
This Copycat Chick-Fil-A Kale Crunch Side Salad brings together a blend of fresh kale, green cabbage, and crunchy almonds, all tossed in a Dijon mustard vinaigrette for a healthy, flavorful side dish.
2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
1/4 cup roasted almonds, roughly chopped
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp maple syrup (or honey for a closer match)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Prepare the Kale: Remove the tough stems from the kale leaves. Chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped kale in a large bowl, drizzle with a small amount of olive oil and a pinch of salt, and massage with your hands for about 2–3 minutes until it softens and becomes more tender.
Slice the Cabbage: Thinly slice the green cabbage into strips.
Make the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the prepared kale, sliced cabbage, and chopped almonds. Drizzle with the dressing and toss well to coat everything evenly.
Gluten Free: Already is!
Dairy-Free: Already is!
Nut-Free: Swap the roasted almonds for sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or crunchy chickpeas for the same texture without the risk of allergens. For a sweet crunch, try dried sour cherries or dried cranberries.
Vegetarian: The salad is already vegetarian-friendly. For a more filling option, add roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, or grilled tofu for extra protein.