Chick-fil-A Kale Salad Recipe

Chick-fil-A’s Superfood Side—a delicious kale and broccolini salad with a sweet and tangy maple vinaigrette—was a game-changer for fast food salads. It combined nutrition with flavor in a way that made even non-salad lovers take notice. But when Chick-fil-A removed it from the menu, fans were left searching for a way to recreate it at home.

That’s where this copycat recipe comes in. It’s packed with fresh kale, crisp broccolini, tart dried cherries, crunchy almonds, and a maple Dijon dressing that ties it all together. Whether you loved Chick-fil-A’s version or just want a nutritious yet flavorful salad, this homemade version is easy to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect as a side or a light meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

This salad isn’t just another leafy green dish—it’s a balance of flavors and textures that make every bite interesting. The kale is hearty and holds up well to the dressing, while the broccolini adds a mild crunch. The dried cherries bring a burst of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the tangy, slightly sweet maple vinaigrette.

One of the biggest reasons I love this recipe is its versatility. It works as a side dish for grilled chicken or burgers but is also hearty enough to be a light main dish. Plus, it’s packed with superfoods—kale and broccolini are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The maple vinaigrette adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the fresh ingredients.

Making this at home also means you can control the ingredients. Want it a little sweeter? Add more maple syrup. Need a bit more crunch? Toss in extra almonds. This salad is highly customizable, making it a go-to recipe for healthy, delicious eating.

Ingredients for Chick-fil-A Kale Salad

To make this copycat Chick-fil-A kale salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Salad

• 4 cups chopped kale (stems removed)
• 2 cups chopped broccolini (trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ½ cup dried cherries
• ¼ cup sliced almonds (toasted for extra crunch)

For the Maple Vinaigrette

• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

This simple list of ingredients is all you need to recreate Chick-fil-A’s beloved kale salad at home.

How Much Time Will You Need?

This salad comes together quickly, making it a great last-minute side dish or meal prep option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (toasting the almonds, if desired)
• Total Time: 15 minutes

It’s a no-fuss recipe that delivers incredible flavor in minimal time.

How to Make Chick-fil-A Kale Salad

Making this salad is simple, but a few key steps ensure the best texture and flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Kale

Wash the kale thoroughly and remove the tough stems. Chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place the kale in a large bowl and massage it with your hands for about a minute—this softens the leaves and makes them less bitter.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccolini

Bring a pot of water to a boil and prepare an ice bath in a separate bowl. Add the chopped broccolini to the boiling water and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer it to the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and pat dry.

Step 3: Make the Maple Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the massaged kale, blanched broccolini, dried cherries, and toasted almonds. Drizzle the maple vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve immediately, or store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Substitutions

One of the best things about this salad is how adaptable it is. Here are some great substitutions:

• Broccolini Alternative: If you don’t have broccolini, try using regular broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or even shredded cabbage.
• Dried Cherries Alternative: Swap dried cherries for dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates.
• Maple Syrup Alternative: Honey works well in place of maple syrup, though it will slightly change the flavor.
• Almonds Alternative: If you have a nut allergy, try toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Chick-fil-A Kale Salad

This kale salad pairs well with many dishes, but here are three perfect pairings:

1. Grilled Chicken Sandwich – The fresh, tangy flavors of the salad complement a juicy, well-seasoned chicken sandwich.
2. Sweet Potato Fries – The natural sweetness of roasted or fried sweet potatoes enhances the maple vinaigrette in the salad.
3. Lemon Garlic Salmon – A light, citrusy salmon fillet pairs beautifully with the kale and broccolini.

This salad is delicious on its own, but adding a well-matched side takes it to another level.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A well-presented salad can make all the difference. Here’s how to serve this Chick-fil-A kale salad beautifully:

• Use a Wide, Shallow Bowl: Instead of piling the salad in a deep bowl, spread it out in a shallow dish to showcase the colors and textures.
• Garnish Just Before Serving: Sprinkle extra toasted almonds and dried cherries on top right before serving for added crunch and visual appeal.
• Serve Chilled or at Room Temperature: This salad tastes best when it has had time to sit, but be sure to give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

If serving for a crowd, consider making extra vinaigrette and placing it on the side so guests can adjust to their taste.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

Make It a Meal

Add a protein like grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas to turn this into a complete, satisfying meal.

Let the Flavors Develop

This salad tastes even better after sitting for 30 minutes. If you have time, let it rest in the fridge before serving.

Massage the Kale Well

Don’t skip this step! Massaging the kale with your hands for a minute softens the texture and reduces bitterness.

Toast the Almonds

Toasting almonds enhances their flavor and gives them extra crunch. Simply place them in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Adjust the Dressing to Taste

If you prefer a tangier salad, add more apple cider vinegar. If you want it sweeter, a touch more maple syrup will do the trick.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the Kale Massage

Raw kale can be tough and bitter. Massaging it with your hands softens the texture and makes the salad more enjoyable.

2. Overcooking the Broccolini

Blanch the broccolini for only 1-2 minutes—any longer, and it loses its bright color and crisp texture.

3. Adding Dressing Too Early

While this salad holds up well with dressing, adding it too early can make it soggy. If making ahead, store the dressing separately and toss before serving.

4. Not Toasting the Almonds

Raw almonds lack depth of flavor. A quick toasting step makes a big difference in taste and texture.

5. Using Low-Quality Olive Oil

Since the vinaigrette is a key part of the flavor, using high-quality extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference.

How to Store It

• Refrigerator: Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If possible, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.
• Meal Prep Tip: If making in advance, prep all ingredients separately and assemble just before eating.
• Refreshing Leftovers: If the kale wilts slightly, tossing it with a little extra dressing and some fresh almonds can bring it back to life.

FAQ

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors actually improve after sitting for 30 minutes. However, for the freshest taste, add the almonds just before serving.

2. What protein can I add to make it a full meal?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or even quinoa make great additions to turn this into a hearty meal.

3. Can I use pre-cut kale?

Yes, but make sure it’s de-stemmed and still massage it for the best texture.

4. What if I don’t have broccolini?

Regular broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or shredded cabbage are great alternatives.

5. Can I make the dressing in advance?

Absolutely! The maple vinaigrette can be stored in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container.

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