Make my favorite Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad at home with this simple copycat recipe. Ready faster than a drive-through run, this side salad captures the restaurant’s crisp texture and bright flavors — and tastes even better homemade. Layers of tender kale and cabbage combine with honey-roasted almonds and a tangy-sweet dressing to create a satisfying, make-ahead salad perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Why I Always Order the Kale Crunch

I almost always order a Kale Crunch Salad at Chick-fil-A, usually paired with an 8-count chicken nugget. The salad is light, crisp, and satisfyingly crunchy. The balance of kale and cabbage gives it body, while the almonds add a pleasant crunch and a touch of sweetness.

Making it at home means you can prepare a larger batch in less time, and it actually improves after a day in the fridge — which makes it ideal for meal prep. While you’re popping extra nuggets into the air fryer for the kids, keep one or two for yourself and serve them over this salad for a quick, wholesome meal.

Ingredients for Kale Crunch Salad

• 5 cups thinly sliced kale
• 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced green cabbage (or shredded)
• 1/3 cup roughly chopped honey-roasted almonds
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
• 2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Prepare Kale Crunch Salad

1. Make the dressing: Combine olive oil, honey (or maple), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and salt in a wide-mouth jar. Seal and shake vigorously until emulsified.
2. Prep the greens: Finely chop the kale and place it in a large bowl with the sliced cabbage. Add 1 tablespoon of the dressing and massage the kale with your hands for about 15 seconds to soften the leaves and improve texture.
3. Finish and serve: Pour the remaining dressing over the greens, add the chopped honey-roasted almonds, and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate — the salad develops more flavor after resting.

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Yield: 4

Kale Crunch Salad

Make Chick-fil-A’s Kale Crunch Salad at home with this easy copycat version.

Prep Time
10 minutes

Total Time
10 minutes

Ingredients

• 5 cups thinly sliced kale
• 1-1/2 cups thinly sliced green cabbage or shredded
• 1/3 cup roughly chopped honey-roasted almonds
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Combine all dressing ingredients in a wide-mouth mason jar. Seal and shake well to combine.
2. Finely chop the kale. Place the kale and cabbage in a large bowl. Mix in 1 tablespoon of the dressing, then scrunch the kale firmly with both hands for about 15 seconds to soften it before adding the remaining dressing.
3. Add the almonds and toss. Taste, adjust, and enjoy.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 391
Total Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 23g
Sodium: 326mg
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 9g