Chick-fil-A Kale Salad Recipe: A Fresh Take You’ll Want on Repeat

Why This Chick-fil-A Kale Salad Recipe Stole My Heart

Craving Kale on a Sunday

There’s something funny about craving salad—especially from a fast food chain. But that’s exactly what happens every time I think about Chick-fil-A’s kale salad. It all started one Sunday afternoon when I remembered, too late, that Chick-fil-A was closed. I had been looking forward to their warm grilled chicken and, more specifically, that crunchy, sweet, slightly tangy kale salad. Since I couldn’t get it, I decided to recreate it myself. That’s when I started experimenting with my own Chick-fil-A kale salad recipe, and honestly, I haven’t looked back since.

The moment I tasted my first homemade bowl, I knew this recipe was going into regular rotation. It had everything I remembered—the crisp kale, crunchy almonds, sweet dried cherries, and that unforgettable maple vinaigrette. But what made it even better was knowing exactly what went into it. Now, whenever I crave something light yet flavorful, I reach for this Chick-fil-A kale salad recipe instead of takeout.

If you’re already looking for something to pair it with, our Hellmann’s potato salad makes a hearty, nostalgic combo. Or if you love salty-sweet combinations, try these no-bake protein cookies as a fun dessert after your greens.

A Salad That Surprises Everyone

Let’s be honest: kale doesn’t exactly have a reputation for being exciting. But the Chick-fil-A kale salad recipe manages to turn it into the star of the show. The secret? Massage the kale to make it tender, then toss it with a bright, balanced maple vinaigrette. Add chopped broccolini for some crunch, and finish with a handful of dried cherries and roasted almonds.

I’ve made this salad for friends who claim they hate kale, and they always ask for seconds. It’s a perfect side dish, lunch prep, or even a main when topped with grilled chicken. What’s great is that it holds up well in the fridge—making it ideal for next-day lunches. With this Chick-fil-A kale salad recipe, you’re not just making a salad; you’re making a go-to dish that fits just about any meal plan..

Ingredients and Simple Prep for the Best Chick-fil-A Kale Salad Recipe

The Simple Ingredients That Make It Shine

One thing I love about this Chick-fil-A kale salad recipe is how it’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. You don’t need fancy tools or rare ingredients—just simple, fresh items you can find at any grocery store. And yet, when they all come together, the result is something that tastes way better than fast food.

Below is a quick breakdown of the key ingredients and what each one brings to the table:

Each ingredient in this Chick-fil-A kale salad recipe has a clear job. Massaging the kale makes it more tender and less bitter. Broccolini adds that satisfying crunch. The dressing brings a beautiful balance of sweet and tangy, and the nuts and dried fruit finish it off with flavor and texture that keeps you coming back for more.

Smart Swaps and Time-Saving Tips

The beauty of this Chick-fil-A kale salad recipe is how easy it is to adjust based on what you have on hand. No broccolini? Use broccoli florets or even shredded Brussels sprouts. Out of almonds? Walnuts or pecans work just as well. And if you’re not a cherry fan, dried cranberries are a great substitute.

Want to save time? You can prep the kale and broccolini a day or two in advance. Just store them in the fridge in an airtight container. The maple dressing can also be made ahead—it stays fresh for up to five days. That makes it perfect for meal prep or assembling right before dinner.

No matter how you build it, this Chick-fil-A kale salad recipe stays fresh, flavorful, and totally customizable. It’s the kind of salad that doesn’t feel like a chore to eat—and that’s why it’s on regular repeat in my kitchen.

How to Assemble and Serve the Chick-fil-A Kale Salad Recipe

Step-by-Step Assembly for Maximum Flavor

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this Chick-fil-A kale salad recipe to life. This part is quick and easy—but the order of steps matters. A few minutes of care make all the difference between a decent salad and one that’s downright crave-worthy.

1. Start with the kale. Strip the leaves from the stems, tear them into bite-sized pieces, and place them in a large bowl.
2. Massage the kale. Drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt over the leaves, then massage them with your hands for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps soften the texture and reduce the bitterness.
3. Blanch the broccolini. Boil water and drop in the broccolini for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water. This keeps it vibrant and crunchy.
4. Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
5. Toss it together. Add the chopped broccolini, dried cherries, and roasted almonds to the bowl with the kale. Drizzle the dressing over the top and mix everything well.

You’ve now made a salad that checks every box—fresh, balanced, and full of texture. This Chick-fil-A kale salad recipe works beautifully on its own, but you can always top it with grilled chicken, salmon, or even chickpeas for a heartier meal.

It also holds up well in the fridge, so it’s perfect for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.

Serving Tips That Keep It Fresh

Here’s a quick serving guide to make the most of your Chick-fil-A kale salad recipe:

• Serve chilled. The flavors pop when the greens are cool and crisp.
• Dress just before serving. If you’re making this ahead, store the salad and vinaigrette separately to avoid sogginess.
• Add protein last. Whether it’s sliced grilled chicken or tofu, layer it on top after you’ve tossed the greens.

This salad also works great as a side for dinner parties or potlucks. Guests are always surprised when they find out it’s inspired by a fast food menu. Honestly, it’s that good—and homemade makes it even better.

FAQs About Chick-fil-A Kale Salad Recipe + Final Thoughts

People Also Ask

Final Thoughts

This Chick-fil-A kale salad recipe isn’t just a copycat—it’s better. You get all the flavor and crunch you love from the original with fresh, real ingredients you can feel good about. It’s quick to prep, stores well, and fits into any busy schedule.

What started as a Sunday craving has become a staple in my kitchen. And once you try this recipe, I think it’ll become a regular in yours too. Whether you’re building a healthy lunch or preparing a crowd-pleasing side dish, this kale salad delivers every time.

If you enjoyed this, head over to our homepage for more easy recipes made with love. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to taste good and make you feel at home.

Love this hellmann’s potato salad recipe? Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more traditional, family-inspired dishes and everyday favorites!

1. Hellmann’s Potato Salad Recipe
   A creamy and classic side dish that balances well with a fresh kale salad.
2. BBQ Ranch Salad Dressing Recipe
   Perfect for readers who may want a bolder, smoky dressing alternative.
3. No-Bake Protein Cookies Recipe
   Great for a healthy, post-salad treat that doesn’t require baking
4. Buttermilk Protein Pancakes Recipe
   A light yet satisfying brunch option that could be served alongside or before your kale salad.

Chick-fil-A Kale Salad Recipe: A Fresh Take You’ll Want on Repeat

---

• Author: atfarecipes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

A fresh, homemade Chick-fil-A kale salad recipe with massaged kale, broccolini, dried cherries, roasted almonds, and a sweet-tangy maple vinaigrette.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 cups curly kale, chopped

1 cup broccolini, chopped

1/4 cup dried cherries

1/4 cup roasted almonds

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Strip and chop the kale into bite-sized pieces.

2. Massage kale with olive oil and a pinch of salt for 2–3 minutes.

3. Blanch broccolini in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water.

4. Whisk maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

5. Combine kale, broccolini, dried cherries, and roasted almonds in a bowl.

6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well mixed.

7. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Notes

Store the dressing separately if prepping ahead.

Swap cherries with dried cranberries or raisins.

Pecans or walnuts work well in place of almonds.

Salad keeps fresh in the fridge up to 2 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Tossed
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Chick-fil-A kale salad recipe, kale salad, Chick-fil-A copycat