Kale Crunch Salad (Chick-Fil-A Copycat)

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy salad recipe that’s inspired by one of the most popular fast-food chains in America, then look no further than this kale salad inspired by Chick-fil-A.

Kale salads are a great way to incorporate more leafy greens into your diet, and this recipe takes it to the next level with the addition of crunchy nuts, sweet cranberries, and tangy dressing.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the history of the dish, share tips on how to make the best version of it, and provide answers to frequently asked questions.

History

Kale has been a popular vegetable in Europe and Asia for centuries, but it wasn’t until recently that it gained mainstream popularity in the United States.

Chick-fil-A, a fast-food chain known for its chicken sandwiches and waffle fries, introduced its own version of the kale salad in 2013.

The original salad contained kale, roasted almonds, dried cherries, and a maple vinaigrette.

It quickly became a fan favorite among health-conscious customers who wanted a healthier option while still enjoying the flavors they loved from Chick-fil-A.

Prep Time and What to Expect

This kale salad recipe is relatively easy to make, and the prep time should only take about 15-20 minutes.

You’ll need to wash and chop the kale, roast the almonds, and mix all of the ingredients for the dressing.

Once you’ve gathered all of the ingredients, you can expect to spend around 30 minutes preparing and assembling the salad.

Ingredients

For the salad, you’ll need:

– 6 cups of chopped kale
– 1 cup of roasted almonds
– 1 cup of dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese

For the dressing, you’ll need:

– 1/4 cup of olive oil
– 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons of honey
– 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste

Best Recipe

Copycat Chick-fil-A Kale Salad (with easy dressing)

To make the kale salad, start by washing and chopping the kale into bite-sized pieces. Then, add the kale to a large bowl along with the almonds, cranberries, and feta cheese.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well-combined.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the kale is well-coated in the dressing. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

This kale salad is great as a side dish or as a main meal.

You can also customize it to your liking by adding additional toppings such as grilled chicken, diced avocado, or roasted sweet potatoes.

It pairs well with a variety of dressings, including balsamic vinaigrette, lemon tahini dressing, or an Asian-inspired sesame ginger dressing.

FAQs

How long will this kale salad keep in the refrigerator?

This kale salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but the kale may become slightly wilted after the first day.

Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute any type of nut for the roasted almonds. Walnuts, pecans, or cashews would all be great options.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free ingredients for the dressing.

Conclusion

This kale salad inspired by Chick-fil-A is not only healthy and delicious, but it’s also easy to make and customizable to your liking.

Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or making it the main event, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

So next time you’re in the mood for something healthy and flavorful, give this recipe a try!