Homemade Chick fil A kale salad recipe

Craving that tangy and slightly sweet kale salad from Chick-fil-A but looking for a healthier, homemade twist? I got you with this homemade Chick-fil-A kale salad recipe.

This copycat recipe brings the familiar flavors you love right to your kitchen, giving you control over the ingredients and a boost of nutrients from powerhouse greens like kale and cabbage.

Forget those long drive-thru lines – in just a few simple steps, you can whip up this vibrant salad, perfect as a light lunch, a satisfying side, or a base for a more substantial meal. Get ready to enjoy a guilt-free version that supports your health journey!

Why this homemade version is a great choice for you

Let’s be honest, knowing exactly what goes into our food is more important than ever as we focus on our health. When you make this kale salad at home, you’re in complete control of the ingredients.

You can choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil, packed with healthy fats and antioxidants, instead of potentially less healthy or processed oils that might be used in store-bought versions. Plus, you can skip any artificial additives, preservatives, or excessive amounts of sodium or sugar that can sometimes sneak into commercially prepared foods.

Beyond the health benefits of knowing your ingredients, making this salad at home is also much kinder to your wallet. Think about it – those individual salad servings from restaurants can really add up over time. By purchasing the simple ingredients like kale, cabbage, and the dressing staples, you can make a larger batch of this delicious salad for a fraction of the cost.

By combining these two power greens, you’re creating a salad that not only tastes great but also actively supports your well-being during this important phase of life. 

Ingredients

• Baby kale: a true superfood, loaded with essential vitamins like Vitamin K (important for bone health), Vitamin A (great for vision and immune function), and Vitamin C (a powerful antioxidant).
• Shredded cabbage: This adds another layer of texture and crunch and a great source of fiber.
• Apple cider vinegar: This provides the tanginess for the vinaigrette.
• Maple syrup: This will offer a touch of sweetness to balance the vinegar. 
• Dijon mustard: This will contribute a savory and slightly sharp flavor, as well as help emulsify the dressing.
• Olive oil: This will be the oil base for the vinaigrette.
• Apples or dried cranberries (Optional)

How to make a copycat Chick-fil-A a kale salad

Step 1: Add the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup and dijon mustard to the bottom of a bowl.

Step 2: Whisk the ingredients together.

Step 3: Chop the kale and place into the bowl.

Step 4: Add the cabbage to the other ingredients in the bowl.

Step 5: Massage kale and cabbage with the dressing.

Step 6: Add cranberries or apples to the top

Tips for salad success: Making your homemade kale salad even better

To ensure your homemade Chick-fil-A-inspired kale salad is a delicious success every time, here are a few key tips to keep in mind:

Massage your kale for tenderness: Raw kale can sometimes be a bit tough or fibrous. To make it more enjoyable, take a few extra minutes to massage it. Place the chopped kale in a large bowl, drizzle it with a little bit of the salad dressing and then use your hands to massage the leaves for 2-3 minutes gently.

Taste and adjust your dressing: Remember, your taste buds are unique! The salad dressing recipe is a fantastic starting point, but don’t be afraid to taste and adjust it to your personal preference. Once you’ve whisked together the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and olive oil, take a small spoonful and give it a try. Is it too tangy for you? Add a touch more maple syrup. Does it need a little more zing? A tiny bit more Dijon or a squeeze of lemon juice can do the trick. Feel free to experiment with the ratios until you achieve the perfect balance of flavors that you love.

Store salad and dressing separately: If you plan to make this salad ahead of time, the key to preventing a soggy mess is to store the salad (kale and cabbage mixture) and the dressing separately. The dressing will cause the greens to wilt and lose their crispness if stored together for too long. Prepare the kale and cabbage mixture and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make the dressing and store it separately in a Mason jar or another airtight container, as well as in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, toss the desired amount of salad with the dressing. This simple step will ensure your salad stays fresh and delicious, even if you’re prepping it in advance for a busy week.