chick fil a kale salad recipe: top 3 copycat dressing secrets

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Craving Chick-fil-A’s Kale Salad at Home? Unlock the Secret to Their Famous Dressing!

If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate the magic of a chick fil a kale salad recipe in your own kitchen, you’re in the right place. What makes this salad so irresistible? Is it the crisp kale, the vibrant toppings, or that tangy-sweet dressing that ties it all together? Spoiler alert: it’s all of the above. And the best part? You don’t need to visit Chick-fil-A every time a craving strikes. With just a few simple ingredients and our insider tips, you can whip up your very own chick fil a kale salad recipe right at home. Let’s dive into the secrets behind their famous dressing and how to recreate this wholesome dish step by step.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

This chick fil a kale salad recipe is more than just a bowl of greens—it’s a symphony of flavors and textures designed to satisfy both your taste buds and your health goals. The star of the show? The homemade dressing! By mastering the copycat version of Chick-fil-A’s signature maple-Dijon vinaigrette, you’ll elevate plain kale into something truly extraordinary.

Time Requirement:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Easy peasy! If you’ve got a whisk and a mixing bowl, you’re halfway there.

Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is foolproof. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, making it a lifesaver during busy weekdays.

Essential Ingredients: Why They Matter

Let’s break down the must-haves for this chick fil a kale salad recipe, starting with the base and moving to those magical dressing ingredients.

For the Salad Base:

Kale: The backbone of this dish, kale is packed with nutrients like vitamin K and fiber. Use curly kale (the kind Chick-fil-A uses) for its tender texture once massaged.
- Substitution: If kale isn’t your thing, try spinach or mixed greens—but trust us, kale holds up better under the dressing!
Shredded Red Cabbage: Adds color, crunch, and antioxidants. It’s also super affordable and lasts forever in the fridge.
- Variation: Swap in shredded carrots for extra sweetness.
Grilled Chicken Breast: Lean protein keeps you full longer. You can grill, bake, or even use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.
- Veggie Option: Substitute chickpeas or grilled tofu for a plant-based twist.
Toasted Almonds & Dried Cherries: These add bursts of flavor and texture—crunchy meets chewy.

For the Copycat Dressing:

Here are the three key players in creating that signature Chick-fil-A flavor:

Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat that forms the base of the dressing. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for maximum flavor.
- Substitution: Avocado oil works well too.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Tangy yet slightly sweet, apple cider vinegar balances out the richness of the other ingredients.
- Variation: White wine vinegar can be used as an alternative.
Maple Syrup & Dijon Mustard: This dynamic duo brings the sweet-and-spicy magic. Maple syrup adds natural sweetness, while Dijon mustard delivers a zesty kick.

Other additions include garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for seasoning. Optional extras? Lemon juice for brightness and honey for extra sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Your Own Chick-fil-A Kale Salad

Ready to get started? Follow these easy steps to bring this chick fil a kale salad recipe to life.

Step 1: Prep the Kale

Wash and dry your kale thoroughly. Moisture can dilute the dressing, so pat it dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner.
Remove the tough stems by holding the leaf stem-side up and running your fingers down either side of the spine.
Chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

Pro Tip: Massage the kale! Add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to the chopped kale and rub it between your hands for about 1-2 minutes. This softens the leaves and removes any bitterness.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Season boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
Grill over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Alternatively, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

Shortcut Alert: If you’re pressed for time, grab pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the store. Just shred it and toss it in!

Step 3: Toast the Almonds

Heat a small skillet over medium-low heat.
Add sliced almonds and toast them for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant.
Transfer to a plate to cool.

Why toast? Toasting enhances the nutty aroma and gives the almonds a delightful crunch.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and a dash each of salt and pepper.
Whisk everything together until smooth and emulsified.

Dressing Hack: Store leftovers in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake before using to recombine the ingredients.

Assembly: Building the Perfect Bowl

Now comes the fun part—putting it all together! Here’s how to assemble your chick fil a kale salad recipe:

Start with a bed of massaged kale.
Sprinkle shredded red cabbage evenly across the greens.
Arrange slices of grilled chicken on top.
Scatter toasted almonds and dried cherries for added texture and pops of flavor.
Drizzle the dressing generously over the salad—or serve it on the side for dipping.

Presentation Tip: For Instagram-worthy results, layer the ingredients thoughtfully. Place the chicken in the center, surrounded by colorful toppings, and finish with a zigzag of dressing.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s no denying the appeal of Chick-fil-A’s kale salad, but now you have the power to recreate it anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch idea, a post-workout refuel, or a crowd-pleasing dish for dinner guests, this chick fil a kale salad recipe has you covered.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen, gather those fresh ingredients, and start tossing your way to happiness. Trust us—your taste buds will thank you!

Got questions or tips of your own? Share them in the comments below. And don’t forget to bookmark this page for future cravings. Happy cooking!