Description
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.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 4 cups kale, stems removed, leaves chopped
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2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup roasted almonds, roughly chopped
Dressing:
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1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
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3 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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2 tbsp maple syrup (or honey for a closer match)
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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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.
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Slice the Cabbage: Thinly slice the green cabbage into strips.
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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.
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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.
- Ready to Enjoy: Serve immediately as a light side salad or refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, sandwiches, or as a light appetizer. For extra crunch, add more almonds or sunflower seeds.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 182
- Sugar: 5.6 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 15.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 10.6 g
- Protein: 3.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg


