that you love.

FAQ

What are the key ingredients in the copycat Chick-fil-A kale salad?

The main ingredients are curly kale, green cabbage, and roasted almonds. You’ll also need extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

How do I prepare the kale base for the salad?

First, wash and dry the curly kale well. Remove the stems and chop the leaves into small pieces. Then, massage the kale with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice for 2-3 minutes. This makes the kale tender.

Can I add protein to this salad to make it a full meal?

Yes, you can add protein to make it a full meal. Try grilled chicken breast, breaded chicken, crispy chickpeas, tofu, or plant-based chicken substitutes.

How do I make the salad dressing?

To make the dressing, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Adjust the sweetness and acidity to your liking.

How long will the salad last in the refrigerator?

The salad can last up to 2 days in the fridge when dressed. But, the flavors get better over time. For longer storage, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.

Can I customize this salad with different ingredients?

Yes, you can customize the salad with seasonal ingredients, dietary substitutions, or extra toppings and proteins. It’s easy to make it your own.